Alec Kowalewski holds the Grover Family Endowed Chair in Sustainable Urban Landscapes at Oregon State University. His extension and research programs focus on sustainable turfgrass management, plant-parasitic nematode ecology, and low-input landscape systems for the Pacific Northwest. Recent diagnostic work identified novel nematode damage mechanisms on golf courses, leading to improved integrated pest management protocols. Current projects include evaluating frost tolerance in turfgrasses and developing water-efficient irrigation strategies.
Dr Jonathan McLachlan is a Lecturer in Pasture Science and Grazing Management at the University of New England's School of Environmental and Rural Science. He holds a Bachelor of Rural Science (First Class Honours) and PhD in Pasture Production from UNE. Research interests focus on optimizing pasture systems: Pasture agronomy and nutrient management Legume establishment and persistence Root architecture and soil-plant interactions Grazing system optimization Weed management in pastures His recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on phosphorus dynamics in tropical pastures, legume nutrition, and sustainable grazing practices. Research spans fundamental soil-plant processes to applied field solutions, with increasing focus on educational innovation in agriculture.
Dr. Brian Mealor is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming and Director of the Sheridan Research & Extension Center and the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE). He specializes in ecological resilience, invasive species management, and rangeland restoration. His work focuses on addressing challenges posed by invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass, particularly in Wyoming's ecosystems. Education : B.S. in Biology, North Georgia College and State University (1999) M.S. and Ph.D. in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, University of Wyoming (2003, 2006) Research Interests : Dr. Mealor's research emphasizes understanding and mitigating the impacts of invasive plants in rangelands. He investigates ecological thresholds, restoration techniques for weed-dominated landscapes, and herbicide efficacy. His projects include the Rocky Mountain Cheatgrass Management initiative and studies on post-fire invasion dynamics. Teaching & Outreach : He teaches courses such as Plant Population Ecology and Invasive Plant Ecology, and co-leads extension programs like the Invasive Grasses Summit. His work bridges academic research with practical land management strategies, including training sessions for pesticide applicators and collaborative field studies. Labs & Teams : His research is conducted through IMAGINE and the Sheridan Research Center, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to ecological challenges. These initiatives involve partnerships with institutions like Yale and Texas A&M University.
Harkirat Kaur is a researcher at the Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Her work focuses on economically and environmentally sustainable corn production while preserving ecological integrity. Research Interests : Dr. Kaur investigates agronomic challenges such as weather-related stressors, secondary pest resurgence, and non-native species invasions. Her studies emphasize plant-pathogen interactions, mycotoxin management, and forage quality optimization. Publication Trends : Recent articles highlight corn silage vulnerabilities to tar spot, mycotoxins, and ear rots, alongside strategies involving cover crops, planting time adjustments, and integrated pest management.
Dr. Catherine Zabinski is a Professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at Montana State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture and the Institute on Ecosystems. She holds the Women in Science Distinguished Professorship and has received multiple awards, including the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books (2022 Long List) and the Anna K. Fridley Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Distinguished Teaching Award (2019). Education: Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Minnesota (1991), B.A. in Biology from College of St. Benedict (1983). Research focuses on soil processes in disturbed and restored ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant-microbe interactions. Recent work emphasizes sustainable agriculture and extreme environments. Key areas include cover crop impacts, mycorrhizal ecology, and invasive species management in sagebrush steppe. Teaching includes Restoration Ecology, LRES Capstone, and Belowground Plant Ecology. She has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, with recent contributions on cover crop effects, mycorrhizal mutualisms, and herbicide management strategies. Awards highlight her contributions to science communication and teaching. Active roles include USDA grant leadership and peer review for journals like *Plant and Soil* and *New Phytologist*.
Claudia Probst is a Professor at the FH Wels University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the D-Farm AG Biosciences department. Her research focuses on plant pathology, fungal biology, and sustainable agricultural practices. Key projects include developing digital solutions for early disease detection in forests and optimizing biocontrol strategies against crop pathogens. She has contributed to initiatives like the Interreg-funded peatland conservation network and forest health tourism projects in Austria-Bavaria. Education: PhD in Food Science, Dipl.oecon.troph (Diploma in Trophology) Her work addresses global challenges such as aflatoxin prevention in pistachio crops and wild boar carcass detection using volatile organic compound sensors. She collaborates internationally on topics like soil microbiome analysis and vegetation mapping in peatlands. Probst has published extensively on fungal pathogens (e.g., Aspergillus flavus, Podosphaera clandestina) and their control. Her 28+ research outputs span crop protection, environmental monitoring, and AI-driven agricultural solutions. She actively participates in strategic agricultural development committees and consults for regional sustainability initiatives. Current projects include the DigiNase initiative for tree disease detection via AI and a 2024-2025 project adapting digital noses to locate wild boar carcasses in forests. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges biotechnology, environmental science, and agricultural engineering.
