CONTACT

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EDUCATION

PhD, Botany and Plant pathology, Oregon State University, 1987

MS, Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, 1983

BS, Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 1980

Experience:

1987 - 1989 Experimental Scientist (1988-1989) and Visiting Scientist (Fulbright Travel Award, 1987-1988), CSIRO Division of Soils, Adelaide, Australia

1989 - 2018 Lead Scientist (2002 - 2018) and Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Crop Bioprotection Research, Peoria, IL

 

Research while at the USDA

Since the first development of methods for producing a microorganism in pure culture more than 100 years ago, the importance of fermentation science in advancing our understanding of microbiology and related fields has become increasingly apparent. The overall goal of my research is to develop technologies for effectively producing biomass of microorganisms in axenic or gnotobiotic culture in order to increase plant disease management success. More specifically, I conduct research on biologically controlling plant pathogens of agronomic importance and on understanding microbial interactions, liquid culture production environments and formulations as they impact the efficacy of biocontrol agents. Recent collaborative research has concentrated on culturing nutritionally fastidious plant pathogens and employing functional genomic techniques to address these research topics.

 

Professional Society Affiliations:

American Phytopathological Society

Potato Association of America