Ryan Folk Joins Purdue to Strengthen Plant Biology Research

Ryan folk brings genomics expertise to purdue agriculture

• Bonnie Johnson
• September 04, 2026
• Media Article

Purdue University has appointed plant evolutionary biologist Ryan Folk to its Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, where he will advance research in biodiversity, plant evolution, genomics, and agricultural science while expanding collaborative opportunities.

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Purdue University has appointed Ryan Folk as an associate professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology through its Moveable Dream Hires program. The appointment is expected to strengthen Purdue’s research capabilities in plant evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and agricultural science.
 

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan Folk to Purdue Agriculture and the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. His arrival reflects our continued commitment to bring exceptional faculty to Purdue who will advance high-impact science, mentor the next generation of students and scholars, and contribute meaningfully to our land-grant mission,” said Bernie Engel, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.
 

Folk’s interest in plants began at an early age through gardening and visits to botanical gardens. Although he initially studied accounting at the University of Akron, his growing fascination with biology and evolution inspired him to pursue a career in plant science.
 

His academic journey included participation in a National Science Foundation undergraduate research program and graduate studies at The Ohio State University, where he focused on plant systematics and evolutionary relationships. His research later centered on Heuchera (coral bells) and the broader Saxifragaceae plant family.
 

Following graduate school, Folk completed an NSF-funded postdoctoral appointment at the University of Florida’s Florida Museum of Natural History. There, he specialized in analyzing DNA from historical plant specimens and studying plant hybridization, a key factor in plant evolution.
 

In 2019, Folk joined Mississippi State University as an assistant professor and herbarium curator. During his tenure, he earned recognition for both research excellence and graduate student mentorship.
 

His current research focuses on understanding the evolutionary history of the Saxifragaceae family and the development of nitrogen-fixing root nodules in plants. These studies have important applications for biodiversity, ecology, and agriculture.
 

At Purdue, Folk plans to expand his work using advanced genomic tools, including transcriptomics, genome sequencing, and association genetics. The research could provide valuable insights into plant evolution, crop improvement, and pollination-dependent agricultural systems.
 

“Dr. Ryan Folk is a nationally recognized plant evolutionary biologist whose research integrates evolutionary biology, systematics, biodiversity and computational biology to better understand the origin and diversification of plant life,” said Tesfaye Mengiste, professor and head of botany and plant pathology.
 

As he begins his new role, Folk aims to build new collaborations, grow his research program, and contribute to Purdue’s leadership in plant science and agricultural innovation.
 

Photo Credit: Joshua Clark