Nick Goltz

Nick Goltz serves as the Assistant Extension Educator and Director of the University of Connecticut Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (UConn PDL). He holds a Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) from the University of Florida (2021) and a BS in Entomology & Nematology (2017). His primary role involves managing diagnostic services, pest identification, and providing management recommendations for stakeholders including home gardeners, growers, and researchers. The UConn PDL collaborates with the Home & Garden Education Center, Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, and faculty across Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, and Extension programs to deliver educational resources and professional training. The lab is part of the National Plant Diagnostic Network, focusing on biosecurity to prevent plant pest/pathogen spread. Funding comes from USDA-NIFA and Connecticut state resources. His work saves Connecticut growers significant costs annually through timely interventions.

Dr. Goltz’s expertise spans plant diagnostics, IPM strategies, and applied plant pathology. He oversees lab operations that integrate diagnostic capabilities with educational outreach, offering fact sheets, seminars, and blog content. The lab’s collaborations emphasize both agricultural and environmental protection, bridging academic research with practical applications for industry and public audiences. While not currently accepting graduate students, his educational contributions include training for Master Gardeners and pesticide certification programs. Contact details include his office at Wilfred B. Young Building and direct phone line (860-486-1215).