We seek to create an inclusive and welcoming work environment in which each group member can explore and fulfill their potential. We believe that the diverse perspectives of group members, based on their individual backgrounds, identities, and life experiences, enrich our work and contribute to building a more just and equitable food system. Our research group recognizes that pervasive discrimination and exclusion results in inequities throughout our society, including our food system. Awareness without action is not enough, and we commit to enacting these values in our work, ensuring that our scientific research is beneficial to our wider community.
 | Julie DawsonAssociate Professor PhD Crop Science, 2008. Washington State University |
 | Thomas HickeyResearch Specialist MS Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison Thomas is a long-time vegetable variety trial researcher now turned data manager. He can be spotted in community gardens and research stations recording observations or formatting data. |
 | Marissa NixResearch Specialist BS Genetics and Genomics, University of Wisconsin-Madison Marissa provides support in both the laboratory and field, focusing on daily and weekly logistics. Recently, she has been working on tomato and pepper breeding projects for the lab. |
 | Paulina JenneyResearch Coordinator MSc Environmental Studies, 2022. University of Montana BA Environmental Studies & Creative Writing, 2016. University of Arizona |
 | Steffen MirskyOutreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension BS Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Washington Steffen is working with Jason Fischbach and the Extension Emerging Crops Team to help establish ten emerging crops in Wisconsin through education, outreach, research and supply chain development with the goal of diversifying the agricultural landscape, improving environmental outcomes and greater economic prosperity. This includes American hazelnuts and food grade grains, as well as helping to manage the Seed to Kitchen Collaborative vegetable trials in Spooner, WI. |
 | Scott BrainardPostdoctoral Researcher PhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison Scott is developing tools that leverage next-generation sequence data to improve the efficiency of selection in hazelnut. |
Affiliated Graduate Students | |
 | Antonio BrazeltonPhD Student Antonio’s current research interests are at the nexus of plant breeding, urban agriculture and food equity. His goal is to explore targeted breeding strategies that prioritize food sovereignty, environmental sustainability and improved genetic diversity for urban farmers and the communities they serve. |
 | Avelina GastonMS Student BS Biological Sciences, Arizona State University Avelina works on the development of texture analysis methodology in carrot. She also is researching the underlying genetic mechanisms of texture traits for carrot improvement in organic agriculture. |
 | Tony SchuhPhD Student MS Soil and Crop Science, Colorado State University Tony works on understanding the genetics and genomics of stand establishment in carrots, with the broader goal of breeding more weed-competitive carrot varieties. He is interested in using plant breeding as a tool to enhance our food system, striving for caloric and nutritional food security while promoting profitability, environmental health, and social well-being. |
Crew | |
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Graduate Student Alumni | |
 | Ambar Carvallo LopezPhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics 2025 MS Agroecology 2021 |
 | Clare TallamyMS Soil Science 2025 |
 | Pablo SandroPhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics 2024 |
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Sarah DeGraffMS Horticulture 2023 |
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Kayla ShermanMS Agroecology 2023 |
 | Meg BakerMS Agroecology 2023 Co-advised with Claudia Irene Calderon |
 | Laura LivingstonPhD Environmental Studies 2022
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 | Anneliese AbbottMS Agroecolgy 2022, Nelson Institute |
 | Dylan BruceMS Agroecology 2022 |
 | Jenyne Schaefer LoarcaPhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics |
 | Keo CorakPhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics 2021
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 | Juan AstrozaMS Horticulture 2021 |
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Patrick MerscherMS Agroecology 2020 |
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Kevin CoePhD Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics 2020 |
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Karen HillMS Agroecology 2020 |
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Rachel SchindlerMS Agroecology 2020 |
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Thomas HickeyMS Horticulture 2019 |
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Terry HodgeMS Horticulture 2018 |
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Alex Steussy-WilliamsMS Agroecology 2018 |
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Kitt HealyMS Horticulture and Agroecology 2016 |
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Terri TheisenMS Horticulture 2016 |
 | Natalie CotterMS Urban and Regional Planning 2016 |
Affiliated Graduate Student Alumni | |
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Peyton HigginsPhD Student |
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Micaela ColleyPhD Student |
Staff Alumni | |
| Peyton HigginsPostdoctoral Researcher |
 | Rue GengerScientist II |
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Meg BakerResearcher I |
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Keith WilliamsOutreach Specialist |
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Jenn CavaResearch Specialist |
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Brian EmersonResearch Specialist |
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Claire LubyFaculty Associate |
Crew Alumni
Year indicates when the individual left the lab.
2025: Declan Smith, Drew Smith, Morgan Rubelowski
2024: Ava Gorius, Frances Plese, Madeline Boyer, Martha Barta
2023: Brianna Stumpner, Christina Eckstine, Justine Zeman, Madeline Zwergel, Maya Giordano, Tressa Peskar
2022: Brenna Haakinson, Brent Johnson, Calliana Wickus, Cassie Radl, Miles Giehtbrock, Rachel Yard, Shea Tillotson
2021: Gabby Whisler, Kase Wheatley, Marcela Gonzalez Barrios, Sofia Weinstein, Taylr Johnson
2020: Daniella Echeverria, Chris Keeve, Karen Hill, Raeann Rich, Sam Cline, Sam Kruse, Zak Buell
2019: Halle Kunzke-Anderson, Hannah Kruse, Hannah Ryba, Ilhulpachakatl Neubauer, Mariah Rogers, Maryatt Karstensen, Michael O’Connell, Nyah Banik, Samantha Vosters, Thi Le, Ty Lee
2018: Erin Schneider, Matt Kronschnabel, Mengsha Gong, Naio Koehler, Nathaniel Slack, Shelbi Jentz
2017: Niki Lacktorin, Noah Bevers, Olivia Steinmetz, Peter Jakus, Tim Allen
2016: Gregory Snyder, Jamie Lovely, Lucas Holiday, Mariana Debernardini, Molly Kreykes, Sara Vega, Sarah Lee
2015: Bradley Mellinger, Laura Jacobson
2014: Maya Reese