Cree King

Cree smiling in alfalfa field with dog.

Position Title
Graduate Student

she/her
PES 1236
Bio

Cree's research primarily centers around the identification of segregation distortion loci in alfalfa’s genome, and how these loci influence fitness and yield. Additionally, she is working on a project to identify a genetic marker for a rare creeping-root trait to improve alfalfa’s survival in low-input systems. She is also involved in a project assessing alfalfa populations bred for rainfed rangelands in Northern and Central California, with the goal to enhance resilience under drought conditions. In addition to working with alfalfa, she is also part of the SCOPE program at UC Davis where she leads a student team breeding improved Zinnia flowers for organic production.

Education and Degree(s)
  • B.S. Degree from UC Davis in Plant Sciences; Emphasis in Plant Breeding and Genetics (2023)
  • Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agronomy – Crop Breeding and Improvement University of California, Davis (2023-Present)
Honors and Awards
  • Borlaug Scholar, 2025
  • DH Putnam Alfalfa Scholarship, 2024
Publications
  • King, C. and Brummer, E.C. (2024). “Breeding Alfalfa for California Rangelands.” In: Proceedings, 2024 California Alfalfa and Forage Symposium, Reno, NV, Dec. 10 – 12. UC Cooperative Extension, Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis
Membership and Service
  • President of UC Davis Plant Sciences Symposium 2026-27
  • Organizer of UC Davis Plant Sciences Symposium 2023-26
  • Zinnia Lead, Student Collaborative Organic Plant Breeding and Education (SCOPE) 2025–Present