Find Academic Supervisors

Jenny Kao-KniffinView profile

Professor

• Weed science
• Urban ecology
• Rhizosphere biology
• +4 more

Jenny Kao-Kniffin is a Professor in the Horticulture Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the belowground ecology of horticultural landscapes, particularly the ecology and management of invasive plants and weeds in horticultural landscapes, wetlands, and urban ecosystems. She applies concepts from microbial ecology to understand how soil microorganisms impact plant populations both beneficially (aiding in plant growth and fitness) and negatively (keeping populations in check). Dr. Kao-Kniffin's research interests include: Weed science and ecological management of weeds Urban ecology and urban agriculture Rhizosphere biology and plant-microbe interactions Soil microbiome selection and manipulation Ecological approaches to sustainable agriculture Her work centers on three main research areas: selection of rhizosphere microbiomes that modulate plant traits, identifying functional roles of microbiomes that mediate plant growth, and assembly of plant-microbial communities that enhance ecosystem services. She has demonstrated that microbiomes can be manipulated to alter flowering time in plants and has developed ecological approaches for weed management through soil carbon amendments. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban soil microbiomes, nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems, and the application of microbial ecology to sustainable agriculture. The research spans from fundamental plant-microbe interaction studies to practical applications in urban agriculture and weed management, with particular emphasis on how soil amendments and microbial communities can be leveraged for ecological management of plant systems. Notable scientific achievements include: The White House Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2019 Weihenstephan Science Award, International Collaboration for Early Career Scientists 2017 Cornell University CALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Independent Research 2013 Dr. Kao-Kniffin actively mentors graduate students and has developed extension programs focused on assisting public and private audiences with methods to manage weedy and invasive plants in horticultural landscapes. Her lab has developed a web-based software program that allows users to select weed management methods based on conventional or organic preferences. She teaches PLSCI 4900: Reflection on Plant Sciences Experiential Learning and maintains an active research program with several ongoing projects in urban agriculture, particularly working with New York City farmers to construct clean soil from local materials.

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genetics
• Forage Crops
• +6 more

Mustafa TAN is a Professor at Havsa Vocational School of Trakya University and currently serves as Vice Rector of Trakya University since August 2024. He has held various administrative roles, including Director of Edirne Rose and Red Application and Research Center (August 2024–October 2024) and Director of Havsa Vocational School (2020–2024). Previously, he was a Professor and academic leader at Atatürk University's Faculty of Agriculture from 1995 to 2019, serving as Vice Dean (2008–2012) and Department Head. His research focuses on forage crops, quinoa genetics, and agricultural sustainability. Notable projects include studying genetic diversity in forage pea and developing herbicide-resistant quinoa varieties. He has authored/co-authored over 100 publications, including articles on crop improvement, silage quality, and climate-resilient agriculture. Dr. TAN has supervised numerous PhD and MSc students and contributed to books like Alternatif Yem Kaynakları . His work emphasizes practical applications, such as optimizing forage production and enhancing crop resilience in Turkey's high-altitude regions. He has led projects funded by TÜBİTAK and university grants, addressing challenges like quinoa adaptation to arid conditions and nitrogen use efficiency. His contributions extend to editing educational materials and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through publications and conferences.

Mehdi KabbageView profile

Professor

• Necrotrophic fungal pathogenesis
• Programmed cell death in plants
• Plant-microbe interactions
• +4 more

Mehdi Kabbage is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison . His research focuses on necrotrophic fungal pathogenesis, particularly the role of oxalic acid and programmed cell death (PCD) in plant-pathogen interactions. He teaches courses in fungal biology and plant-microbe interactions. Education : Ph.D. in Plant Pathology (Kansas State University), M.S. in Plant Pathology (Kansas State University), B.S. in Engineering (Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan, France) Dr. Kabbage investigates how Sclerotinia sclerotiorum manipulates plant PCD through oxalic acid secretion and explores strategies to inhibit this process for crop protection. His work spans molecular mechanisms of fungal virulence, plant stress tolerance, and genetic resistance in soybeans. Recent publications highlight his research on fungal effector proteins, host-induced gene silencing, oxalic acid signaling, and autophagy-based resistance strategies. He collaborates extensively on soybean and dry bean pathosystems, with a focus on integrated disease management and climate resilience. His lab develops transgenic approaches for stress tolerance, studies BAG protein family functions in plant defense, and investigates fungal enzymatic virulence factors like alcohol oxidases and laccases. Current projects include chemical genomics for resistance pathway discovery and novel antifungal agents such as poacic acid.

