American Phytopathological Society Honors WSU Plant Pathologists

PULLMAN, Wash.- Three scientists from Washington State University are being recognized by the American Phytopathological Society for outstanding accomplishments in the classroom. They will receive their awards during a special recognition ceremony at the annual APS meeting held in August 2011 in Honolulu.

Lori Carris. Click on image to download high resolution version.
Lori Carris. Click on image to download high resolution version.

Lori Carris, an associate professor of plant pathology at WSU, will receive the society’s Award of Excellence in Teaching based on her achievements in teaching mycology at WSU for 22 years. She has consistently received high marks on student teaching evaluations, teaches and mentors a number of graduate students and has developed new courses. In addition, she serves as  president of the University Commission on the Status of Women.

Dennis Johnson. Click on image to download high resolution version.
Dennis Johnson. Click on image to download high resolution version.

Dennis A. Johnson is being named as an APS Fellow. Johnson’s research has resulted in major advances in disease forecasting, which enables researchers to find effective ways to stop disease spread. Farmers across the nation have used his work to reduce crop loss.

Gary Chastagner will be honored with the society’s Excellence in Extension award. Chastagner’s recognition spurs from his ground- breaking research and best practices in preventing diseases of ornamental bulbs and Christmas trees. His work has helped to eliminate some diseases from the industry, creating greater profits for the Christmas tree industry as a whole.

Gary Chastagner. Click on image to download high resolution version.
Gary Chastagner. Click on image to download high resolution version.

 

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This release was written by Victoria Marsh, an intern with CAHNRS and WSU Extension Marketing, News, and Educational Communications.