Get to Know our New CFAES Faculty!
We're pleased to welcome the following new faculty to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences! Some are new to CFAES in 2025 and others are transitioning to new faculty roles after years with the college, but we're lucky to have each of them, so we hope you'll take a few minutes to get to know them!
Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics
Dr. Lade’s research spans a wide range of topics critical to both rural and urban communities, including environmental regulation, land use management, renewable energy, rural water quality, and the economics of biofuels. His work has been published in top peer-reviewed journals such as the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science and Technology, and Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists. He has authored more than 20 high-impact articles, many focused on pressing rural-urban issues such as pollution exposure, energy policy, and the effects of environmental crises on communities. His work is widely cited and has helped shape academic and policy conversations on energy and environmental economics across the country.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Enid, OK
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD from University of California Davis in Agricultural and Resource Economics
Prior employment includes Iowa State University (2015-2019) and Macalester College (2019-2025)
What is a fun fact about you?
I grew up in a military family, so spent the first 11 years of my life in Germany before moving to Oklahoma.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Testifying before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose CFAES because of the vibrant research community and the many opportunities it offers to bridge the gap between academics and decisionmakers.
Dr. Lade’s research spans a wide range of topics critical to both rural and urban communities, including environmental regulation, land use management, renewable energy, rural water quality, and the economics of biofuels. His work has been published in top peer-reviewed journals such as the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science and Technology, and Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists. He has authored more than 20 high-impact articles, many focused on pressing rural-urban issues such as pollution exposure, energy policy, and the effects of environmental crises on communities. His work is widely cited and has helped shape academic and policy conversations on energy and environmental economics across the country.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Enid, OK
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD from University of California Davis in Agricultural and Resource Economics
Prior employment includes Iowa State University (2015-2019) and Macalester College (2019-2025)
What is a fun fact about you?
I grew up in a military family, so spent the first 11 years of my life in Germany before moving to Oklahoma.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Testifying before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose CFAES because of the vibrant research community and the many opportunities it offers to bridge the gap between academics and decisionmakers.
Animal Sciences
Dr. Ayodeji (or Ayo) is an Assistant Professor of Poultry Nutrition at The Ohio State University, where his research focuses on enhancing poultry health, productivity, and welfare through targeted nutritional strategies. He investigates the use of novel feed additives to mitigate enteric diseases such as coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis and works on optimizing amino acid and mineral nutrition to improve bone integrity, egg quality, and performance. Dr. Ayo incorporates omics tools and advanced imaging techniques to understand birds’ physiological responses to dietary interventions and collaborates with producers to implement sustainable, research-driven feeding programs. While his primary expertise is in poultry, he also extends his nutrition research to swine systems. He is passionate about integrating research with teaching and outreach to train the next generation of animal scientists.
Campus: Wooster
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Education/Previous Institutions:
Purdue university (PhD Animal Science), Auburn University (Postdoc, Poultry Science), Florida A and M University (Assistant Professor of Animal Science)
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy visiting local farms, listening to audiobooks on long drives, playing the drums or badminton as a hobby.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am especially proud of helping to revitalize monogastric research infrastructure at my former institution.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty because of its strong support for integrated research, teaching, and outreach, and its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through interdisciplinary collaboration.
My research focuses on feedlot cattle nutrition, with particular interest in integrating nutritional strategies and emerging technologies to improve feed efficiency and support animal health. In addition to research, I’m excited to integrate real-world applications into the classroom, engaging students in critical thinking about animal nutrition. I am also passionate about extension and look forward to collaborating with producers and industry stakeholders to deliver practical, research-based solutions to the field.
I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, where my dissertation research examined the metabolic effects of acidosis in both the rumen and hindgut of beef cattle. Prior to joining Ohio State, I worked as a Ruminant Nutrition Scientist at Hoofprint Biome, a biotechnology start-up focused on developing feed additives aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. – University of Illinois
M.S. – University of Nebraska
B.S. – University of Missouri
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy running and spending time with my horse, Sandy.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty at Ohio State because of its strong reputation for impactful, interdisciplinary research and its deep commitment to the land-grant mission. My new role in particular offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to all three pillars of the land-grant mission. I’m excited to engage in work that directly benefits both students and the livestock industry through applied research and outreach.
