Jacquelyn Taylor

She/They

I am queer and I am a plant pathologist and geneticist.//

I am a Research Specialist and instructor at Missouri State University's Fruit Experiment Station. My research focuses on grapevine genetics, disease ecology, and plant breeding, with projects ranging from understanding the pathogenicity of *Allorhizobium vitis* to developing improved grape cultivars and studying disease resistance. I also manage greenhouse research facilities, mentor undergraduate researchers and interns, and teach soil science.

Growing up in the Midwest, I never saw LGBTQ+ scientists represented in agriculture. Plant science, horticulture, and viticulture are fields built on curiosity, collaboration, and solving complex problems, yet they are not often included in conversations about diversity in STEM. Visibility matters not because being LGBTQ+ defines the science we do, but because seeing someone like yourself in a field can make it easier to imagine that you belong there too.

I hope students interested in agriculture, plant breeding, plant pathology, or molecular biology can see that there is a place for them in these disciplines. Whether I'm in a vineyard, a greenhouse, a classroom, or a molecular biology lab, my goal is the same: to advance science, mentor the next generation of researchers, and help build a scientific community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

LinkedIn @jacquelyn-taylor-55839630 TikTok @jacquetaylor485