Paul Okello

Dr. Paul Okello is an Assistant Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University, where he joined in 2024. His expertise lies at the intersection of plant pathology, sustainable agriculture, and crop protection, with a specific focus on soilborne fungal pathogens affecting major crops like soybean and corn.

Dr. Okello holds a Ph.D. in Plant Science from South Dakota State University, an MBA from the Swiss School of Management in Rome, and a degree in Natural Resources Management from Egerton University in Kenya. This diverse educational background equips him with both scientific expertise and management skills for addressing agricultural challenges.

• Ph.D. Plant Science; South Dakota State University, USA
• MBA; Swiss School of Management, Rome - Italy
• Natural Resources Management; Egerton university, Kenya

Dr. Okello's research centers on sustainable agriculture, particularly examining host plant-pathogen interactions and soilborne fungal pathogens. His work investigates Fusarium species causing root rot in soybean and corn, Diaporthe species causing stem canker, and interactions between pathogens like Phytophthora sojae and soybean cyst nematode. He also emphasizes science communication, translating complex plant pathology concepts for broader audiences.

Analysis of Dr. Okello's publication record from 2015-2024 reveals a consistent focus on Fusarium and Diaporthe pathogens affecting major crops. His research spans multiple disciplines including plant pathology, genetics, agronomy, and microbiology, with particular attention to disease resistance mechanisms, pathogen identification, and crop management strategies. Recent work has increasingly incorporated genomic approaches to understand resistance mechanisms in soybean.

Dr. Okello serves as a reviewer for several prestigious journals including Plant Health Progress, Plant Disease, and the Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. He is also an active member of The American Phytopathological Society, contributing to the broader plant pathology community through peer review and professional engagement.

As an educator, Dr. Okello teaches courses in Plant Science, Introduction to Precision Agriculture (co-taught), and Integrated Crop Management. His diverse educational background, combining scientific training with business management, likely informs his approach to both research and teaching in agricultural sciences.