Kush Kumar Yadav is a dedicated researcher specializing in infectious diseases, especially zoonotic viruses, with a strong commitment to mentorship and advancing veterinary medical research.
Yadav has worked extensively in research on zoonotic viruses, including groundbreaking studies on the transmission of hepatitis E virus, particularly its presence in sperm, highlighting potential reproductive impacts and transmission mechanisms. This research utilized pig models as intermediate hosts and has contributed to understanding viral pathogenesis and public health implications. Yadav’s research centers on infectious diseases and its zoonotic transmission routes. His notable discovery that pigs can serve as intermediate hosts for rat hepatitis E virus has significant implications for understanding virus ecology and controlling foodborne and zoonotic infections.
Yadav embraces interdisciplinary approaches and considers emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to predict viral pathogenicity and prevent potential outbreaks, underlining his forward-looking vision in veterinary virology. Yadav’s future research direction is intended to understand avian metapneumovirus and influenza that has been causing significant impact in United States agriculture. He intends to achieve this goal via a combinatorial approach of research, teaching and extension activities.
Inspired by his father’s advice to "aim for the moon, and if you fail, you’ll fall among the stars," Yadav values resilience in facing setbacks. As a mentor and researcher, he encourages graduate students to balance academic rigor with mental and physical well-being and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and open communication.
Campus: Wooster
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. - The Ohio State University
M.S. - The Ohio State University
What are some of your hobbies or interests? Outside of teaching, guiding, and exploring new scientific ideas, I enjoy playing Cricket.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am especially proud of contributing to the field of hepatitis E virus via discovering:
-the virus attachment to the sperm cells.
-that pigs may serve as the intermediate host for the potential transmission of rat hepatitis E virus.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I joined the CFAES faculty because OSU is a powerhouse research institution and CFAES faculty has access to cutting-edge labs. One of the CFAES unique strengths is its connection to OSU extension which allows faculty like me who work with infectious diseases to translate their research and communicate the findings. In addition, I love the student-centered culture at CFAES.
Dr. Ayodeji (or Ayo) is an Assistant Professor of Poultry Nutrition at The Ohio State University, where his research focuses on enhancing poultry health, productivity, and welfare through targeted nutritional strategies. He investigates the use of novel feed additives to mitigate enteric diseases such as coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis and works on optimizing amino acid and mineral nutrition to improve bone integrity, egg quality, and performance. Dr. Ayo incorporates omics tools and advanced imaging techniques to understand birds’ physiological responses to dietary interventions and collaborates with producers to implement sustainable, research-driven feeding programs. While his primary expertise is in poultry, he also extends his nutrition research to swine systems. He is passionate about integrating research with teaching and outreach to train the next generation of animal scientists.
Campus: Wooster
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Education/Previous Institutions:
Purdue university (PhD Animal Science), Auburn University (Postdoc, Poultry Science), Florida A and M University (Assistant Professor of Animal Science)
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy visiting local farms, listening to audiobooks on long drives, playing the drums or badminton as a hobby.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am especially proud of helping to revitalize monogastric research infrastructure at my former institution.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty because of its strong support for integrated research, teaching, and outreach, and its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through interdisciplinary collaboration.
My research focuses on feedlot cattle nutrition, with particular interest in integrating nutritional strategies and emerging technologies to improve feed efficiency and support animal health. In addition to research, I’m excited to integrate real-world applications into the classroom, engaging students in critical thinking about animal nutrition. I am also passionate about extension and look forward to collaborating with producers and industry stakeholders to deliver practical, research-based solutions to the field.
I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, where my dissertation research examined the metabolic effects of acidosis in both the rumen and hindgut of beef cattle. Prior to joining Ohio State, I worked as a Ruminant Nutrition Scientist at Hoofprint Biome, a biotechnology start-up focused on developing feed additives aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. – University of Illinois
M.S. – University of Nebraska
B.S. – University of Missouri
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy running and spending time with my horse, Sandy.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty at Ohio State because of its strong reputation for impactful, interdisciplinary research and its deep commitment to the land-grant mission. My new role in particular offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to all three pillars of the land-grant mission. I’m excited to engage in work that directly benefits both students and the livestock industry through applied research and outreach.
