Ph.D., Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, July 2002.
M.S., Plant Pathology, Virginia Tech, December 1998.
B.S., Botany, North Carolina State University, December 1995
My position encompasses both a research and an extension component (50%:50%).
I have statewide extension responsibilities on vegetable crop diseases. With the wide array of vegetables grown in Virginia, our research program is one of the broadest and most diverse in the country. Research trials are conducted in the field, greenhouse and laboratory annually on tomato, potato, snap bean, cucurbit, pepper, and cole crops. In addition to vegetables, research is conducted on cotton, soybeans, corn, and wheat, all crops that are important to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Research results are disseminated in refereed journals, at professional meetings, and in newsletters. Results are distributed to producers through Pest Management Guides, presentations at grower meetings, newspaper articles, and electronic newsletters.
Generation of magnificent data is meaningless without proper dissemination. As a faculty member with a 50% extension appointment, it is essential that emphasis be placed on establishing strong communication outlets. A sound working relationship with cooperative extension agents and other area specialists is mandatory. Agents provide a direct link between producers and should be included in interactions when possible. This forum also allows an opportunity to instruct agents of current research findings. On-farm trials are also beneficial to extension agents and producers. Positive results from such trials can be demonstrated to the cooperating grower and the adjacent farming community. Field tours at the ESAREC and farms can be a beneficial avenue to expose new disease management practices. Presentations at local grower meetings and altering Virginia disease management recommendations according to research results are the ultimate method in which research results can benefit producers.
Currently there is a great demand for students trained in applied plant pathology. Our program gives students and postdoctoral research associates the opportunity to be well rounded in this field through their involvement in our overall research program.
Proper disease control tactics cannot be implemented unless the correct disease problems are identified. Annually, the Eastern Shore Plant Disease Clinic assesses over 150 plant samples from producers and homeowners. Diagnoses and recommendations are passed along to county agents and producers.