Find Academic Supervisors

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.

William T. CrowView profile

Professor

• Plant-Parasitic Nematology
• Turfgrass Nematode Management
• Agricultural Pest Management
• +3 more

William T. Crow is a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. His work focuses on plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly their impact on turfgrasses, agricultural crops, and ornamental plants. He collaborates with the UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida Plant Diagnostic Network to advance nematode management strategies. Research Interests: Crow’s research spans nematode biology, host-parasite interactions, and sustainable management practices. Key areas include nematode diagnostics in sandy soils, species differentiation via DNA sequencing, and integrated pest control for grasses and woody plants. Publications: His peer-reviewed work addresses nematode species like Meloidogyne graminis (grass root-knot), Bursaphelenchus cocophilus (red ring), and Mesocriconema species (ring nematodes). He emphasizes practical management for golf courses, lawns, and agricultural systems. Labs & Teams: Crow leads the University of Florida Nematode Assay Lab, providing diagnostic services and advancing soil nematode detection methods. His team includes collaborators like A. S. Brammer and Hannah Talton.

Vanaja KankarlaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soil Science
• Environmental Science
• Agriculture Science
• +7 more

Dr. Vanaja Kankarla is an Assistant Professor of Soil Science in the Department of Marine & Earth Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Fort Myers, Florida. She holds a PhD in Plant and Environmental Science from New Mexico State University (2019), an MS in Plant and Soil Sciences from Tennessee State University (2013), and a BSc in Agriculture from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, India. Her research integrates agronomy, soil science, and crop-weed nutrient management to address agricultural and environmental challenges, emphasizing decision support tools for sustainable practices. Education: PhD: New Mexico State University (Plant and Environmental Science, 2019) MS: Tennessee State University (Plant and Soil Sciences, 2013) BSc: Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (India, 2009) Research Interests: Soil salinity management Crop-weed competition dynamics Precision agriculture tools Soil fertility and nutrient cycling Dr. Kankarla’s work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2022 Postdoctoral Research Award (Texas A&M University) and the 2018 Women Economic Forum’s ‘Young Innovators’ award. She actively contributes to academic governance as a Review Editor for Agrosystems, Geosciences, and Environment and Associate Editor of the Journal of Environmental Quality . Her teaching focuses on introductory courses in soil science, environmental science, and precision agriculture. Awards: 2022 Postdoctoral Research Award (Texas A&M) 2019 Dean’s Award of Excellence (NMSU) 2018 ‘Young Innovators’ Award (WEF) Grants & Leadership: Travel grants from AGU (2014) Editorial roles in major agronomy journals Committee member, ASA societies Her research portfolio spans over 20 peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, addressing topics like microplastic impacts, PFAS contamination, and saline irrigation strategies. Dr. Kankarla advocates for women in STEM and mentors students passionate about agricultural innovation.

Kelly KoppView profile

Professor

• Landscape Water Conservation
• Turfgrass Science
• Urban Irrigation Efficiency
• +3 more

Kelly Kopp is a Professor and Water Conservation & Turfgrass Specialist in the Plants, Soils and Climate department at Utah State University , where she also serves as Director of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL). Her work spans research, teaching, and extension services focused on sustainable urban landscapes, with particular emphasis on water-efficient turfgrass systems and irrigation technologies. PhD in Agronomy: Turfgrass Science, University of Connecticut (2000) MS in Natural Resources Management and Engineering: Hydrology, University of Connecticut (1996) BS in Natural Resource Conservation: Soil Science, Texas A&M University (1991) Kopp's research investigates turfgrass water and nutrient dynamics , smart irrigation technologies , and landscape water conservation programming . She specializes in quantifying plant-soil-water relationships and evaluating drought-stressed turfgrass systems through advanced monitoring techniques, including thermal imaging and multispectral drone imagery . Her work supports precision golf course irrigation and climate-ready landscape plant selection . Recent publications (2022-2025) focus on nitrogen cycling in mixed turf systems , smart irrigation controller effectiveness , and precision water application through evapotranspiration modeling . These studies demonstrate her commitment to urban water conservation and sustainable landscape management in arid environments. Scientific Awards Crop Science Society of America Extension Education Award (2022) Utah Nursery and Landscape Association Public Service Award (2025) Education Materials Outstanding Factsheet Award (2024) USU Faculty University Service Award (2024) USU College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Faculty University Service Award (2023) Career Specialist Award (2021) Editor's Citation for Excellence (2020) Kopp mentors graduate students in Plant, Soils and Climate and collaborates with agencies across Utah and the Intermountain West to implement water use efficiency programs . She serves on the Utah Water Conservation Forum and contributes to Nursery Industry Training regarding irrigation return flow recycling . Her work directly informs state policy on landscape water conservation .