Kush Kumar Yadav is a dedicated researcher specializing in infectious diseases, especially zoonotic viruses, with a strong commitment to mentorship and advancing veterinary medical research.
Yadav has worked extensively in research on zoonotic viruses, including groundbreaking studies on the transmission of hepatitis E virus, particularly its presence in sperm, highlighting potential reproductive impacts and transmission mechanisms. This research utilized pig models as intermediate hosts and has contributed to understanding viral pathogenesis and public health implications. Yadav’s research centers on infectious diseases and its zoonotic transmission routes. His notable discovery that pigs can serve as intermediate hosts for rat hepatitis E virus has significant implications for understanding virus ecology and controlling foodborne and zoonotic infections.
Yadav embraces interdisciplinary approaches and considers emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to predict viral pathogenicity and prevent potential outbreaks, underlining his forward-looking vision in veterinary virology. Yadav’s future research direction is intended to understand avian metapneumovirus and influenza that has been causing significant impact in United States agriculture. He intends to achieve this goal via a combinatorial approach of research, teaching and extension activities.
Inspired by his father’s advice to "aim for the moon, and if you fail, you’ll fall among the stars," Yadav values resilience in facing setbacks. As a mentor and researcher, he encourages graduate students to balance academic rigor with mental and physical well-being and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and open communication.
Campus: Wooster
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. - The Ohio State University
M.S. - The Ohio State University
What are some of your hobbies or interests? Outside of teaching, guiding, and exploring new scientific ideas, I enjoy playing Cricket.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am especially proud of contributing to the field of hepatitis E virus via discovering:
-the virus attachment to the sperm cells.
-that pigs may serve as the intermediate host for the potential transmission of rat hepatitis E virus.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I joined the CFAES faculty because OSU is a powerhouse research institution and CFAES faculty has access to cutting-edge labs. One of the CFAES unique strengths is its connection to OSU extension which allows faculty like me who work with infectious diseases to translate their research and communicate the findings. In addition, I love the student-centered culture at CFAES.
Kush Kumar Yadav is a dedicated researcher specializing in infectious diseases, especially zoonotic viruses, with a strong commitment to mentorship and advancing veterinary medical research.
Yadav has worked extensively in research on zoonotic viruses, including groundbreaking studies on the transmission of hepatitis E virus, particularly its presence in sperm, highlighting potential reproductive impacts and transmission mechanisms. This research utilized pig models as intermediate hosts and has contributed to understanding viral pathogenesis and public health implications. Yadav’s research centers on infectious diseases and its zoonotic transmission routes. His notable discovery that pigs can serve as intermediate hosts for rat hepatitis E virus has significant implications for understanding virus ecology and controlling foodborne and zoonotic infections.
Yadav embraces interdisciplinary approaches and considers emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to predict viral pathogenicity and prevent potential outbreaks, underlining his forward-looking vision in veterinary virology. Yadav’s future research direction is intended to understand avian metapneumovirus and influenza that has been causing significant impact in United States agriculture. He intends to achieve this goal via a combinatorial approach of research, teaching and extension activities.
Inspired by his father’s advice to "aim for the moon, and if you fail, you’ll fall among the stars," Yadav values resilience in facing setbacks. As a mentor and researcher, he encourages graduate students to balance academic rigor with mental and physical well-being and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and open communication.
Campus: Wooster
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. - The Ohio State University
M.S. - The Ohio State University
What are some of your hobbies or interests? Outside of teaching, guiding, and exploring new scientific ideas, I enjoy playing Cricket.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I am especially proud of contributing to the field of hepatitis E virus via discovering:
-the virus attachment to the sperm cells.
-that pigs may serve as the intermediate host for the potential transmission of rat hepatitis E virus.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I joined the CFAES faculty because OSU is a powerhouse research institution and CFAES faculty has access to cutting-edge labs. One of the CFAES unique strengths is its connection to OSU extension which allows faculty like me who work with infectious diseases to translate their research and communicate the findings. In addition, I love the student-centered culture at CFAES.