Aniruddha MaityView profile

Assistant Professor

• Weed Science
• Herbicide Resistance
• Integrated Weed Management
• +4 more

Dr. Aniruddha Maity is an Assistant Professor of Weed Science at Auburn University’s Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on weed biology, ecology, and integrated management, particularly herbicide resistance and sustainable practices. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and has held postdoctoral and research roles globally, including at the University of Western Australia and Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Education: Ph.D. (Plant Breeding), Texas A&M University M.Sc. (Seed Science & Technology), Indian Agricultural Research Institute B.Sc. (Agriculture), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya His research explores the ecological and evolutionary aspects of weeds, emphasizing herbicide resistance management and innovative approaches like cover crops and machine learning for weed control. Key interests include seed dormancy, climate change impacts on seed traits, and agroecological systems. Awarded over 20 honors, including the WSSA Outstanding Paper Award (2022) and Endeavor Research Leadership Award (2019), Dr. Maity collaborates internationally. His lab oversees diverse projects, including UAV-based weed identification and biochar-herbicide interactions. Current students focus on topics like Alabama’s Italian ryegrass resistance and climate-smart cultivation practices. Awards: Over 20 honors, including international travel awards, graduate excellence recognitions, and research fellowships. Advising: Mentors 11 students pursuing Ph.D. and MS degrees in weed science and agroecology. Labs/Teams: Leads the Weed Bionomics lab at Auburn, collaborating on USDA-funded projects and industry partnerships.

David D. BaltenspergerView profile

Professor

• Soil Science
• Crop Physiology
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• +6 more

David D. Baltensperger is a Professor and Head of the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife. He leads a department with 34 campus-based faculty, 11 extension faculty, and 45 research/extension faculty across 13 centers statewide. The department manages a $23M annual budget, including $14M from external grants. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from New Mexico State University (1981). His department is renowned for research in plant breeding, biotechnology, crop physiology, soil science, weed science, and environmental management. The program serves 99 undergraduates and 160 graduate students from 19 countries. Key focus areas include agronomic innovations, sustainable soil practices, and interdisciplinary environmental science applications. His leadership oversees teaching, research, and extension activities addressing global agricultural challenges. Notable institutional affiliations include Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Extension Service, and Forest Service. The department’s infrastructure includes labs, field stations, and collaborative networks across Texas and internationally.

Ambika ChandraView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Breeding
• Molecular Genetics
• Turfgrass Genomics
• +4 more

Dr. Ambika Chandra is Professor and Assistant Director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension in Dallas, specializing in turfgrass genetics and breeding. Her research adopts a holistic systems approach to cultivar development for home lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, integrating molecular genetics, physiology, entomology, pathology, and socio-economics. Her research focuses on developing high-throughput phenotyping methods for evaluating biotic and abiotic stress tolerances in breeding populations. She has established interdisciplinary collaborations across turfgrass science domains to enhance sustainable turf production. Recent publications demonstrate advancements in drought resistance, salinity tolerance, and sustainable turf management, with field trials spanning multiple U.S. regions. Her work emphasizes genetic improvements for environmental resilience and reduced resource inputs. Her grants include projects on water-efficient turfgrasses and multi-state cultivar development initiatives. Dr. Chandra contributes to graduate education, training future plant breeders and turfgrass professionals.

