Graduate Research Assistant
Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology

E-Mail: laj7@cornell.edu

2009-present Ph.D. candidate, Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology, Cornell University.

2001 BS, Plant Biology, Cornell University.

Graduate advisor: Chris Smart

   

Research Focus

I am interested in plant pathogen detection, diagnosis, and management.  My research is focused upon bacterial pathogens of vegetable crops grown in New York.  The number of bacterial genomes sequenced is growing exponentially as DNA sequencing technology continually improves and costs shrink.  Part of my work will be to use this wealth of genome data to produce better and more informative diagnostic protocols to more effectively manage and track bacterial plant pathogens. 

Professional Experience

2004-2009 Biological Scientist III for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Here I used molecular biology and DNA sequence information to help identify plant pathogens, including the first report of Citrus Greening or Huanglongbing in the United States, Phytophthora ramorum blight, Texas Phoenix Palm Decline, and numerous plant viruses.

2001-2004 Senior Laboratory Technician with Advanced Environmental Laboratories, Inc.  My primary responsibilities were microbial and chemical analyses of environmental samples.  I was also involved in preparing the lab for National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) certification.

Awards and Honors

2009 Prudential's Davis Productivity Award - recognizing, rewarding, and replicating excellence in state government

2009 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Certificate of Appreciation for work on Texas Phoenix Palm Decline survey activities, sample testing, and vector research

2009 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Outstanding Service Award for meritorious accomplishments and dedicated service of regulatory plant pathogen and apiary protection in Florida agriculture

2007 Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Citation of Special Recognition for outstanding efforts in Huanglongbing diagnostics

Professional Societies and Working Groups

American Phytopathological Society

Publications

C. A. Baker, E. N. Rosskopf, M. S. Irey, L. Jones, and S. Adkins.  2008.  Bidens mottle virus and Apium virus Y Identified in Ammi majus in Florida.  Plant Dis. 92: 975-975.

C. A. Baker, D. Davison, and L. Jones.  2007.  Impatiens necrotic spot virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus Diagnosed in Phalaenopsis Orchids from Two Florida Nurseries.  Plant Dis. 91:1515.

C. A. Baker and L. Jones.  2007.  A New Potyvirus found in Passiflora incence in Florida.  Plant Dis. 91:227.

C. A. Baker, L. Breman, and L. Jones.  2006.  Alternanthera mosaic virus Found in Scutellaria, Crossandra, and Portulaca spp. in Florida.  Plant Dis. 90:833.

C. A. Baker, L. Jones, R. M. Leahy, and D. E. Soltis.  2009.  Tomato spotted wilt virus Found in Five Species of the genus Tragopogon in a Florida Greenhouse.  Plant Dis. 93:546.