Dr. Miller began by reminding the audience that every crop we depend on today—corn, wheat, rice—originated from wild plants. Using the example of Zea mays ssp. parviglumis, the wild ancestor of modern corn from central Mexico, she illustrated how early farmers selected, cultivated, and domesticated wild plants to meet human needs. But, she argued, domestication is not a thing of the past. “This is a process that is still underway,” she said, “and plant conservation will continue to play an increasingly important role moving forward.”

She framed her talk around a timeline of agricultural revolutions—from the dawn of farming 10,000 years ago to today’s challenges of balancing food security with environmental sustainability. Her message was clear: to create resilient, nutritious, and sustainable food systems, we must continue to explore the untapped potential of wild and underutilized plant species.

The work of Dr. Miller’s lab focuses on the genetics and ecology of perennial plants—species that offer benefits such as deeper roots, less soil erosion, and greater carbon storage. Her research emphasizes how these long-lived species can complement or even replace some annual crops, especially as climate pressures mount.

Dr. Miller also spoke to the importance of collaboration between conservationists, plant scientists, and agriculturalists. “Connecting people with plants again is one of the most important messages right now,” she noted. “We need agricultural systems that both feed people and meet the needs of the planet.”

Her keynote left attendees inspired and energized—reinforcing the critical role that plant conservation plays not just in preserving biodiversity, but in shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.