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Education B.A. Biology, Franklin & Marshall University Ph.D. Genetics, The Pennsylvania State University
Research Interests My research focuses on the genetics of virus resistance in maize and soybean. I am particularly interested in quantitative genetics, functional genomics, host-virus-vector interactions, and the identification and development of virus resistant germplasm.
Education B.S. Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Cornell University
Research Interests I am broadly interested in how plant viruses are transmitted by their insect vectors and the interactions that occur among virus, vector, and host from the molecular to the ecological scale. My research goals are to leverage classical and cutting-edge molecular techniques to investigate and harness the biology of these interactions to inform and develop novel management strategies.
Research Interests My focus is testing germplasm for tolerance and resistance. My interests include exploring different ways to inoculate plants with virus (e.g. vascular puncture inoculation), insect vector development and behavior, working with wild and exotic germplasm, and storage and preservation of viral tissue.
Research Interests I am interested in diagnostics and characterization of new maize viruses as well as studying plant-virus-vector interactions. I also enjoy training students and visiting scientists on lab techniques, new and classical, in which our group has expertise.
Nitika Khatri Biological Science Technician
Education B.S. Maharshi Dayanand University, India M.S. Guru Jambheshwar University, India
Research Interests I am interested in vector transmission of viruses, and behavioral changes in insect vectors when interacting with viruses.
Courtney McCusker Biological Science Technician
Education B.S. Biology, University of Illinois M.S. Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois
Research Interests My research focuses on understanding seed transmission of High Plains wheat mosaic virus. I also assist with germplasm development in the field.
Education B.S. Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, The Ohio State University Ph.D. Translational Plant Sciences, The Ohio State University
Research Interests I’m interested in characterizing maize physiological responses during pathogen interactions, as well as converting plant viruses into useful molecular biology tools.
Previous Lab Members
Peg Redinbaugh (retired 2017) Adjunct Professor,Ohio State University
Education Ph.D. Biochemistry, State University of New York M.S. Biochemistry, State University of New York B.S. Biology, University of Albany-SUNY
Research Goals My primary research interests are identify and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic and biological bases of virus resistance and tolerance in maize.
Lucy R. Stewart (moved 2020) Research Molecular Biologist
Education B.S. Brigham Young University Ph.D. University of California-Davis
Research Interests My work focuses on identification, management, and molecular biology of maize viruses. Current objectives include identifying viruses present in field crops, understanding transmission and virus gene function for waikaviruses, and improving virus-induced gene silencing vectors for maize.
Jane Todd (retired 2021) Biological Science Lab Technician
Education B.S. Entomology, University of Illinois M.S. Entomology, Ohio State University
Research Interests Vector biology: interactions between plant viruses and their vectors Insect feeding behavior (EPG) Host plant resistance to soybean pests
Education B.S. University of New Hampshire M.S. Ohio State University
Research Interests I am the agronomist in the Corn Virus unit and am responsible for developing germplasm and genetic stocks for use in experiments to understand the genetic and biochemical mechanisms of virus resistance in maize.
