David M. Sylvia, Professor and Head
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, 116 ASI Building
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-3504
Phone: 814 865-2025, FAX: 814 863-8020, e-mail dmsylvia@psu.edu 

Complete CV in PDF format

Degrees:

Ph.D., Plant Pathology, Cornell University, 1981; Minor: Plant Physiology
M.S., Plant Pathology, University of Massachusetts, 1977
B.S., Forestry, University of Massachusetts, 1975

Employment:

Professor and Head, Crop and Soil Sciences Department, Penn. State University, 2002 to present
Professor, Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida, 1993 to 2002
Administrative Intern, Academic Programs, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Univ. Florida, 1996-1997
Visiting Research Fellow, Biological Lab, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK, 1993
Associate Professor, Soil Science Department, University of Florida, 1989 to 1993
Assistant Professor, Soil Science Department, University of Florida, 1984 to 1989
Research Associate, Plant Pathology Department, University of Florida, 1981 to 1984

Area of Expertise:

My research interest is the microbial ecology of the rhizosphere with an emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi. I have conducted studies on plant-fungus interactions and the functional diversity of these symbiotic associations. My applied projects were directed toward the potential use of mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture and forestry.

Leadership Development Activities:

The American Council on Education (ACE) workshop on Chairing the Academic Department. Washington, DC, June 15-18, 2005.

Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Department Executive Officer Seminar.  Chicago, IL, Mar 31-Apr 2, 2005. 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) Workshop on Cultivating Leadership for a Changing Agriculture. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Nov. 15-18, 2003

 LEAD IFAS, a series of four 2-day workshops designed to foster leadership and managerial skills within the land grant college (2000-2001).

 ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Development Program, Class 6 (1996-1997)

·        Phase I - Attended 7-day leadership training program in Indianapolis, IN

·        Phase II - Internship in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

(i) surveyed faculty on use of computing technology in the classroom

(ii) chaired task force on Technology-Assisted Graduate Education

(iii) organized Teaching Technology Workshops

(iv) implemented web pages to support teaching technology (http://dmsylvia.ifas.ufl.edu/Workshop/index.htm)

·        Phase III - Participated in 3-day "Washington experience" to increase understanding of land-grant universities and the political process

 Awarded Supervisory Challenge Certificate from University Personnel Services, University of Florida (1996).

Courses Taught:

·           Soil Microbiology and Soil Microbial Ecology.  The latter course made extensive use of multimedia and web pages, and one section was offered for distance education students.

·           Advanced Topics in Mycorrhiza and Soil Microbiology

·           First Year Seminar with Environmental Emphasis (Be a Master Student)

Professional/Scientific Organization Offices/Activities:

International Society of Soil Science
Member of editorial board for Biology and Fertility of Soils. 1993 to present.

Soil Science Society of America
Associate Editor, Division S-3  Soil Science Society of America Journal. 1/88-12/90.
Chair, Division S-3, 2000

Southern Regional Projects S226, S262, and S297
Chair, 1995

Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida
Associate Editor of the Proceedings of the Florida Soil and Crop Science Society, 1985.

Honors and Awards:

Summa Cum Laude (Univ. Massachusetts), Xi Sigma pi, Sigma Xi
National Academy of Science Exchange Scholar to Czechoslovakia (1988)
Outstanding Faculty Achievement and Performance Award (1990)
Cited in Marquis Who'sWho in Science and Engineering and Sterlings Who'sWho Directory
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award (1997)
Graduate Teacher/Advisor of the Year, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (1999)
Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (2000)
Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy (2001)
Honorary member of Alpha Zeta (2002)
Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2003)

Patent:

Sylvia, D.M and A.G. Jarstfer. 1992. Sheared-roots as a VA-mycorrhizal inoculum and methods for enhancing plant growth. U.S. Patent 5 096 481. Date issued: 17 March.