Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
Ithaca, NY 14853
June 2008-present, PhD Student, Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University
May 2008, B.S., Biology, Moravian College
May 2008, B.A., German, Moravian College
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Rebecca Nelson
Research Focus
I am interested in the interaction between plants and microbes, specifically the interaction between Setosphaeria turcica and maize. S. turcica causes northern leaf blight in maize and is a major production constraint in both the US and Africa. I am interested in the genetic mechanisms underlying maize disease resistance. Currently, I am fine mapping quantitative trait loci to better understand quantitative disease resistance. Furthermore, I am interested in how the fungus is able to cause disease and where in the pathogenesis process the resistance mechanisms act. By better understanding this interaction, diseases can be better managed.
Professional Experience
2007 DAAD SOAR Scholar, Department of Microbiology, University of Münster, Germany, advisor: Dr. Christof von Eiff
2006 SOAR project, Department of Biology, Moravian College, advisor: Dr. Christopher Jones
Elected and Appointed Offices
2008-2009 Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association Treasurer
2009-2010 Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association President
Publications
Chung C, Jamann T, Longfellow J, Nelson R. 2010. Characterization and fine-mapping of a resistance locus for northern leaf blight in maize bin 8.06. TAG Theoretical and Applied Genetics:1-23.