Department Head Letter 2017
This department, our alumni, friends, and donors continue to deliver impacts that change people’s lives and feed the world. This issue of the Aurora Sporealis features just some of what we’ve accomplished this year.
Hawaiian Islands and Rapid Ohia Death
Jenny Juzwik is helping to find ways to protect beloved ohia trees from Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) on Hawaiian Islands.
Protecting Minnesota’s Pine Resource
Red pine (and also white pine) face an emerging disease threat, Heterobasidion root disease (HRD), which is the focus of graduate student Eric Otto’s research.
Small Organism, Big Research Impacts
Senyu Chen’s, research focuses on one of the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes in the world, the soybean cyst nematode.
A Postdoctoral Perspective on Teaching
Postdoctoral Associate Leon van Eck reflects on his teaching experience as a postdoc, and also writes about the experiences other postdocs have had teaching courses in the department.
Alumni Spotlight: Kira Bowen
Alumna Kira Bowen, (Ph.D. 1983) Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University, talks about her current work and favorite moments from her time as a graduate student.
Thank You Donors!
With your support we are able to pursue ground-breaking research, develop science-based solutions, and train the next generation of plant pathology leaders.
A Look Inside Soybean Research
Dean Malvick provides an inside look at the portion of his research program focused on sudden death syndrome and Rhizoctonia root rot.
My Plant Path: Zennah Kosgey
When Zennah Kosgey dreams about the future of her home country Kenya, she sees a country free of poverty. Kosgey sees that day coming soon and won’t stop pushing herself until that dream becomes a reality.
Alumni Spotlight: Barbara Christ
Alumna Barbara Christ, (M.S. 1980) Special Assistant to the Deans in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Professor of Plant Pathology at Penn State University, looks back at her time with the department.
View Past Editions of the Aurora Sporealis
The Aurora Sporealis has been published since 1924, and all editions are available digitally.
Plant Disease Clinic 2017 Update
During the past year, clients submitted 2421 samples to the Plant Disease Clinic, this represented approximately 160 plant species as host types.
My Plant Path: Deepak Haarith
Drawing on his fascination with plant-microbe interactions, and inspiration from Norman Borlaug’s work, when Deepak Haarith decided to pursue a Ph.D. in plant pathology, he could think of no better fit than here.
News Recap 2017
In this year’s magazine, we provide a summary of the news and events from this year. Check out this year's notable alumni and event news.