Mithila JugulamView profile

Professor

• Weed Science
• Herbicide Resistance Mechanisms
• Plant Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. Mithila Jugulam is a Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University (KSU), specializing in weed physiology and herbicide resistance mechanisms. She holds a PhD in Weed Science from the University of Guelph, Canada, and has extensive postdoctoral experience. Her research focuses on herbicide resistance mechanisms in weeds, the impact of climate change on herbicide efficacy, and identifying herbicide-tolerant crop varieties. She teaches graduate courses like AGRON 822 (Herbicide Interactions) and interdisciplinary courses on plant resistance to pests. Her lab, equipped with advanced facilities (e.g., radiolabeled compound analysis, molecular biology tools), collaborates on topics such as glyphosate resistance and CRISPR-based solutions. Notably, her work has been featured in NPR and the New York Times. Current lab members include PhD students Ednaldo Borgato and Susee Sudhakar, and MS student Manogna Adari. Dr. Jugulam has authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles and edited the book *Biology, Physiology and Molecular Biology of Weeds*. She serves as an Associate Editor for *Pest Management Science*. Education: PhD in Weed Science, University of Guelph, Canada (2004) M.S. in Plant Breeding & Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India B.S. in Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, India Research Interests: Explores physiological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms of herbicide resistance; investigates elevated temperature effects on herbicide efficacy; develops herbicide-tolerant crops. Recent work includes studies on Palmer amaranth resistance mechanisms and temperature-driven herbicide metabolism. Lab Facilities: Includes greenhouse facilities, HPLC systems, molecular biology labs (PCR/qPCR), and advanced imaging tools (e.g., phosphorimager). Collaborates on projects involving cytogenetics and CRISPR gene editing. Awards & Recognition: Recognized as an award-winning professor, though specific honors are not detailed in the text.

Megan KennellyView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Horticultural Crop Management
• Disease Management
• +3 more

Megan Kennelly is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University. She specializes in diseases of horticultural crops, including turfgrasses, trees, ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. Her roles encompass research, extension, diagnostics, and collaboration on new zoysiagrass varieties. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Cornell University (2005) B.S. in Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1999) Research Focus: Practical disease management strategies for specialty crops, with emphasis on integrated approaches for sustainable agriculture. Collaborative efforts include breeding resistant turfgrass varieties. Extension & Diagnostic Services: Leads educational programs for Kansas' commercial horticulture sectors, providing diagnostic support for plant health issues. Awards & Grants: No specific awards listed, but her work aligns with institutional priorities in agricultural extension and crop science. Labs & Teams: Oversees research programs within the Department of Plant Pathology, coordinating faculty and staff resources.

Susana Milla-LewisView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Breeding
• Plant Genetics
• Genomics
• +3 more

Susana Milla-Lewis is a Professor specializing in Turfgrass Breeding & Genetics at North Carolina State University, based in Williams Hall (Room 4114). Her work focuses on developing sustainable turfgrass cultivars requiring reduced inputs while maintaining performance under biotic and environmental stresses. Contact: susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu . Her research integrates conventional breeding with advanced genomic technologies. Key interests include germplasm characterization, breeding for cold tolerance in warm-season grasses, heat/drought tolerance in tall fescue, pest resistance, mutation breeding, and high-throughput phenotyping. She utilizes QTL mapping, GWAS, molecular markers, and tissue culture techniques to link phenotypic traits to DNA polymorphisms for turfgrass improvement. 2025 publications reveal strong emphasis on drought/shade tolerance across multiple species (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass), with significant use of multi-omics integration, UAV-based phenomics, and genetic mapping to identify candidate genes and resistance mechanisms. Recent work includes seven new cultivar registrations demonstrating practical outcomes of her breeding program. No scientific awards were mentioned in source materials. While lacking formal extension appointment, her program actively engages sod growers, seed companies, and industry stakeholders through outreach. She teaches CS (HS) 211 – Plant Genetics and leads breeding initiatives targeting reduced-input turfgrass solutions. The NC State Turfgrass Breeding & Genetics program under her direction develops cultivars for stress tolerance while generating genomic resources. Current activities span mutation breeding, exotic germplasm utilization, and phenomics-driven trait selection to enhance industry sustainability across warm-season grasses.

Alfredo Martinez-EspinozaView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Turfgrass Disease Management
• Small Grain Pathology
• +4 more

