Steve Whitham

Dr. Steve Whitham is Professor of Plant Pathology at Iowa State University investigating molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions. His research program spans fundamental virology and applied crop protection strategies.

The Whitham Lab studies viral/fungal pathogenicity and plant immune responses using functional genomics approaches. Key model systems include soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), maize common rust (Puccinia sorghi), and viral pathogens in crops. Research develops viral vectors for gene function analysis in monocots/dicots.

Current projects focus on: 1) Genetic determinants of host-virus interactions 2) Soybean/maize rust effector biology 3) Immune network engineering 4) Virus-based functional genomics tools.