Yuan Zeng

Yuan Zeng is an Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, jointly affiliated with the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center. His work spans research, extension, and teaching, with a focus on plant disease management in field crops across Virginia’s Piedmont region.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Entomology/Microbiology, Auburn University, 2017
• M.S. in Probability and Statistics, Auburn University, 2017
• M.S. in Forest Health, Auburn University, 2012
• B.S. in Forest Resources Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 2008
• B.S. minor in Computer Science, Beijing Forestry University, 2007

Dr. Zeng's research focuses on plant disease epidemiology, host-microbe-microbiome interactions, and the autonomous identification of plant diseases using robotics and UAVs. His interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, data science, and field experimentation to improve crop health and sustainability. His extension efforts support field-crop growers through disease diagnostics, fungicide trials, and educational outreach in integrated pest management.

The recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in plant-microbe interactions, disease forecasting, and microbiome dynamics, particularly in potato and field crops. His early work also includes significant contributions to entomology and insect immunity, showcasing a broad scientific foundation.

Scientific Awards:

• Professional Development and Travel Award, Colorado State University, 2021
• International Graduate Student Showcase, ESA, 2016
• Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Auburn University, 2015
• Graduate Student Dissertation Fellowship, Auburn University, 2015
• ALEPSCoR GRSP Fellowship, 2014
• Second Place, ESA President’s Prize, 2014
• James Floyd Googan’s Endowed Fellowship, 2014
• Outstanding M.S. Student, Auburn University, 2012
• The Drummond Fellowship, 2012
• National Scholarship, China Ministry of Education, 2007

Dr. Zeng is actively involved in mentoring and advising students through research and teaching, including co-instructing PPWS 6004: Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science. He has secured research funding through competitive fellowships and institutional support. His work bridges fundamental science with practical agricultural applications. He leads field trials, develops disease models, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance disease resilience in crops. His lab integrates molecular tools with environmental sensing and data analytics.

Laboratories and Research Teams: Dr. Zeng leads a research program at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where he collaborates with extension agents, crop specialists, and growers. His team focuses on field-crop pathology, microbiome studies, and sensor-based disease detection, working closely with interdisciplinary partners across Virginia Tech and regional agricultural communities.