Willm Martens-HabbenaView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Nitrogen Cycling
• +4 more

Dr. Willm Martens-Habbena serves as an Associate Professor at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), part of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). His research program focuses on microbial ecology within subtropical and tropical ecosystems, specifically examining how microorganisms drive biogeochemical cycles and respond to global change pressures including sea level rise and land-use alterations in South Florida environments. Dr. Martens-Habbena's research spans microbiology, molecular biology, and biogeochemistry with emphasis on nitrogen and carbon cycling processes. His work investigates microbial responses to environmental perturbations such as altered precipitation patterns, agricultural intensification, cattle grazing, and saltwater intrusion across diverse habitats including wetlands, seagrass meadows, and subtropical preserves. Key themes include nitrification-denitrification linkages, methane flux dynamics, soil health indicators under varying vegetation covers, and the discovery of novel ammonia-oxidizing archaeal lineages. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals concentrated research on microbial mechanisms in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and greenhouse gas production under climate change scenarios. His studies consistently integrate field observations with laboratory manipulations to elucidate how microbial communities mediate ecosystem responses to environmental stressors, with particular attention to ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in marine and terrestrial systems. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source materials. While specific advisee names are not provided, Dr. Martens-Habbena maintains an active mentorship program as evidenced by his extensive publication record featuring student co-authors. His research likely involves collaborative grant-funded projects addressing South Florida's environmental challenges, though detailed funding information was not included in the source text. Dr. Martens-Habbena conducts research within FLREC's Microbiology/Pathogens program area, utilizing the center's facilities for field studies across South Florida ecosystems. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focused on translating microbial ecology research into practical applications for ecosystem management, agricultural sustainability, and climate change mitigation strategies in vulnerable coastal regions.

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.

Steve LiView profile

Associate Professor

• Agronomy
• Weed Science
• Precision Agriculture
• +4 more

Steve Li is an Associate Professor at Auburn University in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences. His statewide geographic responsibility focuses on agronomic crops, forestry, wildlife, natural resources, and home horticulture. As Coordinator of Agronomic Crops, he specializes in peanuts, invasive species, forages and pastures, right-of-ways, forestry, woody ornamentals, and turf support. Program Areas: Agronomic Crops (Coordinator), Forestry/Wildlife/Natural Resources, Home Horticulture Specialty Areas: Peanuts, Invasive Species, Forage Management, Turfgrass, Herbicide Application Dr. Li’s research centers on integrating cover crops and herbicides for sustainable weed management. His work explores drone-based spraying technologies, herbicide efficacy in high-residue systems, and the impact of crop residue on weed suppression. Recent studies evaluate precision pesticide application methods and resistance management in southeastern US agricultural systems. His publications highlight advancements in aerial application efficiency, drone sprayer performance, and synergistic weed control strategies across cotton, soybean, and peanut crops. Key trends include drone technology for agronomic spraying, herbicide-cover crop interactions, and addressing herbicide-resistant weeds. Contact details: Office located at 237 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849. Mobile: (334) 707-7370.

