Division of Effort
Research - 50%, Tree fruit and berry crop pathology, Management and life history dynamics of fruit disease pathogens.
Extension – 50%, Management and educational outreach for tree fruit and berry diseases

Complete CV – html | pdf

The research focus of my program is on the biology, life history and management of fungal pathogens of tree fruit and berry crops.  The overall goal of my research is to develop a better understanding of the relationships between biology and life history of fruit disease pathogens and current disease management practices. This goal is not simply concerned with how well management practices reduce disease, but also to what extent practices impact aspects of the pathogen life history such as survival, inoculum production, community structure, and propensity for resistance development.  Resulting information will be used to develop, refine and evaluate management practices for specific diseases. Research projects are currently being developed to investigate these themes for pathogens of apple, stone fruit, and several small fruit crops.

The extension aspect of my program is concerned with producer and stakeholder education and the identification and management of emerging disease problems of tree fruit and berry crops in New York. The specific objectives of my program are to: 1) maximize the use of digital communications technologies (e.g. web forums, web sites, digital media) in extension education without exceeding the technological capacity of the stakeholder community; 2) use molecular tools and to identify disease problems and apply biological principles with industry technologies to develop disease management recommendations.

Tree Fruit and Berry Crop Website

Professional Societies
American Phytopathological Society

Professional Assignments, Honors, and Awards

Fun with Fungi, BIOSC 730, 3 credit hours, Clemson University Summer 2006

University Success Skills, CU101-032, 2 credit hours, Clemson University Fall 2005

Introductory Mycology, BIOSC 425/625, 3 credit hours, Clemson University Spring 2005

Applied Mycology, BIOSC 426/626, 2 credit hours, Clemson University, Spring 2005