DR. DEWAYNE SHOEMAKER
Professor and Department Head
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Areas of Expertise
Population and evolutionary genetics/genomics of insects
DR. ERNEST BERNARD
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Nematology, soil zoology, community ecology, basal hexapods, systematics
DR. SEBE BROWN
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Field crop entomology, insecticide resistance, plant insect interactions
DR. JEROME GRANT
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Biological control of insects and weeds, integrated pest management, invasive species, forest pests, population dynamics
DR. MIDHULA GIREESH
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Turfgrass and ornamental insect pest management, Spatial distribution of insect pests, Cultural control
DR. KIMBERLY GWINN
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Areas of Expertise
Natural product biopesticides
DR. DENITA HADZIABDIC GUERRY
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Areas of Expertise
Forest health and forest pathology, population genetics, conservation of native plants, molecular detection of pest and pathogens, phytobiome, food security
DR. REZA HAJIMORAD
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Areas of Expertise
Plant virology, nematode virology
DR. DARRELL HENSLEY
Extension Associate Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Pesticide safety, plant pathology, Burley Tobacco disease control, drone technologies, distance diagnostics
DR. JUAN LUIS JURAT-FUENTES
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Insect physiology, insect pathology, mode of action and resistance to entomopathogenic bacteria and transgenic crops, insect molecular biology and biochemistry, insect digestive system
DR. HEATHER KELLY
Professor and Extension Specialist
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Integrated pest management (IPM) in field crops, fungicide resistance, epidemiology of plant diseases
DR. KURT LAMOUR
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Areas of Expertise
Population and evolutionary genetics and genomics of plant pathogens
DR. KEVIN MOULTON
Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Areas of Expertise
Systematics and evolution of Diptera (True Flies)
DR. MARCIN NOWICKI
Research Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Invasive species, biodiversity, molecular genetics, population and evolutionary genetics/genomics of plants and their pathogens
DR. BODE OLUKOLU
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Areas of Expertise
Genetics/Genomics of plant/plant-pathogen interactions, structural, comparative and functional genomics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics
DR. CHARITY OWINGS
Research Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Areas of Expertise
Forensic entomology, population genetics and molecular ecology of carrion arthropods, decomposition ecology
DR. BONNIE OWNLEY
Professor & Asst. Department Head Graduate Director
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Biological and cultural control of soil-borne plant pathogens, microbial ecology of beneficial plant bacteria and fungi; mechanisms of microbial biological control
DR. NAR RANABHAT
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
IPM, turfgrass, ornamentals, nursery, billbugs, biological control, cultural control
DR. MARGARET STATON
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Areas of Expertise
Bioinformatics, computational genomics, genomic database development
DR. SCOTT STEWART
Research Center Director and Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Integrated pest management (IPM), field crops insects
DR. ROBERT TRIGIANO
Chancellor’s Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Mycology including Oomycetes, ornamental biotechnology and plant pathology, molecular markers of plants and pathogens, biotechnology of plants
DR. REBECCA TROUT FRYXELL
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Entomology, vector biology, diagnostics and surveillance, population genetics
DR. JENNIFER TSURUDA
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Concentrations
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Apiculture, honey bee biology, and pollinator health
DR. KAREN VAIL
Professor and Extension Specialist
Graduate Program Concentrations
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Areas of Expertise
Management of household and structural pests with a current emphasis on odorous house ants and bed bugs
LAURIE BARLEY
Extension Program Assistant III
229 Third Creek Building
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-1286
lbarley@utk.edu
KIMBERLY CAMPBELL
Business Manager
368 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-3432
kcamp@utk.edu
ANNIE CARTER
Administrative Associate II
Soil, Plant and Pest Center
5201 Marchant Drive
Nashville, TN 37211-5112
Office: (615) 832-6550
acarte75@utk.edu
SONYA DEXTER
Accounting Assistant III
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7949
sdexter@utk.edu
SHERRI HILL-WHITAKER
Administrative Associate II
Third Creek Building
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-1286
shillwhi@utk.edu
TONYA JELF
Administrative Specialist I
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapmin Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
tjelf@utk.edu
CAROL JOWERS
Administrative Associate
West TN Research & Education Center
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Office: (731) 425-4718
cjowers3@utk.edu
ARLENE KING
Accounting Specialist II
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7953
jaking@utk.edu
TENERIA PARKER
Communication Administrative Associate II
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
tparker@tennessee.edu
DR. HEBA ABDELGAFFAR
Research Associate III – Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
369 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
habdelga@utk.edu
DAVID BECHTEL
Research Specialist III – Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Grant
128 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
dbechtel@vols.utk.edu
SARAH BOGGESS
