News

Bob Johnson was recently appointed Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. Bob completed his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology in spring 2020 under the guidance of David Rizzo.  The focus of his dissertation was the etiology of wood decay diseases in almond and prune trees.  Bob will start his new position in August with teaching responsibilities that include soil science, plant science, plant pathology, and mycology. His research will focus on soil impacts under various grazing systems, small fruit pathology, and mushroom production.

Our newest addition to the faculty is Dr. Sara Dye, who was officially appointed on July 1.  Sara was selected for the position of Assistant Professor of Teaching after an international search.  She brings a unique skill set to the position.  She received her B.S. in Biological Sciences with Honors in 2004 and her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology in 2017, both degrees from UC Davis.  She also obtained a B.S.

Congratulations to Prof. Joanne Emerson who just received a 5-year U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Award for her research on soil viral ecology and biogeochemistry. The title of her grant is "Infective Viruses and Inert Virions: Illuminating Abundant Unknowns in Terrestrial Biogeochemical Cycles". The $750,000 award will fund research on the chemistry of viral particles and the spatiotemporal dynamics of viruses and their hosts in diverse soils, including in response to fire and changing climate.

Congratulations to Dr. Cassandra Swett, Specialist in Cooperative Extension for Vegetable and Field Crop Pathology, on her recent USDA NIFA grant. Cassandra is the lead PI on a four-year $1 Million grant awarded through the AFRI Competitive Grants, Tactical Biosciences for Agricultural Biosecurity program. The title of the grant is Pathogenomics-Based Development of Crop-Specific Diagnostics Tools for Emerging and Expanding Fungal diseases in the U.S.

Congratulations to Prof. Bob Gilbertson who recently advanced to Distinguished Professor. This honorary title recognizes outstanding faculty in the professorial series who have achieved the highest level of scholarship. These are scholars whose work has been internationally recognized and acclaimed and whose teaching is excellent.

Congratulations to Dr. Leslie Holland who will soon be joining the department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Leslie will start as an Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist in fruit pathology working with apples, cranberries and grapes, among several other fun fruit crops! Leslie recently completed her Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology under the guidance of Dr. Florent Trouillas. She will start her new job in mid-August. We will miss her and wish her continued success in this next phase of her career.

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