Mike PaceView profile

Academic

• Horticulture
• Agronomy
• Crop Management
• +5 more

Mike Pace serves as an Extension Professor in Horticulture & Agronomy and Director of Box Elder County at Utah State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. With over 20 years of service, he has established himself as a leading agricultural extension specialist in northern Utah. MS in Extension Education, Utah State University (1995) BS in Agricultural Education (Animal Science), Utah State University (1993) Pace's research interests span horticulture, agronomy, crop management, soil science, and pest control, with particular focus on Utah's unique agricultural challenges. His work addresses practical farming issues including safflower production, cover cropping, snow mold management, grape cultivation, and soil fertility in arid environments. Through USU Extension, he has developed numerous educational resources including fact sheets, enterprise budgets, and demonstration projects that directly benefit Utah farmers and growers. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to agricultural knowledge, with emphasis on practical applications for Utah producers. Recent work focuses on cover crop interseeding, waterway management, and crop-specific economic analyses. Pace has received multiple awards recognizing his service and contributions to agricultural extension, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association for County Agricultural Agents and the Spirit of Extension Award from USU. Certificate of Service, 15 years of Service (2013) Distinguished Service Award (2012) Spirit of Extension Award (2012) Program of Excellence Award (2010) As County Director, Pace oversees extension programming across multiple domains including agriculture, home and community education, and 4-H youth development. His leadership has strengthened Box Elder County's agricultural community through research-based education and practical problem-solving approaches tailored to local conditions.

• Metabolic engineering
• Genome editing
• Bioenergy crops
• +1 more

Fredy Altpeter is Professor of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Florida. His research develops biotechnological approaches for crop improvement, including precision genome editing and metabolic engineering of bioenergy grasses. Research Focus: Dr. Altpeter's program targets: Redesigning photosynthesis and plant architecture Metabolic engineering of high-biomass crops Development of oil-accumulating energycane Risk assessment of genetically modified crops Awards: Fellow, Crop Science Society of America (2021) Distinguished Scientist Award, Society for In Vitro Biology (2020) UF Research Foundation Professorship (2013, 2018) His lab employs CRISPR technologies to develop improved varieties of sugarcane, sorghum and turfgrasses with enhanced biomass and stress tolerance.

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.

Raymond A. CloydView profile

Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Plant Protection
• Horticultural Entomology
• +5 more

Raymond A. Cloyd is a Professor and Extension Specialist in Horticultural Entomology/Plant Protection at Kansas State University's Department of Entomology. With a 70% extension and 30% research appointment, his work focuses on pest management in greenhouses, nurseries, landscapes, and cannabis production. He holds degrees from California Polytechnic State University and Purdue University, where he earned his PhD in Entomology. Research interests include biological control, pesticide efficacy, and resistance management. Key projects involve: Biological control of fungus gnats using Dalotia coriaria Systemic insecticide effects on citrus mealybugs Entomopathogenic fungi rotations for western flower thrips Publications span over 100 scientific articles, 900 trade journals, and books like Greenhouse Pest Management . Extension programs address homeowner, commercial grower, and master gardener needs through guides on pest identification, pesticide use, and IPM strategies. He is a frequent speaker at national/international conferences, emphasizing sustainable pest solutions in horticulture. His work integrates ecological principles with practical applications for ornamental and vegetable crop protection.

• 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.

Navneet KaurView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Insect Biology and Ecology
• Host Plant Resistance
• +3 more

Dr. Navneet Kaur is an Associate Professor and Extension Entomologist at Oregon State University, affiliated with the Department of Crop and Soil Science and the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. Her work focuses on integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable arthropod control in Oregon's field crops, combining research, extension, and teaching.

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.

John N. Trey Rogers IIIView profile

Professor

• Turfgrass Science
• Sports Turf Management
• Golf Course Renovation
• +4 more

John N. Trey Rogers III is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), part of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. (1988, Agronomy, Penn State), M.S. (1985, Agronomy, University of Arkansas), and B.S. (1982, Agronomy, University of Arkansas). His research focuses on turfgrass establishment, sports field renovation, and soil modification for golf courses and athletic fields. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Turfgrass Management, Performance Turf Design, and capstone classes synthesizing field practices. Over 33 years at MSU, he has advised over 1,100 students, many of whom now lead academic and industry roles. Notable former students include John Stier (Assoc. Dean, U. Tennessee) and Jason Henderson (Assoc. Professor, U. Connecticut). Rogers has led high-profile projects, including the 1994 World Cup turf system at Pontiac Silverdome, 2004/2008 Olympics consultations, and current stadium projects in Nashville and St. Louis. His research emphasizes practical solutions for turfgrass challenges, with over 230 publications and two U.S. patents. He consults on turf systems for professional sports venues and Thoroughbred racetracks like Keeneland and Churchill Downs. His recent efforts include preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, focusing on retrofitting stadiums to meet FIFA standards. He collaborates with teams like Jim Crum (soil science) to integrate soil and grass systems. Outside academia, Rogers remains passionate about golf, travel, and family.