EDUCATION
| 1980 | Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of California, Berkeley. PhD Thesis: The Role of Rhizobacteria in Increasing Plant Growth and Yield. Dr. Milton Schroth, Major Professor. |
| 1977 | M.S. Plant Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Thesis: The Role of Insects in the Epidemiology of Potato Blackleg |
| 1975 | B.S. Botany and Plant Pathology (Double Major), Colorado State University |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
| 1998 – Present | Professor of Plant Pathology, Auburn University |
| 1992 – 1998 | Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology, Auburn University |
| 1989 – 1992 | Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Auburn University |
| 1987 – 1989 | Manager, Microbial Inoculants, Allelix Agriculture, Mississauga, Ontario |
| 1985 – 1987 | Group Leader, Agricultural Microbiology Group, Allelix Agriculture, Mississauga, Ontario |
| 1983 – 1985 | Senior Research Scientist, Allelix Inc., Mississauga, Ontario |
| 1982 – 1983 | Research Scientist, Advanced Genetic Sciences, Inc., Manhattan, Kansas |
| 1980 – 1982 | Assistant Professor, University of California, Berkeley |
HONORS AND AWARDS
| 2016 | Selected as Alumni Professor at Auburn University |
| 2015 | Invited to be a keynote speaker at the Second International Congress on Biostimulants in Agriculture, Florence, Italy, November, 2015 |
| 2015 | Invited keynote speaker at the International Symposium: “Microbe-Assisted Crop Production—opportunities, challenge, and needs, Vienna, Austria |
| 2015 | Received AAES Director’s Senior Research Award |
| 2015 | Received Dean’s Granstmanship Award, College of Agriculture |
| 2014 | Received “Excellence in Innovation Award” from the Auburn University chapter of the National Academy of Inventers |
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
| Member of the American Phytopathological Society |
| Member of Association for the Advancement of Science |
| Coordinator of the International PGPR Workshop which holds international meetings every 3 years. |
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
My research is focused on the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for promoting plant growth, plant health, and nutrient uptake. The emphasis is on various species and strains of the spore-forming bacilli because spores of these PGPR remain viable as seed treatments for a long period of time, thereby increasing the opportunities of integrating the PGPR into current agricultural practices. Modes of action are studied, and effects on plant pathogens as well as plant-damaging insects are evaluated in collaborations with other faculty in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University.
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
I do not have a formal extension appointment but have conducted field research on the use of PGPR for promoting plant growth and protecting against plant diseases and insects. This work has included several SARE projects over the years with other faculty at Auburn University.
RECENT COURSES TAUGHT
| PLPA 7820 Research Proposal Writing, Fall Semester every year since 2011 |
| PLPA 6060/5050 Plant Disease Management, co-teach with Dr. Lawrence, every alternate year |
SELECT PUBLICATIONS
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