Genome organization and evolution
Investigating how grass genomes change over time and how structural differences shape genes, chromosomes, and species diversity.
Grass genetics and comparative genomics
Katrien M. Devos Lab
We study how grass genomes are organized, how they evolve, and how genetic variation shapes traits important to crops and ecosystems.
Finger millet research | Devos Lab, University of Georgia
01 / Our program
From sequence variation to plant performance, our work connects genome biology with the challenges facing food, forage, and bioenergy grasses.
Research
Reading the history and potential of grass genomes
We combine genetic, genomic, and comparative approaches to understand genome structure and function across diverse grass species.
Trait genetics and adaptation
Connecting natural and breeding variation with agronomic traits, environmental responses, and resilience across populations.
Comparative grass genomics
Using relationships among crop and model genomes to transfer biological insight across switchgrass, wheat, millets, and related grasses.
Across scales
Variation in the field begins in the genome
Our research moves between plant populations, controlled experiments, and genomic data. This integrated view helps reveal how grass species evolved and how useful diversity can support future agriculture.
View the official UGA faculty profileData resources
Explore variation in our study panels
Interactive tools developed by the lab make genomic variation searchable by position, gene, population, and sample.
Photo courtesy of UGA Plant Biology
Lab leadership
Katrien M. Devos
Distinguished Research Professor
Dr. Devos leads a research program focused on grass genetics, comparative genomics, trait analysis, and genome evolution. Her appointments connect Plant Biology, Crop and Soil Sciences, and the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics at the University of Georgia.
Contact
Find us at the University of Georgia
Devos Lab
Miller Plant Sciences
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602