Jeffrey K Conner

Jeffrey K Conner is a Professor at Michigan State University with appointments in Plant Biology, the Kellogg Biological Station (where he serves as Director), Ecology, Evolution & Behavior Program, and Genetics & Genome Sciences Program. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University.

His research integrates evolutionary ecology, genetics, and field experiments to study adaptation mechanisms in plants. Primary interests include:

• Plant-pollinator coevolution and floral trait evolution
• Genetic basis of rapid adaptation in changing environments
• Phenotypic plasticity and selection in weeds/native plants
• Quantitative genetic approaches to trait evolution

Recent publications (2018-2025) focus on genetic drift, artificial selection experiments, high-throughput phenotyping using deep learning, and evolutionary patterns in model systems (Arabidopsis, radish). Research consistently addresses adaptation constraints, pleiotropy, and field-validated genomic predictions.

No scientific awards are mentioned in available sources.

He directs the Conner Lab at Kellogg Biological Station, mentoring undergraduate researchers (e.g., 2025 projects on Arabidopsis stamen loss and DNA extraction). The lab emphasizes inclusive research culture and ecological genomics approaches.