Nick Rajtar

Nick Rajtar is a Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Blanchette Lab. His research focuses on invasive forest pathogens, particularly Phytophthora species and Heterobasidion irregulare, using molecular tools and forest pathology techniques to protect forest ecosystems.

Research Interests:

• Forest Pathology: Investigating diseases caused by Xylaria and Heterobasidion irregulare.
• Biosurveillance: Detecting invasive pathogens in nurseries, forests, and waterways.
• Molecular Biology: Applying molecular techniques for pathogen identification.

Education and Affiliations:

• PhD research on fungi and plant pathogens, including canker fungi linked to the emerald ash borer and Phytophthora detection.
• Postdoctoral work continues biosurveillance of invasive forest pathogens in Minnesota.