Candace Haigler

Candace Haigler is a Professor and Director of Crop Science Graduate Programs at NC State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Her research focuses on cellulose synthesis, plant cell wall biogenesis, and cotton fiber development. She leads a multidisciplinary lab employing techniques like bioinformatics, genomics, molecular genetics, microscopy, and plant transformation to study cotton fiber and tracheary element cell walls.

Her work aims to improve cellulose-based crops, such as wood and forage, through genetic engineering and marker-assisted breeding. Key research themes include understanding cellulose nanofibril assembly, microtubule regulation in fiber growth, and leveraging genomic resources for crop improvement.

Publications highlight advancements in cotton fiber gene expression modeling, alternative cellulose biosynthesis pathways, and structural biology of cellulose synthases. Collaborations span plant biology, computational science, and materials research to address agricultural challenges.

As a leader in graduate education, Haigler oversees the Crop Science Graduate Programs, fostering next-generation researchers in plant sciences. Her lab’s findings contribute to transitioning cotton from a bulk commodity to a value-added material tailored for specific applications.