ATI
Dr. Wellert received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University. He has most recently been working as a practicing veterinarian at the Sugarcreek Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Wellert began teaching at Ohio State ATI as a part-time instructor during the Fall 2015.
Campus: Wooster
Dr. Wellert received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University. He has most recently been working as a practicing veterinarian at the Sugarcreek Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Wellert began teaching at Ohio State ATI as a part-time instructor during the Fall 2015.
Campus: Wooster
Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Techtmann earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Techtmann previously served at Michigan Technological University as associate director of the Great Lakes Research Center, associate professor of environmental microbiology, and director of the Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology program in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Techtmann’s research interests focus on understanding the rules that govern microbial community behavior to inform the engineering of microbial communities that improve environmental quality and sustainable food and biomaterial production. Dr. Techtmann’s research seeks to leverage omics and systems biology to gain a fundamental understanding of microbial communities and provide a systems-wide understanding of their role in contaminant remediation, ecosystem function, and sustainable food and material production.
Campus: Columbus
Peter Polyak completed his Ph.D. at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. His main fields of interest are the fermentation, processing, application, and enzyme-catalyzed depolymerization of microbial polyesters, as well as the preparation of various drug carrier matrices from polymers such as polyesters and polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic elastomers.
Campus: Wooster
Techtmann earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Techtmann previously served at Michigan Technological University as associate director of the Great Lakes Research Center, associate professor of environmental microbiology, and director of the Bachelor of Science in Computational Biology program in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Techtmann’s research interests focus on understanding the rules that govern microbial community behavior to inform the engineering of microbial communities that improve environmental quality and sustainable food and biomaterial production. Dr. Techtmann’s research seeks to leverage omics and systems biology to gain a fundamental understanding of microbial communities and provide a systems-wide understanding of their role in contaminant remediation, ecosystem function, and sustainable food and material production.
Campus: Columbus
Peter Polyak completed his Ph.D. at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. His main fields of interest are the fermentation, processing, application, and enzyme-catalyzed depolymerization of microbial polyesters, as well as the preparation of various drug carrier matrices from polymers such as polyesters and polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic elastomers.
Campus: Wooster
Horticulture and Crop Science
Dr. Kenzie Johnston is an Assistant Professor and Faculty Director of the Master's in Plant Health Management (MPHM) program in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University. Her work is rooted in the intersection of applied plant science, leadership development, and interdisciplinary education. Johnston’s research and outreach interests focus on organizational culture, professional capacity-building, and strategies for aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of industry and community stakeholders. She brings a decade of experience in Extension education, where she led initiatives in strategic planning, leadership training, and horticultural outreach across Ohio. In her current role, Johnston is excited to support graduate students through innovative, student-centered programming that bridges plant health disciplines and prepares professionals for careers in both traditional agriculture and emerging plant-based industries.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Richwood, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership – The Ohio State University
M.S. in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership – The Ohio State University
B.S. in Agricultural Communication – The Ohio State University
Most recently served as an Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources & Community Development in Delaware County, Ohio, where she coordinated the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and led strategic planning efforts statewide.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love practicing yoga, spending time in the garden, and vacationing at the beach—preferably with a good book in hand.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Recipient of the 2023 NACDEP First Place Cross Program Award (Individual) at the national, regional, and state levels for her work in leadership development and community engagement.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty because I believe in the power of interdisciplinary, applied education to shape the future of plant health. It’s exciting to be part of a program that brings together three departments (HCS, Plant Path, Entomology) to serve working professionals, and I’m inspired by CFAES’s commitment to student-centered innovation, meaningful outreach, and real-world impact.
