Cory Hirsch

Cory Hirsch is an Associate Professor & Interim Department Head in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, located in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). His lab focuses on Plant Stress Resistance Biology, leveraging genomic, transcriptomic, and phenomic approaches to understand plant responses to abiotic (e.g., extreme temperatures, salinity) and biotic (e.g., pathogens) stresses. Key research areas include microbiome interactions, pathogen resistance mechanisms, and precision phenotyping. He leads or collaborates on grants from USDA, Minnesota Soybean Council, and the University of Minnesota.

Education: PhD and BS in Plant Breeding/Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Hirsch Lab is based in Stakman Hall, with a focus on translational research bridging basic science and agricultural applications.

Research Themes: The lab uses cutting-edge technologies to dissect genomic variation and gene expression dynamics in crops like maize, wheat, and sugar beet. Recent work includes transposable element roles in stress responses, hyperspectral imaging for disease detection, and machine learning for phenotyping. Projects emphasize understanding stress biology to enhance crop resilience.

Grants & Collaborations: Notable projects include USDA-funded studies on transposable elements in maize abiotic stress, Minnesota Soybean Council support for soybean disease phenotyping, and collaboration with the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute. These efforts aim to improve crop productivity and sustainability.

Labs & Infrastructure: The lab is equipped with advanced phenotyping tools, including RGB/hyperspectral imaging systems and drone-based platforms. It collaborates with multiple departments and external institutions to advance integrative plant science.