Kelsey Andersen Onofre

Dr. Kelsey Andersen Onofre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University, joining the faculty in 2020. Her research focuses on wheat diseases, integrating epidemiology, diagnostics, and management strategies to enhance on-farm productivity. She emphasizes extension and outreach, engaging extensively with Kansas farmers through field tours, workshops, and media.

Education:

• PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Florida, 2020
• MS in Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, 2013
• BA in Biology, Lafayette College, 2011

Research Focus: Her lab combines applied and theoretical approaches to study wheat diseases, including Fusarium head blight, seed system interventions, and landscape-scale disease management. Key areas include integrated pest management, pathogen surveillance, and diagnostic innovations.

Outreach: She is actively involved in extension activities across Kansas, providing real-time disease updates via field scouting, radio appearances, and social media (@KSUWheatDisease). Her work bridges academic research with practical agricultural solutions.