Bonnie Johnson
July 02, 2025
Media ArticleThe Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announces the addition of two new faculty members—Dr. Justin Conover and Dr. Erin Sparks. This move enhances plant science research and strengthens the Center’s collaboration with the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU).
Dr. Conover joins as an assistant member, bringing expertise in genetics. He studies polyploidy—how plants evolve after their genomes double. His work combines genomics, genetics, and phylogenetics, mainly focusing on plants in the mallow family such as cotton, hibiscus, and chocolate.
“To me, polyploidy seems like nature’s magic trick – and I want to learn how the trick is done,” said Conover. He hopes his research will help create better, more productive crops. Before joining the Center, Conover was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arizona. He holds a PhD in Genetics and Genomics from Iowa State University.
Dr. Sparks becomes an associate member at the Center and an associate professor at MU. Her lab studies how plants stay upright, even during strong weather. This includes studying plant development, molecular signals, and engineering techniques.
“Plant mechanical failure can cause devastation to farmers and homeowners alike,” Sparks said. She focuses on how plant structure relates to strength and stability in nature and farming.
Christopher Daubert, dean at MU’s College of Agriculture, shared that joint appointments like Sparks help boost collaboration and innovation between the Center and MU.
Sparks was previously an associate professor at the University of Delaware. She completed her PhD at Vanderbilt University and postdoctoral work at Duke University.
The Danforth Center continues to support global food and environmental goals through science and partnerships. This latest step brings valuable talent to its growing team.
Photo by: danforthcenter
