Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology

Improving crops, discovering genes, exploring gene function, studying crop evolution.

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Faculty Interest and Expertise

  • Cornelius Barry

    Associate Professor
    Biochemical Evolution of Specialized Metabolism within the Solanaceae Family; Genetic Determinants of Fruit Quality and Ripening
    barrycs@msu.edu
    (517) 884-6959

  • Patrick Edger

    Assistant Professor
    Polyploid Genomics, Genetics and Breeding
    edgerpat@msu.edu
    765-749-1496

  • Rebecca Grumet

    Professor
    Reproductive development in Cucumis; regulation of sex-expression; disease resistance; biotechnology biosafety; cucurbit genomics.
    grumet@msu.edu
    517-353-0431

  • Kyung-Hwan Han, Ph.D.

    Professor
    Molecular biology of secondary growth; secondary wall biosynthesis; feedstock development for bioenergy and biomaterials; drought tolerance
    hanky@msu.edu
    517-803-9418

  • Courtney Hollender

    Assistant Professor
    Molecular Genetics, Plant Development, Fruit Tree Physiology
    chollend@msu.edu
    (517) 353-0446

  • Amy Iezzoni

    Professor
    Sour cherry breeding for fruit quality and disease resistance; cherry genetics; marker-assisted breeding; cherry rootstock selection.
    iezzoni@msu.edu
    517-353-0391

  • Jiming Jiang

    Professor
    Plant gene expression and regulation induced by environmental stresses
    jiangjm@msu.edu
    (517) 355-4042

  • Ning Jiang

    Professor
    Function of transposable elements; mechanisms of genome diversification; computational and molecular biology.
    jiangn@msu.edu
    517-353-0381

  • Guo-Qing Song

    Associate Professor
    Improvement of horticultural crops using genomics, genetic, and biotechnological tools; development of efficient plant micropropagation, regeneration and transformation techniques.
    songg@msu.edu
    (517) 353-0384

  • Steve van Nocker

    Professor
    Developmental genetics of plants, traits important for production including flowering, chromatin regulation of gene expression
    vannocke@msu.edu
    (517) 353-0394

  • Ryan Warner

    Associate Professor
    Genetics of plant development; genomics-assisted breeding; marker-assisted selection; floriculture crops.
    warnerry@msu.edu
    (517) 353-0344

Facilities

  • Center for Advanced Microscopy

    578 Wilson Road East Lansing, MI, 48824

    The Center for Advanced Microscopy, a Michigan State University Core Facility, is the central microscopy laboratory for the Michigan State University Campus.

  • Horticulture Teaching Greenhouses

    1066 Bogue St East Lansing, MI 48824

    These glass greenhouses are used primarily for teaching horticulture production classes.

  • Plant Science Greenhouses

    1059 Farm Ln East Lansing, MI 48824

    Located near the corner of Farm Ln and Wilson Rd, the Plant Science Greenhouses are utilized by Horticulture faculty, as well as other departments for plant science research.

  • Research Technology Support Facility

    612 Wilson Road S-20 East Lansing, MI 48824

    The Research Technology Support Facility at Michigan State University is a collection of five analytical facilities which provide the fundamental tools for modern life science research.

  • The Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center

    1066 Bogue St East Lansing, MI 48824

    The PBROC is dedicated to the safe deployment of plant biotechnological advancements to Michigan and the world.

Internships and Careers

Our students find internship and career opportunities in:

  • plant breeding and biotechnology companies
  • universities and research institutes
  • government – USDA, EPA, MDA
  • international centers for crop improvement
  • seed banks/germplasm repositories

See our Internships and Jobs page for more details on who hires our graduates.

Other Educational Opportunities and Resources

Opportunities for independent study, research projects, and lab experiences:

Most faculty offer undergraduate research experience opportunities.  Information about ongoing projects can be found on individual faculty web pages above.  The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) also provides funding opportunities for undergraduate research.  

Plant Science Research

Department Information

Students

Research Focus Areas

Our Gardens