Lou Hirsch

Lou Hirsch is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Department of Plant Pathology. He serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Agricultural Biotechnology (ABT) and teaches courses such as Principles of Plant Pathology, Physiology of Plant Health and Disease, and Plant Bacteriology.

• Education: Ph.D. in Plant Science (University of Arkansas, 2014), M.S. in Plant Pathology (University of Arkansas, 2010), B.A. in English and Religious Studies (Tulane University)

Research Focus: Lou's work centers on plant pathology, with specific emphasis on fungal pathogenesis, genetic engineering of plant pathogens, and the molecular mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions. He has contributed to studies on Fusarium verticillioides, Cercospora zeae-maydis, and soybean pathogens like Phomopsis longicolla. His research spans both fundamental genetic analysis and applied agricultural disease management.

Publications Overview: His scholarly output includes studies on fungal gene regulation, plant disease diagnostics, and molecular tools for pathogen transformation. Notable works include functional genomics in Fusarium verticillioides (2012), circadian regulation of maize pathogens (2013), and the first report of rust disease in switchgrass (2010). Articles reflect interdisciplinary approaches bridging genetics, microbiology, and agricultural science.

Outreach & Teaching: Beyond research, Lou is dedicated to science outreach, collaborating with K-12 educators to integrate plant pathology into curricula aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. He has organized workshops to foster university-K-12 partnerships and enhance science education in Kentucky. His teaching portfolio includes courses like Genetics and Society and Experimental Techniques in Biotechnology, emphasizing applied and societal contexts of plant pathology.

Labs & Collaborations: Lou is associated with research labs at the University of Kentucky, including the Bluhm Lab (2010-2016). His work often involves multi-institutional collaborations, such as with researchers at Coker College and regional universities during outreach initiatives.