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

August 2007-present: MS/PhD student, Plant Pathology

2006, BS, Environmental Science and Policy (Concentration: Biodiversity and Conservation Biology), University of Maryland, College Park

2006, BA, Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park Date, Degree, Major, College/University Current Graduate Advisor

Graduate Advisor: Gary Bergstrom

Research Focus    

My research focuses on the population dynamics and lipopeptide production of the TrigoCor1448 strain of Bacillus subtilis - a potential biocontrol bacterium. TrigoCor1448 has shown promising control of Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat. We are working to elucidate the complex interactions on wheat spikes between B. subtilis and F. graminearum. This investigation will hopefully allow us to better understand the mechanisms behind Bacillus’s biocontrol abilities, both on a smaller molecular scale and within a larger ecological context.

Professional Experience      

2007 Agricultural Science Research Technician, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Arboretum

2006 Plant Genetics Research Assistant. University of Maryland Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Landscape Architecture

2005-2006 Plant Pathology Research Assistant. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fruit Lab

Awards and Honors      

2007 Awarded Cornell University Graduate School Fellowship

2006 Graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a Dean’s Academic Scholar, University of Maryland, College Park

2006 Second place winner in ASA-CSSA-SSSA’s Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Manuscript Contest

Professional Societies and Working Groups       

2008-present American Phytopathological Society
2006-present Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society

Publications     

Crane, J. 2007. Response of strawberry black root rot to abiotic and biotic soil factors. J. Nat. Resour. Life Sci. Educ. 36:27-31. List your publications here