Show-Me State Times

Danny Davis, a senior plant sciences major at the University of Missouri, is on a mission to crossbreed the most nutritious and flavorful corn possible. Davis credits her mentor, research geneticist Sherry Flint-Garcia, for the valuable skills she has gained in the corn genetics lab on campus. Speaking about their research, Davis stated, “Our ultimate goal is to help small farmers by offering them a tastier and more nutritious product to sell to businesses and consumers so that they can increase their profits without having to expand their land or compete against major corporations.”

Davis's efforts in the lab are aimed at benefiting small businesses in the Midwest, including Yoli Tortilleria and Wood Hat Spirits. Regarding the impact of corn quality on products like corn tortillas and whiskey, Davis explained, “Increasing the quality of the corn can be the difference between whiskey that goes down harder with more of a burn compared to whiskey that goes down smoother with a more complex melody.”

Recently, Davis and her colleagues organized a corn tortilla taste-testing event at Mizzou to gather feedback on the tastiest corn varieties. This feedback will potentially lead to the cultivation of new flavorful corn varieties that can thrive in Missouri's climate.

Sherry Flint-Garcia praised Davis for her social skills and collaborative nature, stating, “Danny is never afraid to introduce herself, ask questions, show her personality and communicate her goals and vision.” Davis, who is set to graduate soon, expressed gratitude for the support and mentorship she received at Mizzou, highlighting the opportunities it has provided her in pursuing her passion for plant sciences.

As Davis prepares to attend graduate school for a doctoral degree in plant sciences, she remains optimistic about the impact of their research. “It warms my heart to know that our research has been meaningful, and positively impacting the people that our data affects is a rewarding experience,” she said.

The lab's recent grant funding from the USDA will enable them to study a wide range of heirloom corn varieties from across the United States. Davis emphasized the limitless potential of their research with this new opportunity.