Schnable Lab
What We Study
Phenotyping
Developing and testing new approaches to measure plants, from greenhouses to fields to satellites.
Quantitative Genetics
Collecting genetic, molecular, and trait data from large populations to understand how genes and environment shape phenotypes.
Genomics
Using comparative genomics to engineer more stress-tolerant and resource-use-efficient plants.
Each lab member gains experience coding, building field equipment, running molecular assays, and communicating results to scientific and public audiences. The cross-training keeps our science grounded in real-world challenges and ensures discoveries translate beyond the lab.
Where Our Trainees Go
Our alumni are employed as professors at eleven universities across four countries, as research scientists at all three of the major seed companies, and at multiple plant biotechnology startups.
Recent Lab News
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Largest greenhouse imaging study approved
We are officially approved for our largest greenhouse imaging study ever! Zhongjie Ji leads the effort to collect RGB and hyperspectral images tracking the development of 600 resequenced sorghum lines from seedlings to seed production. Thank you to UNL ARD for your support of this project! -
Jensina's PhD Dissertation Exam
Congratulations to Jensina Davis on successfully passing her PhD dissertation exam and earning the PhD title. We wish her continued success in her research and future endeavors. -
Farewell to summer intern Christopher Wang
Farewell to our summer high school intern Christopher Wang, who worked with Karla Cuéllar developing and testing new methods to estimate chlorophyll content from leaf images. Chris was supported by the Young Nebraska Scientist program and delivered his farewell poster presentation at the 2026 summer Nebraska Research Fair.
Looking for the Iowa State group led by Dr. Patrick Schnable? Visit their site.