Senior Research Associate – Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Trigiano
363 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
sbogges1@vols.utk.edu
NOAH CALDWELL
Lead IT Administrative Analyst III
Mentor – Dr. Staton
153 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
ncaldwe6@vols.utk.edu
DR. ALHAGIE CHAM
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Olukolu
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
acham1@utk.edu
JENNIFER CHANDLER
Research Specialist III
Mentor – Dr. Vail
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
jchand11@utk.edu
SARA COLLINS
Research Coordinator – Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Grant
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
scolli41@utk.edu
Mentor – Dr. Hansen
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
alyrcoun@utk.edu
WESLEY CROWDER
Research Technician III
Mentor – Dr. Kelly
West TN Research & Education Center
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Office: (731) 425-4714
wcrowder@utk.edu
DR. GREGORY CURLER
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Moulton
432 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-8411
gcurler@utk.edu
MARY DEE
Research Associate II
Mentor – Dr. Ownley
412 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-4982
mdee@utk.edu
DR. IBRAHIM ELSHESHENY
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
i.elshesheny@utk.edu
DR. RAFAEL FERREIRA DOS SANTOS
Postdoctoral Research Associate – LYBIL Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Shoemaker
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
rferrei1@utk.edu
DR. MATTHEW HUFF
Research Associate I
Mentor – Dr. Staton
153 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
mhuff10@utk.edu
RYAN KUSTER
Microbial Bioinformatics Analyst
Mentor – Dr. Staton
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
rkuster@utk.edu
DR. ISAI MADRIZ-VILLANUEVA
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Moulton
432 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-8411
rmadrizv@utk.edu
MARJORIE MCKEE
Research Specialist II
Mentor – Dr. Shoemaker
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 274-8003
mmckee4@utk.edu
DR. CHUKS NWANADE
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Becky Trout-Fryxell
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 865-974-7135
cnwanade@utk.edu
AARON ONUFRAK
Research Technician III – Lab Manager
Mentor – Dr. Hadziabdic-Guerry
B006 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
aonufrak@vols.utk.edu
DR. CAROLINE PLACIDI De BORTOLI
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
369 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
cplacidi@utk.edu
SANDY STECKEL
Extension Assistant I
Mentor – Dr. Stewart
West TN Research & Education Center
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Office: (731) 425-4701
ssteckel@utk.edu
DR. LAV YADAV
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Mentor – Dr. Staton
153 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Office: (865) 974-7135
lyadav@utk.edu
ZACH WEATHERFORD
Research Technician III
Mentor – Dr. Kelly
West TN Research & Education Center
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301
Office: (731) 425-4701
zacweat@utk.edu
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Kelly
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Shoemaker & Dr. Staton
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Grant
Concentration
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Advisor
Dr. Trout Fryxell
ALLYSON DEKOVICH
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Shoemaker & Dr. Staton
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Staton
KASSIE HOLLABAUGH
Ph.D. Candidate
Concentration
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Advisor
Dr. Grant
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Staton
DAWSON KERNS
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Stewart & Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Hadziabdic Guerry
AUTUMN MCLAUGHLIN
Ph.D. Candidate
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Kelly
SWATI MISHRA
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
MICHELLE ODOI
Ph.D. Candidate
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Hadziabdic Guerry & Dr. Trigiano
MEHER ONY
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Hadziabdic Guerry and Dr. Staton
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Hadziabdic Guerry
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems
Advisor
Dr. Ownley
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Kelly
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Jurat-Fuentes
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Trout Fryxell
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Staton
PETER TANDY
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Molecular Interactions
Advisor
Dr. Jurat-Fuentes, Dr. Kelly, & Dr. Lamour
KATE TURNER
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Hansen
Concentration
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Systematics
Advisor
Dr. Moulton
ELIAS ZUCHELLI
Ph.D. Student
Concentration
Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management
Advisor
Dr. Kelly
Karla Addesso
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Tennessee State University
Telephone: 931-815-5155
Parwinder Grewal
Adjunct Professor
Uriel Kitron
Adjunct Professor
Goodrich C. White Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences
Emory University
Adriean Mayor
Adjunct Assistant Professor
William (Bill) Moar
Adjunct Professor
Science Fellow
Regulatory Affairs – Global Resistance Management Monsanto
Timothy Rinehart
Adjunct Professor
Assistant Dean, UT Extension, University of Tennessee College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community Economic Development
Bradley Sinclair
Adjunct Professor
Entomology – Ottawa Plant Laboratories Entomology Food Inspection Agency
James T. Vogt
Adjunct Professor
Deputy Program Manager USDA, FS, Inventory & Analysis
Steve Bost
Gene Burgess
Reid Gerhardt
Frank Hale
James Hilty
Paris Lambdin
Gary Lentz
Charles Pless
John Skinner
Alan Windham
Mark Windham
