Laura Miles

Laura Miles serves as a Researcher in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University, specializing in Molecular Detection and Diagnostics at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics. She develops molecular tools for plant pathogen identification and creates educational programs on plant biosecurity to support agricultural producers.

Her academic credentials include:

• M.S. in Plant Pathology from Michigan State University (2011)
• M.S. in Biological Sciences (Microbiology emphasis) from Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (2008)
• B.S. in Microbiology from Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (2004)

Her research integrates molecular diagnostics with practical disease management, focusing on fungicide resistance mechanisms in key pathogens like Erysiphe necator and Alternaria solani, while exploring biocontrol solutions through endophyte ecosystems. She addresses critical crop vulnerabilities in grapes, potatoes, and blueberries through rapid detection protocols and biosecurity frameworks.

Analysis of her 2012-2020 publications reveals consistent contributions to emerging pathogen surveillance (e.g., Phytophthora ramorum), resistance monitoring in agrichemical applications, and ecological approaches to disease suppression. Her work bridges laboratory research with field diagnostics, emphasizing actionable solutions for Michigan's agricultural sector.

There is no documented evidence of graduate student mentorship or externally funded research grants in the provided materials.

Miles operates within MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics' collaborative framework at the Center for Integrated Plant Systems, working alongside diagnosticians to resolve plant disease cases and develop standardized testing protocols for statewide agricultural support.