NDSU Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology

Congratulations to Dr. Milsha George, research assistant professor in Plant Pathology, on receiving the 2026 Scholar Recognition Award from NDSU's Faculty Immigration Office.

The award recognizes visiting scholars whose research, collaboration, and cultural contributions enrich the NDSU community. Through her work in Dr. Febina Mathew's program, Dr. George has fostered interdisciplinary connections, advanced research efforts, and positively impacted students, colleagues, and community members.

Well deserved, Dr. George!

Right before graduation, Nora Daub and Avery Folsom received two of the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology's highest student honors.

Nora Daub was awarded the Dr. Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence in Microbiology, while Avery Folsom received the Dr. Eugene Berry Medal of Excellence in Biotechnology.

These awards recognize outstanding achievement and excellence within their respective fields. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Throughout the spring semester, students and faculty from the Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology program connected with K–12 students across North Dakota through a variety of outreach activities focused on plant pathology, microbiology and biotechnology.

From high school visits and interactive lunch sessions to greenhouse tours and hands-on learning experiences, students explored topics like crop diseases, beneficial microbes and the science behind protecting plant health. Outreach activities also encouraged students to consider future studies and careers in agricultural science and research.

Whether examining disease samples from corn, wheat, barley and sunflower or learning plant pathology concepts through fun demonstrations, these events helped spark curiosity and bring science to life for students of all ages.

Back in March, the NDSU Plant Pathology Organization hosted the “Plants Down with the Sickness” workshop during the Avenues of Scientific Discovery event.

Middle and high school students explored the world of plant pathology through interactive stations featuring simulated inoculation, microscopy and disease lifecycles, and disease mount demonstrations packed with fun facts. The workshop also included a short presentation introducing students to the science behind plant diseases and crop health.

It was a great opportunity for the team to engage in outreach, teach future scientists, and share their passion for plant pathology!

As part of the NATURE Sunday Academy ND EPSCoR program at North Dakota State University, the Geddes Lab hosted hands-on workshops at tribal colleges across North Dakota, including Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Sitting Bull College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College and Turtle Mountain Community College, to inspire high school students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM opportunities.

This year, Gayathri Senanayake, a Ph.D. student mentored by Dr. Barney Geddes, and Olwen Paterson, postdoctoral researcher working with Dr. Geddes, led interactive sessions connecting cultural heritage with modern science through the study of beneficial microbes and their role in the success of Three Sisters Agriculture, with a special focus on common beans.

Our final webinar in our Microbiome series is happening tomorrow.

Microbiota Regulation of Fungal Pathogens
April 28
3 p.m. CT
Webinar link: https://ndsu.zoom.us/s/98324980871

How do the microbes living on and within us influence fungal infections?

Our final webinar in our Spring Microbiome Series features Dr. Thangamani (Purdue University). Join us as we explore how microbiota in the skin and gut influence the behavior of pathogens like Candida albicans and Candida auris, and what that means for understanding infection and disease.

April 28, 2026
3 p.m. CT
Webinar link: https://ndsu.zoom.us/s/98324980871

The next Microbiome Webinar Series highlights research at the intersection of microbial ecology, plant health, and agricultural systems. Dr. Rick Lankau, Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will present:

Capitalizing on Microbial Communities to Meet Restoration and Agricultural Goals. His lab investigates how root-associated fungi and soil microbial communities influence plant performance, climate adaptation, and disease suppression across diverse systems.

Join us Tuesday, April 14 at 3 p.m. CST.

Zoom link: https://ndsu.zoom.us/s/98324980871

In February, CAFSNR was proudly represented at NDSU’s Three Minute Thesis competition by three outstanding doctoral students from the Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.

🌱 Maria Luiza Paiva de Oliveira is developing sustainable strategies to manage white mold in major crops.
🌾 Ritah Namawejje is advancing genetic resistance to protect sugarbeet from rhizomania.
🧫 Gayathri Senanayake is researching beneficial soil bacteria to strengthen biological nitrogen fixation and support sustainable agriculture.

Beyond their research, each finalist emphasized how NDSU’s strong mentorship, collaborative environment, and access to advanced facilities have shaped them into confident, independent scientists.

We’re incredibly proud of these students and the impactful research they’re leading. Their work supports producers, strengthens industries, and advances the future of agriculture.

We are proud to recognize Marcia McMullen as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. An Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, Dr. McMullen is internationally recognized for her leadership in cereal disease management, Extension outreach, and Integrated Pest Management.

During the devastating Fusarium head blight epidemics of the 1990s and early 2000s, she led critical research and outreach efforts that helped identify effective fungicides and management strategies while coordinating response efforts across the state and nation. Throughout her nearly 30-year career at NDSU, Dr. McMullen advanced agricultural research, supported producers, mentored students, and helped shape the future of plant pathology.

Her lasting impact continues to strengthen agriculture in North Dakota and beyond. Congratulations to Dr. McMullen on this well-deserved recognition.