Danforth Plant Science Center adds two new faculty members

(Press-News.org) ST. LOUIS, MO, July 1, 2025– The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center today announced two new faculty members. Justin Conover, PhD, joined as assistant member and Erin Sparks, PhD, joined as associate member at the Danforth Center and associate professor at the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU) a joint hire between the Danforth Center and MU.

“We’re excited to welcome two exceptional scientists who will add new expertise and complement several research areas at the Danforth Center,” said President and CEO, Jim Carrington, PhD. “Our joint hiring initiative with MU strengthens our partnership, elevates training of scientists and broadens our regional impact.”  

Conover uses a mix of comparative genomics, population genetics, and phylogenetics to study polyploidy at various timescales – both the immediate impacts of polyploidy (genome duplication) at the population and species levels, and by identifying whole genome duplications events that have occurred in the distant past in flowering plant families.  Conover’s study of how plant genomes change over time, has a particular focus on Malvaceae, or mallow family, which includes species like cotton, chocolate, hibiscus, and durian and how the process of whole genome duplication influences various aspects of how a plant operates and whether (or how) natural selection acts on polyploid populations different than diploid populations. 

“To me, polyploidy seems like nature’s magic trick – and I want to learn how the trick is done,” said Conover.  “By better understanding the similarities and differences of how these whole genome duplication events influence different crop genomes, we can learn general principles that can inform us when making new crop varieties that will be more productive.” 

Prior to joining the Danforth Center, Conover was an NSF postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Arizona. He received his PhD in Genetics and Genomics from Iowa State University and BS in Biology from Missouri State University. 

The Sparks laboratory works on developmental biomechanics - how plants anchor themselves and stay upright during storms which integrates basic molecular development to applied engineering. In parallel, they are working to understand the molecular and developmental pathways that are associated with different mechanical outcomes. 

“Plant mechanical failure can cause devastation to farmers and homeowners alike,” Sparks said.  “When a plant falls over, it can cause lost yield for farmers and gardeners and falling trees damage homes and other structures.  Despite these devastating consequences of plant failure, we don’t understand what makes some plants remain upright and others fall over.” 

“Plant biology research is a strength both on our campus and in St. Louis. Having joint appointments – a formal link – between Mizzou and the Danforth Center is crucial for collaboration, innovation and discovery, especially as the demand for more resilient crops increases,” said Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sparks and add her expertise to this strong link and high-level collaboration between our two institutions.”

Prior to joining the Danforth Center Sparks was an associate professor at the University of Delaware and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. She completed postdoctoral research at Duke University, received her PhD from Vanderbilt University and BS in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University.

About The Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterFounded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a nonprofit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research, education and outreach aim to have an impact at the nexus of food security and the environment and position the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, the Gates Foundation, and through the support of individuals and corporations. 

For additional information or images please contact:  Karla Roeber, kroeber@danforthcenter.org 

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