Dr. Carlo Moreno is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at the College of Wooster, specializing in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. His research integrates ecological and social dimensions of agricultural systems, particularly human-insect-plant interactions. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Santa Cruz (2013), M.S. from University of Maryland (2006), and B.S. from San Jose State University (2002). Research domains include: Biodiversity impacts on arthropod predator-prey systems Knowledge transfer in integrated pest management Participatory solutions for local sustainability challenges Companion planting strategies for pest regulation Recent publications demonstrate applied research in sustainable farming practices, collective action theory for invasive species management, and native crop utilization for pest control. His Moreno Lab focuses on ecosystem redesign balancing ecological functions with human needs.
Carmine Marcone is a Professor at the University of Salerno's Pharmacy Department, specializing in plant pathology with emphasis on phytoplasma diseases affecting agricultural and forest ecosystems. His research program spans molecular diagnostics, disease epidemiology, and sustainable management strategies for economically significant plant diseases. Teaching responsibilities include courses on integrated plant protection technologies, plant pathology laboratory techniques, and specialized plant disease management across undergraduate and graduate programs. Current course portfolio covers Crop and Plant Pathology (Herbal Science program), Novel Technologies for Integrated Plant Protection (Smart Agriculture program), and advanced Plant Pathology laboratory methodologies. Research publications demonstrate extensive work on phytoplasma characterization, including genetic diversity studies of grapevine yellows pathogens, molecular epidemiology of forest diseases, and management strategies for emerging threats like Bois Noir. Recent genomic investigations focus on phytoplasma pathogenicity mechanisms and host adaptation processes.
Christopher W. Fernandez is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research investigates mycorrhizal fungal ecology and plant-microbe interactions, focusing on how these relationships influence carbon and nutrient cycling in forest and peatland ecosystems under climate change. Dr. Fernandez examines how mycorrhizal networks mediate soil carbon storage, decomposition processes, and ecosystem resilience. His work integrates molecular ecology, ecosystem ecology, and soil science to understand functional trait diversity in fungi and its implications for biogeochemical cycles. His publications reveal research trends in climate change impacts on ectomycorrhizal networks, necromass decomposition, and belowground carbon dynamics. Recent work emphasizes soil moisture-pH interactions, microbial community responses to warming, and agricultural diversification benefits. Grants: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (2021-2026), USDA Sun Grant Program (2024-2025) Honors: Levitan Prize (2023) Dr. Fernandez mentors graduate students in ecosystem ecology and leads field experiments examining climate change effects on fungal networks at biome boundaries.
Dr. Mike Kaller is the George W. Barineau Jr. Professor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies at Louisiana State University's School of Renewable Natural Resources. He holds a B.S. from Lake Superior State University, an M.S. from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University. His research focuses on freshwater ecology, particularly stream ecology, invasive species, and statistical modeling in natural resource management. He has published extensively on topics like aquatic communities, floodplain dynamics, and invasive species impacts. Education: B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Management (Lake Superior State University, 1997) M.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Resources (West Virginia University, 2001) Ph.D. Wildlife and Fisheries Science (Louisiana State University, 2005) Research Interests: Quantitative analysis of aquatic communities, stream assessment methodologies, and the ecological impacts of invasive species such as feral hogs and carps. Current projects include floodplain river connectivity, conservation of endangered species like the Louisiana pearlshell mussel, and fish-habitat interactions. His recent publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, integrating ecology, statistics, and policy. He advises a diverse group of graduate students and has mentored over 20 researchers. Collaborates with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on applied conservation projects.
Carlos Astete is an Assistant Professor - Research at Louisiana State University's Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering. His research explores nanoscale delivery systems, biomaterials, and colloidal engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from LSU and an MBA from Adolfo Ibanez University. Research interests center on nanotechnology applications in drug delivery and material science, with emphases on polymeric nanoparticles and lignin-based systems for biomedical and agricultural use. Recent publications (2023-2025) focus on lignin-PLGA nanocarriers, agrochemical delivery, and wound-healing composites. Trends indicate strong interdisciplinary work bridging materials science, pharmacology, and environmental applications.
