Edward S. Buckler

Edward S. Buckler is a plant geneticist affiliated with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Cornell University, where he holds an adjunct professorship in the School of Integrative Plant Science's Plant Breeding and Genetics Section. His research prioritizes quantitative and statistical genetics in maize, cassava, biofuel grasses, and grapes, leveraging natural genomic diversity to dissect complex traits.

• PhD in Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia
• B.A. in Biology and Archaeology (with Honors), University of Virginia

His work involves developing association mapping approaches, big data tools, and bioinformatic resources to enhance crop sustainability and adaptability. The Buckler Lab for Maize Genetics and Diversity has pioneered methods like the HARE algorithm to improve genomic prediction accuracy.

• 2025 Barbara McClintock Prize for Plant Genetics and Genome Studies
• Member of the National Academy of Sciences

Buckler leads a multidisciplinary team of postdocs, technicians, and graduate students, collaborating on projects such as the Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement's $25M grant to boost global crop resilience. His lab integrates functional genomics, molecular tools, and biological knowledge to design energy-efficient crops for diverse environments.