Matt Kasson

Matt Kasson is an Associate Professor of Forest Pathology and Mycology at West Virginia University, currently serving as interim director of the International Culture Collection of (Vesicular) Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM) located in G103 South Agricultural Sciences building. His work centers on forest health, fungal ecology, and biological control systems critical to U.S. forestry.

His educational qualifications include:

• A.A.S. from Paul Smiths College
• B.S. and M.S. from the University of Maine
• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Pennsylvania State University (dissertation: biological control of Ailanthus altissima using Verticillium nonalfalfae)

Dr. Kasson's research investigates fungal-arthropod symbioses, invasive species management through native pathogens, and emerging forest diseases. Current INVAM-directed work analyzes metabolites in arbuscular mycorrhizal plant-fungal partnerships. His approach integrates molecular, ecological, and pathological methodologies to address tree health threats.

Recent publications (2016-2019) reveal consistent focus on invasive tree pests: molecular characterization of Fusarium-beetle systems, Verticillium genomics for tree-of-heaven control, and hypovirus applications against chestnut blight. Key trends include genomic analysis of biocontrol agents, disease diagnostics in native ecosystems, and symbiosis-driven ecological adaptations.

Scientific recognition:

• No awards or fellowships specified in source material

He actively mentors graduate students including Wickert, Metheny, Berger, Macias, and Spahr across fungal-arthropod and invasive species projects. Teaching responsibilities span undergraduate plant pathology/forest pest management courses and graduate advanced disease diagnostics. Research is supported by university resources through INVAM and likely external grants for invasive species control.

As INVAM director, he manages a global repository of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cultures, facilitating international research on plant-fungal symbiosis. The collection serves as a critical hub for studying nutrient exchange mechanisms and ecological applications in forestry.