Alfredo Martinez-Espinoza is a full Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA. Since 1999 he has led an integrated research and extension program tackling diseases of turfgrass, small grains, and non-legume forages, providing science-based solutions to growers, turf managers, and the green industry across the southeastern United States. Education Ph.D., Plant Pathology, Montana State University–Bozeman, MT, USA (1993) B.S., Plant Pathology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico (1984) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Molecular Biology–Fungal Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA (1993–1994) Research & Extension Focus Dr. Martinez’s program integrates fundamental molecular research with practical extension to address high-impact plant diseases. He investigates Clarireedia species causing dollar spot on turfgrasses, Fusarium species responsible for Fusarium head blight of wheat, and Rhizoctonia pathogens inducing large patch on zoysiagrass. His work spans population genetics, fungicide resistance monitoring, advanced molecular diagnostics (LAMP, PCR-RFLP), and evaluation of non-chemical tools such as UV-C radiation and nanobubble technology. Extension efforts include developing bilingual educational materials, smartphone apps, and hands-on workshops that rapidly translate research findings into actionable management recommendations for golf-course superintendents, sod producers, and row-crop growers. Publication Trends Across nearly 300 scholarly works, Dr. Martinez’s publications from 2020-2025 reveal a pronounced emphasis on (i) genomic and population-level analyses of fungal pathogens attacking turf and wheat, (ii) innovative physical and biological control strategies to reduce chemical inputs, and (iii) rigorous economic assessments of disease-induced yield losses in North American wheat systems. The breadth of sub-fields covered—ranging from nanobubble technology and UV-C phytotoxicity to mycotoxin profiling and GWAS-based resistance breeding—illustrates his commitment to multidisciplinary, solution-oriented science. Honors & Awards Excellence in Extension Award (UGA, 2021) D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence in Extension (2019) Extension Materials Award (UGA, 2018) GACAA Senior Specialist Award (2016) Walter B. Hill Award–Faculty (2015) Lifetime Honorary Member Award, Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents (2013) Honorific Greenkeeper of the Year, Spain (2010) CAES Diversity Award (2009) National & State Communication Awards, NACAA & GACAA (2009) Distinguished Alumni Award, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro (UAAAN) Grants & Funding Dr. Martinez has secured continuous extramural support exceeding 87 projects. Major ongoing funding includes USDA-NIFA grants for systems-based IPM and UV-C disease suppression, industry partnerships with Syngenta, BASF, Envu, Corteva, Bayer, and collaborative cultivar-development grants through UGARF and GCSAA. These resources support graduate students, technical staff, and multi-state research networks. Teams & Collaborations He serves as Graduate Program Faculty in Plant Pathology, mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students. His laboratory collaborates with breeders, soil microbiologists, nematologists, and economists across UGA campuses, the Southern Plant Diagnostic Network, and international partners in Spain and Mexico. The Turfgrass Research and Education Center in Griffin houses his field plots, molecular lab, and extension demonstration areas.

Kevin KenworthyView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Breeding
• Plant Genetics
• Forage Crops
• +3 more

Kevin Kenworthy is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in Plant Breeding & Molecular Genetics at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on turfgrass and forage crop improvement through breeding programs addressing drought tolerance, salinity resistance, and sustainable management practices. He has led collaborative multi-state projects and secured significant grant funding including Specialty Crops Research Initiatives. Education: Ph.D. in Crop Science, Breeding and Genetics, Oklahoma State University, 2004 M.S. in Crop Science, Breeding and Genetics, Texas Tech University, 1996 B.S. in Agronomy, Texas Tech University, 1994 His research integrates molecular genetics with field-based breeding to develop improved turfgrass and forage cultivars. Current investigations include drought/salinity tolerance mechanisms, irrigation optimization, nutrient management, and reducing environmental impacts of turf systems. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on enhancing turfgrass resilience through advanced breeding techniques, physiological screening, and multi-environment evaluations. Research trends show increasing emphasis on climate adaptation, resource efficiency, and ecosystem services of turf landscapes. Awards and Honors: Award of Merit, Turfgrass Producers of Florida (2018) NACTA Educator Award (2017) Outstanding Senior in Agronomy (1994-1995) Dr. Kenworthy has advised 42 graduate students as chair/co-chair or committee member for PhD and MS candidates. His grant portfolio exceeds $872,000 including USDA-SCRI projects and industry collaborations. He established the Turfgrass Breeding Program at UF in partnership with Florida Foundation Seed Producers and Sod Solutions.

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Agricultural Science
• +4 more

Ethan Doherty is a Research Fellow in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Clemson University's College of Science. His work focuses on applied entomology, pest management, and ecological interactions in agricultural and urban systems. He investigates topics such as stored grain pest resistance, turfgrass diversity effects on herbivorous insects, and biological control strategies using parasitoids and endophytic fungi. His research integrates mathematical modeling and statistical analysis to address challenges in crop protection, urban landscaping, and sustainable pest management. Notable areas include the efficacy of insecticides against stored grain beetles, host preferences of Sitophilus oryzae, and the role of cultivar diversity in associational resistance. Recent studies highlight his contributions to understanding Trichogramma wasp biocontrol mechanisms and the in planta localization of endophytic fungi in citrus crops. His work bridges theoretical ecology with practical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural and environmental challenges.

