Kevin Reilly is Director of the Plant Growth Facility at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where he leads the operation and strategic development of advanced greenhouse and growth chamber systems supporting a broad portfolio of plant science research. Under his leadership, the facility supports more than 50 research groups and external partners.
From Farm to Greenhouse
Some of Kevin's earliest connections to plants and agriculture came from visiting his grandparents' family farm in Pennsylvania and growing up in Georgia surrounded by agricultural landscapes.
"My grandmother seemed to know every plant by name along with its medicinal or practical uses,” Kevin says. “Those experiences gave me a strong early appreciation for farming, food production, and the people who make it possible."
From Bioengineering to Controlled Environments
Kevin was drawn to science as a way to make a meaningful, positive impact on the world. Early in his career, he was interested by the emerging field of biotechnology and the potential to harness biological systems to solve real-world problems. He began at the University of Georgia's Center for Molecular Bioengineering, working with Dr. Mark Eiteman on microbial bioprocessing research focused on developing strains that more efficiently convert biomass into fuels and industrial products.
While at Oregon State University, Kevin found a strong fit with his interest in applied science through his work in Dr. Todd Mockler's group, participating in the Professional Science Master's program that combined advanced scientific training with MBA-level coursework, industry internships, and collaborative projects. He continued that work when the lab moved to the Danforth Center in 2011, where he helped establish the new lab and expanded into a leadership role managing plant transformation and growth activities.
Through all these experiences, Kevin developed a deep appreciation for the expertise required to support high-quality research. The combination of biology, technology, leadership, and service ultimately led him to his current role as Director of the Plant Growth Facility, where he has served for more than a decade.
Enabling Reproducible Plant Science at Scale
Kevin's work focuses on enabling high-quality, reproducible plant science through the design, operation, and continuous improvement of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. This includes greenhouse and growth chamber operations, plant health and integrated pest management, environmental control systems, and the integration of new technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and research outcomes.
“I am particularly interested in how strong operational systems and high-performing teams can accelerate scientific discovery at scale,” Kevin says. “Knowing that the environments, processes, and teams we develop can have a broad impact across many research programs and applications is very rewarding.”
Sustainability & Innovation
Under Kevin's leadership, the Plant Growth Under Kevin's leadership, the Plant Growth Facility has dramatically expanded its facilities, services, and team. Major sustainability initiatives include LED conversion projects that have significantly reduced energy use, and a robust biological control program that has achieved major reductions in pesticide use. These efforts reflect Kevin's commitment to making world-class plant science both efficient and environmentally responsible.
Why This Work Matters
The work supported by the Plant Growth Facility plays a critical role in addressing some of the world's biggest challenges: improving crop productivity, increasing resilience to environmental stress, and developing more sustainable agricultural systems. By providing reliable, high-quality environments for plant research, the facility helps accelerate discoveries that lead to better crops and more efficient food production.
While often behind the scenes, this work is essential to enabling science that impacts food security, sustainability, climate resilience, and economic growth in St. Louis and beyond, supporting more than 50 research groups and external industry partners.
