Nick Rajtar

My PhD focused on several aspects of fungi and plant pathogens: canker fungi associated with the emerald ash borer, detection of Phytophthora species in nurseries, forest stands, and waterways around Minnesota, and describing the Xylaria species from the Ecuadorian rainforest. As a postdoc, I will continue my work on the biosurveillance of invasive forest pathogens in Minnesota, with emphasis on Phytophthora and Heterobasidion irregulare, the pathogen that causes Heterobasidion Root Disease (HRD). My research aims to detect invasive forest pathogens using molecular tools and cutting-edge forest pathology techniques to forest health for future generations.

Both inside and outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors. My hobbies include backwoods camping and foraging for wild mushrooms. I collect vinyl records, frequent local microbreweries, and enjoy spending time with my wife, Izzy, and our pets: Vonnegut (a tabby cat), Chewbacca (a tortoiseshell cat), and Cedar (a German Shepherd). I am a dedicated fan of the Premier League football team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers, and national teams in Lebanon and Poland.