Entomology and Plant Pathology
Fueled by his upbringing, Dawson Kerns, a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is dedicated to understanding a major cotton pest, bollworm, and its resistance mechanisms. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in entomology from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Kerns embarked on his Ph.D. journey in 2020 under the guidance of Professors Juan Jurat-Fuentes and Scott Stewart. With a focus on bollworms (Helicoverpa zea), a significant threat to cotton crops, Kerns’ research aims to answer research questions related to insecticidal protein resistance. Q&A with Dawson Kerns Can you tell me a little bit
Alhagie Cham, an accomplished scientist from Gambia, West Africa, developed his passion for agriculture from humble beginnings in a groundnut-growing family. Cham’s passion for agriculture led him to pursue academic excellence. Cham currently serves as a postdoctoral research associate in the Olukolu Lab at the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. With a focus on bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular interactions, Cham aims to understand the dynamics of plant-pathogen-microbe interactions within agricultural systems. Q&A with Alhagie Cham Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? My name is Alhagie K. Cham, and I am from Gambia, West Africa. I obtained a BS degree
Please help welcome Dr. Midhula Gireesh to the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Gireesh joins the team today, June 1, 2023, as an assistant professor and Extension entomologist at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, TN. In this role, Gireesh will develop an educational program using traditional and innovative outreach tools for diverse audiences and an applied research program focused on insect and mite pests affecting ornamental plants, nursery plants, and turf. The role also involves supporting county Extension agents and specialists, stakeholder groups, and regional and state leaders. Gireesh will also play an important role in the
Taylor Miller, a recent graduate student, sat down for an insightful interview with the Herbert College of Agriculture to share her remarkable journey and experiences during her time in graduate school. In the interview, Miller recounted her favorite memories and classes that left a lasting impression. Graduating from the Herbert College of Agriculture was not just an academic achievement for Taylor; it was a testament to her unwavering dedication and the invaluable impact of her alma mater. To read Miller’s interview, visit her highlight “Achieving Academic Excellence at Herbert: Taylor Miller“.
The University of Tennessee Bee Campus Committee, a group comprised of UT faculty, staff and students, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and UT Gardens, invites communities across the state to celebrate Pollinator Week at a series of pollinator events, Garden Buzz, on June 20, 2023. Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health, initiated and managed by Pollinator Partnership. Garden Buzz will offer participants opportunities to learn more about pollinators in Tennessee through educational sessions and to fill their gardens with locally grown plants that attract pollinators. “Garden Buzz is an example of the great events the University of Tennessee offers
Professor emeritus Mark Windham was awarded the Joseph and Marion Klima Medal at the 2023 ARS National Rose Convention in Shreveport, LA on May 6, 2023, by the American Rose Society (ARS). The award recognizes Windham’s many contributions to the American Rose Magazine and ornamental plant pathology and outreach to rosarians. “I am honored. I would also like to thank Sara Collins, a research associate within the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, as she was instrumental to the success of the resistance work at the Plateau Station,” Windham said. The Celebration Awards Banquet, which took place during the National Rose
Undergraduate students, Kathleen Coffman and Sydney Crowe, attended Community STEAM night at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge, TN, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm EDT on Thursday, May 4, 2023. With more than 30 displays/booths, STEAM night brought together STEM and ART into a fun, educational evening! The theme of the night was “May the Fourth Be with You”. Therefore, Kathleen Coffman and Sydney Crowe spent the evening educating more than 500 students and adults at their booth named, “May the Bugs Be with You”.
Congratulations to Autumn McLaughlin for passing her qualifying exams. Mclaughlin is advised by Dr. Heather Kelly.
Shade Niece, a graduate student studying plant pathology, and mentor Marcin Nowicki, a research assistant professor within the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, were selected to receive the 2023 Student/Faculty Research Award by the UT Graduate School. The award will support Niece’s project, “Establishing the first whole mitochondrial genomes for Cornales.” Nowicki said, “This is a proud mentor moment. Congratulations, Shade!”
Zane Smith, a graduate student within the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, was selected to receive the 2023 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive award recognizes graduate students who are anticipated to become knowledge experts and contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. Smith’s research focuses on generating and utilizing computational genomic resources for the conservation of imperiled and endangered forest trees, primarily native ash trees. Through his research, Zane seeks to understand how genomic techniques can be applied to understand and leverage adaptive potential for the