Prashant Jha is a Professor in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU) within the College of Agriculture. His primary affiliation is with the LSU AgCenter, where he conducts research focused on weed management, herbicide resistance, and sustainable agricultural practices. His office is located at 104 Sturgis Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His research emphasizes innovative strategies for managing herbicide-resistant weeds, including the use of cover crops, precision agriculture technologies, and integrated pest management approaches. Recent work highlights adaptation dynamics of weeds to glyphosate, sensor-controlled spraying systems, and the economic implications of herbicide programs in dicamba/glufosinate-tolerant crops. Notable contributions include studies on waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) management in soybean-corn rotations, the efficacy of light-activated sprayers, and the genetic characterization of herbicide-resistant weed populations. His research frequently intersects with practical applications for farmers, addressing challenges in crop rotation, tillage practices, and chemical efficacy. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications since 2020, focusing on topics like weed emergence patterns, seed destruction technologies, and the ecological impacts of herbicide-resistant weeds. While no formal awards are listed, his work is widely cited in agricultural extension programs and industry publications.
Christopher Mudge is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU). His expertise lies in aquatic plant management, particularly invasive species control and herbicide efficacy. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy/Weed Science from the University of Florida and has extensive experience in applied research across Louisiana and the Mid-South region. Education: B.S. in Agronomy, LSU (2001) M.S. in Agronomy/Weed Science, LSU (2004) Ph.D. in Agronomy/Weed Science, University of Florida (2007) Research interests focus on integrated pest management (IPM), herbicide development for aquatic weeds, and ecological impacts of invasive species like giant salvinia and water hyacinth. He has led numerous studies evaluating herbicide combinations, application timing, and biological control methods (e.g., giant salvinia weevils). His work emphasizes sustainable solutions for aquatic ecosystems. Professional contributions include leadership roles in organizations such as the Louisiana Vegetation Management Association (President, 2018-2019) and the Mid-South Aquatic Plant Management Society. He is also an Associate Editor for the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management . Grants and advising: Mudge has secured grants for graduate research and has advised multiple projects, though specific student names are not listed. His work has been funded through collaborations with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and state agencies. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the LSU AgCenter and federal agencies on applied research projects, focusing on field trials and chemical efficacy assessments in Louisiana waterbodies.
Robert C. Kemerait, Jr. is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, affiliated with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He holds a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Florida (2000) and dual BS degrees in Chemistry (University of Florida, 1989) and Biology (Davidson College, 1987). His research focuses on plant diseases affecting major crops like peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and corn, with emphasis on fungal pathogens, nematode management, and integrated pest management strategies. Key areas of research include development of disease risk assessment tools like Peanut Rx for tomato spotted wilt and leaf spot management, participation in national sentinel plot programs for soybean and corn rusts, and international collaborations through USAID-funded initiatives in Haiti and Guyana. He has authored over 244 scholarly works and holds leadership roles in professional societies like the American Phytopathological Society. Recent work includes genome sequencing of pathogens such as Nothopassalora personata and Ramulariopsis pseudoglycines, studies on fungicide efficacy and spray technologies, and aflatoxin mitigation strategies. Awards include the 2022 APRES Bailey Award, G.O. Ocfemia Award, and recognition for international service. Current funding supports projects on precision disease management, nematicide efficacy, and crop rotation strategies. His lab collaborates across disciplines to address emerging threats like cotton leafroll dwarf virus and tar spot epidemics.
Diane Bassham is a distinguished Professor and Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Professor of Plant Physiology at Iowa State University's Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology. She holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Warwick. Her research focuses on vacuolar autophagy's role in plant stress responses, particularly abiotic stress tolerance and leaf senescence regulation. She joined Iowa State University in 2001 and has been recognized with fellowships from the American Society of Plant Biologists (2020) and the AAAS (2021). Education: - B.Sc. (First Class Honours) Biochemistry, University of Birmingham, 1990 - Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, 1994 Research Interests: - Autophagy regulation in plant stress tolerance - Transcriptional and post-translational control of autophagy - Substrate specificity of autophagic degradation - RNA salvage pathways - Interactions with phytohormone signaling (e.g., brassinosteroids, jasmonate) Awards: - 2021: AAAS Fellow - 2020: ASPB Fellow - 2013: Walter E. and Helen Parke Loomis Professorship Advisees and Grants: - No formal student advisees listed in provided text - Active in collaborative research projects on autophagy mechanisms Labs and Teams: - Leads the Bassham Lab at Iowa State University, focusing on plant stress biology and autophagy pathways. Collaborates with international teams on projects involving maize and Arabidopsis models.
