Research Associate Sr
Roberts Hall, Room BOX15
Email: dmg4@cornell.edu
Bachelor's Degree
Univ of Rhode Island
1978
Master's Degree
Univ of New Hampshire
1981
Doctorate
Univ of New Hampshire
1984
Research on such classical diseases as apple scab and grape powdery mildew has been continuous and intensive throughout the last century. However, relatively few investigations have had a major impact upon how we approach controlling those diseases. An overall goal of my research has been to identify those areas of pathogen biology, ecology, and epidemiology that are poorly understood, and which severely constrain our ability to improve disease management programs. The research frequently spans disciplinary, institutional, and international boundaries, and has involved collaborations with horticulturists, food scientists, and entomologists from the other departments at Geneva, and in countries from Norway to Australia.
I am particularly interested in how plant pathogens survive the intercrop period to restart epidemics after a period of overwintering and dormancy, and the development of ontogenic (age-related resistance) in crop plants. Both are important components of disease management programs that provide opportunities for ecological and epidemiological studies of a comprehensive nature. The pathogen groups that I`ve studied include a variety of powdery and downy mildews, and scab on apples. The most recent work has focused on grapes, strawberries, and vegetable crops.
It`s a 2-way street. I use interactions with stakeholders to refine research directions and ideas and to keep them useful and relevant to the industry. It`s also an opportunity to educate the stakeholders in research findings and their practical application. Most recently, I have worked with our professional society (The American Phytopathological Society) to study key issues facing the profession - including age demographics, funding, and disciplinary balance, as well as how we can best train the next generation of plant pathologists.
I take advantage of whatever opportunities to teach that arise. I lead the Field Plant Pathology course trip on turf diseases, and arrange demonstrations and brief lectures for elementary and middle school students during visits to the Experiment Station. I am also an adjunct faculty member at the Norwegian Institute of Plant Research (Bioforsk) where I conduct a short lecture series on preparation of competitive grant proposals and writing for refereed journals.
