Graduate Research Assistant
Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology
Ithaca, NY 14853

August 2006-present, MS student,
Concentration: Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University

2005: Bachelor of Science, Juniata College

Graduate advisor: H. Dillard, Christine Smart

Research Focus     
I am interested in diseases of vegetable crops and in helping growers to manage these diseases better. In New York State, the oomycete Phytophthora capsici causes Phytophthora blight on cucurbit and solanaceous crops, resulting in severe losses during wet growing seasons. More knowledge about the populations which are affecting growers in New York may eventually lead to better recommendations for control of this disease. To that end, I will be characterizing the genetic diversity of isolates of P. capsici from the major vegetable-growing regions of New York State. Knowing how New York’s populations vary across growing regions and how they are similar to or different from populations in other states will be important as researchers continue to look for better ways to manage this disease.

Professional Experience     
2006-2007 Teaching Assistant, BIO G 103-104: Introductory Biology Laboratory, Cornell University
2006-2007 Full-time volunteer, Grow Pittsburgh, through Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience
2005 Technical Assistant, The Ohio State University, OARDC, Department of Plant Pathology.
2004 Undergraduate research assistant, The Ohio State University, OARDC, Department of Plant Pathology.

Awards and Honors     
2005 Dr. Andrew B. and Maria F. Brumbaugh Science Prize
2004 Homer C. and Ethel. F. Will Endowed Scholarship Fund in Biology
2001-2005 Juniata College Service & Leadership Scholarship

Elected and Appointed Offices     

2006-present New Student Committee (Geneva Department of Plant Pathology)

Professional Societies and Working Groups      
American Phytopathological Society

Publications
Rotenberg, D., Joshi, R., Benitez, M.-S., Gutierrez Chapin, L., Camp, A., Zumpetta, C., Osborne, A., Dick, W. A., and McSpadden Gardener, B. B. 2007. Farm management effects on rhizosphere colonization by native populations of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol-producing Pseudomonas spp. and their contributions to crop health. Phytopathology 97:756-766.