معرفی
Jennifer Lachowiec serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University's College of Agriculture. Her research program focuses on understanding genetic robustness in plants through interdisciplinary approaches spanning quantitative genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. She teaches foundational courses in biometry and research design while leading a technology-driven laboratory that utilizes unoccupied aerial systems for large-scale phenotyping.
Educational background:
- Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington (2014)
- B.S. in Genetics and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2008)
Her research centers on predicting phenotypes from genetic sequences with emphasis on plant robustness—the capacity to maintain phenotypes despite genetic mutations and environmental fluctuations. The Lachowiec Lab integrates quantitative genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary approaches to study gene regulatory networks and genetic interactions. A key innovation involves deploying UAVs and automated imaging systems to quantify robustness across plant populations, enabling high-throughput analysis of crop resiliency traits. This work bridges fundamental genetic mechanisms with practical agricultural applications for developing climate-resilient crops.
Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on UAV-based phenotyping, polyploid genomics, and crop stress adaptation. Key trends include development of robust phenomic databases, genetic dissection of barley malting traits, herbicide resistance mechanisms in aquatic weeds, and metabolic responses to environmental stress. The work demonstrates strong translational impact through USDA-funded projects addressing nitrogen-efficient camelina production and heat stress tolerance in cereal crops.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Nominated for USDA Teaching Award (2023)
- Phi Kappa Phi Anna K. Fridley Award (2023)
- College of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit (2023)
- Transformative Teaching Award (2022)
- Open Education Resources Adoption Award (2021)
Research is supported by multiple USDA NIFA and DOE grants including 'Enhancing Camelina Oilseed Production with Minimum Nitrogen Fertilization,' 'Uncovering developmental mechanisms to sustain grain number during heat stress,' and 'Genetic controls for crop microbiome recruitment.' Dr. Lachowiec serves on the North American Plant Phenotyping Network DEI Committee and has organized outreach events including MSU Family Science Day. Her laboratory, located in the Plant Bioscience Building on traditional Amskapii Pikani, Apsaalooke, Tsétsêhéstâhese, and Seliš lands, maintains specialized facilities for UAV-based phenotyping and growth room imaging systems to advance plant robustness research.
-4.png)
