Responsibilities and Interests:

Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the growth of programs in resident instruction, research, and extension, as well as administrative responsibility for academic affairs, personnel, finances, and facilities. Additional responsibilities include strengthening relationships with other departments, agronomic industries, alumni, government, and other public and private clientele, and pursuing funding sources for departmental programs. Research programs examined the microbial ecology of the rhizosphere — particularly mycorrhizal fungi — with the goal of incorporating mycorrhizal technology into sustainable agricultural practice.

Education:

• BS, Forestry, Univ. of Massachusetts, 1975
• M.S., Plant Pathology, Univ. of Massachusetts, 1977
• Ph.D., Plant Pathology, Cornell University, 1981

Professional Background:

• Research Associate, University of Florida, 1981–1984
• Assistant Professor, University of Florida, 1984–1989
• Associate Professor, University of Florida, 1989–1993
• Professor, Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, 1993–2002
• Visiting Research Fellow, Biological Laboratory, University of Kent at Canterbury, 1993
• Administrative Intern for academic programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, 1996–1997
• Head, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 2002–present