Ph.D. 1992 Botany and Plant Pathology
Michigan State University
B.S. 1986 Biology, Lyman Briggs School
Michigan State University

Division of Effort
Research - 60%, Vegetable pathology, molecular basis of plant-pathogen interactions under field conditions.
Extension – 40%, Management of vegetable diseases

Complete CV – html | pdf

My program focuses on utilizing genomic technologies to identify and improve control strategies for vegetable diseases. We are currently studying two severe bacterial diseases (bacterial canker of tomato and black rot of cabbage), as well as the disease Phytophthora Blight, caused by a water mold. Utilizing genomic fingerprinting methods, we are able to study pathogen populations over time, to determine the most probable source of inoculum. Additionally, we have developed rapid detection and identification macroarray techniques for fungal and oomycete pathogens of vegetables. Finally, by studying plant gene expression in the field, we can gain a better understanding of how and when plant defense responses, such as systemic acquired resistance, are activated in an agro-ecosystem. Appropriate technology for the study of large numbers of field samples, such as real-time PCR and macroarray and microarray analysis, is now available and we are able to follow gene expression of plants in the field.

Lab

Page under construction

Research

Developing Management Practices for Phytophthora Blight in New York

Detecting the Bacterial Speck Pathogen in Field-Grown Tomatoes

Molecular Detection of Fungal and Oomycete Pathogens With a DNA Macroarray

Weeds as reservoirs of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in New York

Extension

Elementary Science Outreach Program

Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management

Cultural Practices for Disease Control - Organic Gardening Presentation (ppt presentation)

Professional Societies
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Phytopathological Society
American Society of Microbiology
International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions

Professional Assignments, Honors, and Awards

Plant Pathology 660 Special Topics in Plant Disease Management, Cornell University, 1 credit hour, Fall and Spring semesters beginning Fall 2003.