Jennifer KlingView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Quantitative Genetics
• Experimental Design
• +7 more

Jennifer Kling is a Professor in the Crop and Soil Science Department at Oregon State University , where she has worked since 2001. Her research focuses on plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and experimental design. She teaches courses such as CROP 590 Experimental Design in Agriculture (online, 2017-2020) and PBG 650 Advanced Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics (2005-2015, 2019). Education : PhD in Genetics with minor in Statistics (1988, North Carolina State University), MSc in Agronomy with emphasis in Plant Breeding (1983, University of Nebraska), BSc in Crop Science (1980, Oregon State University) Her research spans tropical maize improvement under low-nitrogen conditions, Striga resistance breeding, meadowfoam genetics for oil quality, and Douglas-fir genomics for climate adaptation. Recent publications include work on nurse crops for sainfoin persistence (2020), SNP genotyping arrays for Douglas-fir (2020), and meadowfoam glucosinolate analysis (2011). She has contributed to genomic resources like the Barley Coordinated Agricultural Project (2012). Scientific Awards : Ten-year service award from the West and Central Africa Maize Research Network (1997) Three awards from IITA's Training Program (1997) Jennifer Kling has advised graduate students and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects involving crop physiology, genetic mapping, and sustainable agricultural systems. Her work extends to extension publications on meadowfoam pollination (2015) and technical reports on variety releases (2013). She continues to bridge academic research with practical applications in specialty crop development.

Grady MillerView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Science
• Irrigation Management
• Soil Microbiology
• +3 more

Grady Miller is an ENVU Distinguished Professor of Sustainability & Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management at North Carolina State University's Department of Crop & Soil Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Auburn University and has over 20 years of experience in turfgrass research, education, and extension. His work focuses on improving turfgrass quality through integrated management practices, irrigation optimization, and plant breeding for drought and shade tolerance. Research Interests: Turfgrass microbiology and soil health Climate-resilient turfgrass cultivar development Irrigation efficiency and water resource management Athletic field and golf course maintenance Publications Highlight: Recent work emphasizes microbial community responses to environmental stressors and advancements in bermudagrass/zoysiagrass breeding programs. His research has directly informed best practices for professional turf managers across the U.S. Awards: Recognized as a Fellow of the Agronomy Society of America and inducted into NC State's Academy of Outstanding Extension Faculty for impactful outreach programs. Teaching: Instructs graduate and undergraduate courses on applied research methods and turfgrass cultural systems, emphasizing hands-on field experiences. Extension Work: Leads statewide initiatives promoting sustainable turf management practices through fact sheets, workshops, and collaborative projects with industry stakeholders.

Geunhwa JungView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Pathology
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Fungicide Resistance
• +7 more

Geunhwa Jung is a Professor of Turfgrass Pathology and Plant Breeding & Genetics at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst. He leads the Turf Pathology Lab and is actively engaged in research, teaching, and extension services related to turfgrass disease management and genetic improvement. Education: Ph.D., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1995) M.S., Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1992) B.S., Horticulture, Chungnam National University (1988) His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance in Sclerotinia homoeocarpa , soil microbial dynamics in organic and conventional golf course systems, mapping quantitative disease resistance in turfgrass, and classical and molecular breeding for enhanced disease resistance. His work integrates genomics, pathology, and breeding to improve turfgrass sustainability. The recent publications show a strong trend in molecular plant pathology, fungicide resistance mechanisms, comparative genomics in Poaceae, and development of molecular markers for disease resistance. His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications in turfgrass management. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Jung advises students and conducts grant-funded research focused on turfgrass pathology and breeding. His extension outreach includes educational talks, diagnostic site visits, in vitro and molecular assays for fungicide resistance, and publication of extension articles. He collaborates with researchers on genetic marker development and population studies in turfgrass species. He leads the Turf Pathology Lab at Paige Laboratory 206, which serves as a hub for research on turfgrass diseases, fungicide resistance diagnostics, and genetic studies in Agrostis , Zoysia , and other turf species.