Laura M. Wakefield
Graduate Research Assistant


E-Mail: lmw34@cornell.edu

1995-1999 B.S. in Horticulture Penn State University, University Park, PA

1999-2002 M.S. in Plant Breeding Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

2003-Present Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Graduate advisor: Bob Seem

My research focuses on identifying the control of conidiation and initiation of sexual reproduction in powdery mildew of grape. As a part of my project, I will both be looking for both the molecular signals, or morphogens, which control these events as well as how these events affect disease progress in the field. Preliminary research suggests that the onset of sexual reproduction in this fungus results in a cessation of conidiation. These data suggest that greater understanding of the molecular cues cessation of asexual spore production as well as the epidemiological consequences of these cues could have potentially great impact on controlling this important pathogen of grapes.

2003-Present: Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University. I am working with Dr. Robert Seem and Dr. David Gadoury to identify the factors controlling onset and cessation of conidiation in powdery mildew of grape. The research focuses on moving toward identifying the molecular signals underlying these processes as well as increasing appreciation for their consequences in the field.

2003: Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy Intern, Washington, D.C. I worked as a Congressional intern in the Washington office of Representative Chet Edwards (TX-11). My responsibilities included keeping apprised of issues related to agriculture within the district, attending meetings with constituents and political groups with legislative staff, managing constituent relations, drafting press releases, and monitoring the press coverage of the developing war in Iraq.

1999-2002: Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Horticulture, Texas A&M University. I worked with Dr. David Byrne and Dr. Hongbin Zhang to construct and characterize a binary bacterial artificial chromosome (BIBAC) library for peach. The creation of the library was an important part of increasing the available genomic tools for peach research.

2000-2002: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biology, Texas A&M University. I was responsible for planning and teaching undergraduate labs in introductory botany. My responsibilities included preparing lab set ups, giving introductory lectures, preparing and grading quizzes as well as training new TAs.

1997-1999: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Horticulture, Penn State University. I worked under Dr. Richard Craig in his Pelargonium breeding program. My research focused on the interaction of genotype and environment on flowering of Regal Pelargoniums. Other duties included preparation and maintenance of breeding plots, greenhouse maintenance and participation on the teaching council for an undergraduate class in plant systematics.

American Phytopathological Society

2005-Present: Student Association of the Geneva Experiment Station (SAGES) President
2005-Present: Graduate Student Seminar Exchange Program Coordinator (with Pennsylvania State and Ohio State Universities)
2005-Present: Seminar Committee
2003-2005: New Student Coordinating Committee
2003-Present: Prospective Student Orientation Committee

2003: Melhus Award Honorable Mention

2003: Cornell University Graduate Fellowship

2002: Agricultural and Natural Research Policy Scholarship

1999-2000: Texas A&M Regent’s Fellowship

Wakefield, L. M. Cadle-Davidson, L., Gadoury, D. M., Seem, R. C. and Dry, I. B. 2005. Differential gene expression during spore production in Uncinula necator. Phytopathology 95:S107

Gadoury, D.M., Wakefield, L.M., Seem, R.C., Cadle-Davidson, L., and Dry, I.B. 2004. Preliminary studies of signaling and sporulation in Uncinula necator. Phytopathology 94:S33.