Allison Phillips

Dr. Allison Phillips is Professor and Dean of Student Success at Wisconsin Lutheran College, where she chairs the Department of Biology within the School of Natural Sciences. She holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral research at Carnegie Institution for Science.

Her research program investigates genetic and cellular mechanisms of seed development using maize as a model system. Current projects examine maternal genetic contributions to kernel formation, integrating molecular biology, genetics, and physiology approaches. She develops undergraduate curriculum materials bridging plant science education with community outreach.

Recent scholarly output includes publications in Genetics and Plant Physiology, with research presentations at the Maize Genetics Conference and American Society of Plant Biologists. Her 2008-2021 publications demonstrate consistent focus on seed development genetics, autophagy mechanisms, and science pedagogy. She maintains research collaborations with the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Awards include the NSE Outstanding Creativity Award, Teaching Assistant Excellence Award, and undergraduate research mentoring recognition. She teaches courses including Plant Science, Principles of Biology, Botany, and Research Strategies.