Craig N. Austin
Graduate Research Assistant
Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology
New York State Agriculture Experiment Station
Geneva, NY 14456

E-Mail: cna8@cornell.edu

2004-present Ph.D. student, Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University.

2002 BS, Biology (Botany), Millersville University, PA

Graduate advisor: Wayne Wilcox

I have always been interested in where the boundaries of biological fields meet.  Plant pathology offers the opportunity for a variety of biological techniques and concepts to be merged.  I also enjoy the intellectual challenge that plant pathology offers.  Modern technology allows us to investigate not only prevalent issues in plant pathology but also fundamental biological questions.  In particular I am interested in a practical understanding of disease dynamics in field situations.

My research focuses on a well-known phenomenon seen in vineyards; a correlation between shading and increased levels of grapevine powdery mildew.  Although associated with shading, the exact environmental factors involved are poorly understood..  Whether the critical element is light quantity, lightquality, moisture, temperature, or some combination of these factors is what I intend to unearth. 

2002-2004  Biological Science Laboratory Technician, USDA-Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, Fort Detrick Maryland.  My work focused on the Plant Pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Soybean Rust.    Due to the pathogens presence on the government’s select agent list, and due to the fact that the pathogen was not in the continental US at the time, work was performed in a BSL-3 Containment Facility housed on the base, the largest facility of its kind for plant pathogens in the US.  Responsibilities included maintenance of the US bank of P. pachyrhizi isolates, screening soybean germplasm for resistance, and evaluation of resistance from multiple external breeding programs.

2002 – Certificate of Merit, USDA in recognition for exceptional work on screening American Soybean Germplasm

2003 – Certificate of Appreciation, USDA in recognition of excellent work for continued work on P. pachyrhizi.

2004 – Cornell Graduate School Fellowship

2004-present – Plant Pathology Representative, Graduate and Professional Student Assembly, Cornell Univesity

2005-present – Election committee for new members of GPSA

American Phytopathological Society
American Society for Enology and Viticulture