Ashlee McCaskill

Dr. Ashlee McCaskill is a Professor and Director of the Environmental Leadership Center in the Biology Department at the University of North Georgia. She teaches courses including BIOL 1107K (Principles of Biology I), BIOL 3010K (Mycology), and BIOL 4340K (Plant Physiology).

Her educational background:

• Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology, Cornell University, 2007
• B.S. in Botany, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 1995

Dr. McCaskill's research focuses on plant molecular biology and mycology, with doctoral work validating the Polymer Trap Model for symplastic phloem loading. Current projects investigate imidacloprid's effects on fungal growth and programmed cell death in phloem tissue. She maintains the UNG Fungal Herbarium and Native Woodland Garden as educational resources.

Her publications demonstrate sustained contributions to plant physiology and molecular mechanisms, particularly in phloem transport and agricultural biotechnology applications.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in provided information

Dr. McCaskill advises the student naturalist society and pre-dentistry/biology students. Her service includes the UNG Native Woodland Garden, fungal biodiversity documentation, and membership in the Southern Section of the American Society of Plant Biologists.

She leads the Environmental Leadership Center and UNG Fungal Herbarium initiatives, engaging students and community in environmental stewardship and ecological research.