portrait of Sonya Dexter

Navigating Change with Grace: Sonya Dexter

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                              Sonya Dexter, an exceptional individual who is an invaluable member of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, holds over three decades of dedicated service with the department. With unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of growth and innovation, Dexter continues to play a pivotal role in the department’s success. Currently, Dexter serves as an accounting assistant, leveraging her financial expertise and attention to detail.   About Sonya Dexter Joining EPP in 1990, Dexter started her professional journey as a word processor, diligently typing every document that passed through the department. From typing typewriter forms to interoffice memos, book chapters, and class materials, Dexter played

Alhagie Cham working in the lab.

Empowering Agriculture through Bioinformatics and Genomics: Alhagie Cham

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                                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

Heba Abdelgaffar looking into a microscope in the Jurat-Fuentes lab

Staff Spotlight: Heba Abdelgaffar

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                                Heba Abdelgaffar, a lab manager in the Jurat-Fuentes Lab, joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in 2012 after receiving her Ph.D. in biology from Ain Shams University in Cairo. Since her arrival, Heba has contributed to many publications and excelled as a team leader. In her free time, Abdelgaffar loves to foster animals and cook traditional Egyptian dishes. Q&A with Heba Abdelgaffar Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? My name is Heba Abdelgaffar, and I was born and raised in Cairo (Egypt). I have always been interested in science, so I pursued a Ph.D. degree in Biology from Ain

Matthew Huff

Staff Spotlight: Matthew Huff

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  Questions   Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I am originally from Lexington, South Carolina, which is 30 minutes west of Columbia. I got my bachelor’s in Genetics from Clemson University and my MS in Biomedical Science, with a focus on Bioinformatics, from the Medical University of South Carolina. I have worked with the University of Tennessee’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in my current position for over five years. I have also been working towards my Ph.D. in Bioinformatics for three years. Who are the team of faculty you work with? I work under Dr. Margaret Staton as a Research Associate. She is also my advisor for my Ph.D. research. What are the primary

Sarah and her dog

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Boggess

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  Questions   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I grew up in rural East Tennessee. I attended UT to obtain my BS in plant science and MS in entomology and plant pathology (plant pathology concentration). Since working at the university, I have joined the EPP committees for Diversity and Inclusion and Social events, as well as professional organizations diversity & inclusion and accessibility committees. This position allows me to combine my passions for teaching/working with students, disability advocacy, and scientific research. Who are the team of faculty you work with? I work with Bob Trigiano. Our lab collaborates frequently with many other groups in EPP and beyond including but not limited to, Dewayne Shoemaker, Meg Staton,

Portrait of Abdullah Almsaeed

Staff Spotlight: Abdullah Almsaeed

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  After graduating from The University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Abdullah Almsaeed joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (EPP) as a Web Developer and Research Associate. His interest in software development began at a young age. “I started learning computer programming as early as twelve years old” he stated. Abdullah grew up in Saudi Arabia and explained that during this time it was difficult for young residents to find opportunities to learn about computer science. He then continued with a little more detail about his backstory. “Because of access to the Internet, however, I managed to become a self-taught developer who created and sold his first software by the age of fifteen. Since

a photo of Shalini and Sr Vice President & Sr Vice Chancellor Tim Cross

Staff Spotlight – Shalini Yerukala

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  Shalini Yerukala is a Research Specialist III from Hyderabad, India. In 2019, she received her Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology with a concentration in Sustainable Disease and Integrated Pest Management Systems. Shalini was interviewed as a part of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology’s series of spotlights on staff.   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you get into your career field? My Story: Hello, I am Shalini Yerukala. I come from a rural agricultural family in Hyderabad, a city in the Southern part of India. Both my parents are organic farmers. They grow organic food products including rice, corn, maize, legumes, fruits, vegetables, etc. Since childhood I have been exposed