Dr. Kenzie Johnston is an Assistant Professor and Faculty Director of the Master's in Plant Health Management (MPHM) program in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University. Her work is rooted in the intersection of applied plant science, leadership development, and interdisciplinary education. Johnston’s research and outreach interests focus on organizational culture, professional capacity-building, and strategies for aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of industry and community stakeholders. She brings a decade of experience in Extension education, where she led initiatives in strategic planning, leadership training, and horticultural outreach across Ohio. In her current role, Johnston is excited to support graduate students through innovative, student-centered programming that bridges plant health disciplines and prepares professionals for careers in both traditional agriculture and emerging plant-based industries.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Richwood, Ohio
Education/Previous Institutions:
Ph.D. in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership – The Ohio State University
M.S. in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership – The Ohio State University
B.S. in Agricultural Communication – The Ohio State University
Most recently served as an Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources & Community Development in Delaware County, Ohio, where she coordinated the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and led strategic planning efforts statewide.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love practicing yoga, spending time in the garden, and vacationing at the beach—preferably with a good book in hand.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
Recipient of the 2023 NACDEP First Place Cross Program Award (Individual) at the national, regional, and state levels for her work in leadership development and community engagement.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I chose to join the CFAES faculty because I believe in the power of interdisciplinary, applied education to shape the future of plant health. It’s exciting to be part of a program that brings together three departments (HCS, Plant Path, Entomology) to serve working professionals, and I’m inspired by CFAES’s commitment to student-centered innovation, meaningful outreach, and real-world impact.
Plant Pathology
Food security is facing unprecedented challenges from rapid human population growth, global climate change, and the rise of (re)emerging plant pathogens. Among these, fungal and oomycete pathogens cause devastating diseases in staple and commodity crops, posing a significant threat to global agriculture. Our research focuses on understanding the biology of fungal and oomycete pathogens and uncovering the molecular mechanisms they use to adapt to their hosts and changing environments. We aim to translate this knowledge into innovative strategies to combat the diseases they cause. Currently, we use the destructive soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae as a model system to investigate virulence and fungicide resistance. Our key research areas include: a. Mechanisms of gene silencing that regulate pathogenesis and fungicide resistance. b. Genome instability and its role in shaping virulence and resistance traits. c. Biocontrol strategies for sustainable management of fungal and oomycete diseases. To tackle these questions, my lab integrates genetics, genomics, and cell biology approaches, bridging fundamental biological discovery with applied disease management. Ultimately, our goal is to generate knowledge and tools that support resilient agricultural systems and contribute to global food security.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Chun’an, Zhejiang, China
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD – Virginia Tech
Postdoc – Duke University Medical Center
Most recent institution – GreenLight Biosciences Inc.
What is a fun fact about you?
I raise and breed quails to teach kids about genetics.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I was the first to establish a genome editing system in oomycetes.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
When I was a student, I first learned about the soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae from a paper by Dr. Anne Dorrance, an emeritus professor at CFAES, and The Ohio State University has been on my radar ever since. CFAES is home to outstanding scientists and cutting-edge resources that are essential for advancing my research. My expertise in molecular fungal and oomycete biology, particularly in soybean pathogens, aligns closely with the department’s strengths and priorities. Given that Ohio is a major soybean-producing state, OSU offers the ideal environment to conduct impactful research that directly benefits growers and strengthens agricultural resilience.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD Plant, Soil, & Environmental Sciences - The University of Tennessee (2023)
MS Plant Pathology - University of Arkansas (2019)
BS Bioenvironmental Sciences - Texas A&M University (2016)
Food security is facing unprecedented challenges from rapid human population growth, global climate change, and the rise of (re)emerging plant pathogens. Among these, fungal and oomycete pathogens cause devastating diseases in staple and commodity crops, posing a significant threat to global agriculture. Our research focuses on understanding the biology of fungal and oomycete pathogens and uncovering the molecular mechanisms they use to adapt to their hosts and changing environments. We aim to translate this knowledge into innovative strategies to combat the diseases they cause. Currently, we use the destructive soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae as a model system to investigate virulence and fungicide resistance. Our key research areas include: a. Mechanisms of gene silencing that regulate pathogenesis and fungicide resistance. b. Genome instability and its role in shaping virulence and resistance traits. c. Biocontrol strategies for sustainable management of fungal and oomycete diseases. To tackle these questions, my lab integrates genetics, genomics, and cell biology approaches, bridging fundamental biological discovery with applied disease management. Ultimately, our goal is to generate knowledge and tools that support resilient agricultural systems and contribute to global food security.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Chun’an, Zhejiang, China
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD – Virginia Tech
Postdoc – Duke University Medical Center
Most recent institution – GreenLight Biosciences Inc.
