Jeff Chang

Jeff Chang is a Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University. His research focuses on microbial genomics, plant-microbe interactions, and bacterial evolution. He integrates genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to study pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria.

• PhD, University of California, Davis (1999)

Research Interests: His work spans microbial genomics, plant-microbe interactions, and bioinformatics. He investigates how bacteria evolve virulence and mutualism through genomic changes and mobile genetic elements.

Recent Research Trends: Jeff’s recent articles emphasize the role of mobile genetic elements in bacterial evolution, plant-pathogen dynamics, and genomic approaches to disease management. His studies include Streptomyces virulence, Agrobacterium diversity, and rhizobial symbiosis breakdown.

Awards:

• Student Learning and Success Teamwork Award (2022)
• F.E. Price Award for Excellence in Research (2021)
• OSU Phi Beta Kappa Best Mentor/Advisor (2018)
• College of Science Loyd Carter Teaching Award (2009)

Advising and Grants: He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Jeff received USDA grants for plant disease diagnostics and bacterial interaction studies, and leads a summer internship program in agricultural big data.

Labs and Programs: He directs the Biological Data Sciences Undergraduate program and the Chang Lab, which studies microbial dynamics in plants and soils.