CFANS in 60: Finding a soybean gene that can increase yield
Research by PhD student Alina Smolskaya will help farmers produce more with less.
February 25, 2026
Alina Smolskaya, PhD student in applied plant sciences at the University of Minnesota, is working to identify the gene that dictate how many soybeans grow in each pod. By optimizing for more beans, farmers will be able to produce more soybeans on the same amount of land.
Smolskaya presented her research to the College at the 2025 CFANS 3-Minute Thesis science communication competition and won first place; she went on to represent CFANS at the University-wide 3-Minute Thesis Competition.
Soybeans and soy products are helping move agriculture into the future — feeding the world, providing sustainable alternatives to multiple industries, and improving environmental, human, plant, and animal health. Learn more about CFANS' role in the research and development of this important crop in The Science of Soybeans.