What is a fun fact about you?
I raise and breed quails to teach kids about genetics.
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
I was the first to establish a genome editing system in oomycetes.
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
When I was a student, I first learned about the soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae from a paper by Dr. Anne Dorrance, an emeritus professor at CFAES, and The Ohio State University has been on my radar ever since. CFAES is home to outstanding scientists and cutting-edge resources that are essential for advancing my research. My expertise in molecular fungal and oomycete biology, particularly in soybean pathogens, aligns closely with the department’s strengths and priorities. Given that Ohio is a major soybean-producing state, OSU offers the ideal environment to conduct impactful research that directly benefits growers and strengthens agricultural resilience.
Campus: Columbus
Education/Previous Institutions:
PhD Plant, Soil, & Environmental Sciences - The University of Tennessee (2023)
MS Plant Pathology - University of Arkansas (2019)
BS Bioenvironmental Sciences - Texas A&M University (2016)
School of Environment and Natural Resources
Julia is a silviculturist, forest ecologist, and fire ecologist with comprehensive experience in the sustainable management of forest and woodland ecosystems. The central theme of her work is the influence of wildland fire, as a form of both of natural and anthropogenic disturbance, on resistance-resilience feedback loops, and the implications of these influences for contemporary ecosystem management. Her current research is focused on the biodiversity and management of two-aged silvicultural systems, and remote sensing approaches for the characterization of Appalachian fuel complexes. As a complement to her research program, she plans to engage with OSU Extension and Ohio stakeholders via landowner education and science delivery initiatives. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Forestry at Virginia Tech, where she taught courses including Silviculture and Wildland Fire: Ecology and Management. At OSU, she is excited to continue teaching graduate and undergraduate silviculture and forest ecology courses, and to work with undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Haddonfield, NJ
Education/Previous Institutions:
I received my BS in Biology at Rutgers University – Camden in 2021, where I worked as a research assistant at the Rutgers Pinelands Field Station and later as an adjunct lecturer. At Virginia Tech, I earned my Master of Forestry (MF) in 2022, and my PhD in Forestry in 2025.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a self-described crazy cat lady and my two cats seem to love Columbus so far!
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
My first dissertation chapter, on soil fertility in frequently burned Southern Yellow Pine forests, was recently published in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis (https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2025.2475972)
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I’m excited about opportunities for forestry outreach in Ohio and the central Appalachian region, to be part of a collaborative faculty team, and to work with OSU students who are passionate about natural resources!
Julia is a silviculturist, forest ecologist, and fire ecologist with comprehensive experience in the sustainable management of forest and woodland ecosystems. The central theme of her work is the influence of wildland fire, as a form of both of natural and anthropogenic disturbance, on resistance-resilience feedback loops, and the implications of these influences for contemporary ecosystem management. Her current research is focused on the biodiversity and management of two-aged silvicultural systems, and remote sensing approaches for the characterization of Appalachian fuel complexes. As a complement to her research program, she plans to engage with OSU Extension and Ohio stakeholders via landowner education and science delivery initiatives. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Forestry at Virginia Tech, where she taught courses including Silviculture and Wildland Fire: Ecology and Management. At OSU, she is excited to continue teaching graduate and undergraduate silviculture and forest ecology courses, and to work with undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
Campus: Columbus
Hometown: Haddonfield, NJ
Education/Previous Institutions:
I received my BS in Biology at Rutgers University – Camden in 2021, where I worked as a research assistant at the Rutgers Pinelands Field Station and later as an adjunct lecturer. At Virginia Tech, I earned my Master of Forestry (MF) in 2022, and my PhD in Forestry in 2025.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a self-described crazy cat lady and my two cats seem to love Columbus so far!
Can you share a professional recognition of which you are particularly proud?
My first dissertation chapter, on soil fertility in frequently burned Southern Yellow Pine forests, was recently published in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis (https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2025.2475972)
Why did you choose to join the CFAES faculty?
I’m excited about opportunities for forestry outreach in Ohio and the central Appalachian region, to be part of a collaborative faculty team, and to work with OSU students who are passionate about natural resources!