Wang Appointed as Endowed Professor of Plant Protection

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Guo-Liang Wang as the Endowed Professor of Plant Protection at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). 

This appointment signifies Wang's exceptional contributions to the field of plant pathology and his continued dedication to advancing agricultural sciences. He brings to this role a wealth of experience and expertise, having served as a highly productive Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State since 2008 and Associate Chair since 2023. 

Dr. Wang’s academic background includes degrees from Hunan Agricultural University, Fujian Agricultural University, and the University of the Philippines. His research has important implications for food security and sustainability that have led to a greater understanding of the molecular genetics of plant disease defense, particularly in rice and resistance to rice blast and bacterial blight diseases.

Wang's scholarly impact is evidenced by his extensive publication record, with 126 publications from 2012-2023 and a career total of 250. His research has garnered significant attention, with a total of 27,151 citations on Google Scholar, placing him in the top 2% of highly cited scientists in the world. He has also garnered numerous awards and honors, including The Ohio State University Distinguished Scholar Award, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society. Wang is also deeply committed to education and has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral scholars in his program.   

In addition to his academic achievements, Wang has been highly successful in securing external funding, with grants totaling approximately $50.6 million since 1999, including $9 million directly to the Wang Lab. This funding has supported cutting-edge research in plant disease resistance and novel strategies for disease control, addressing critical challenges facing global agriculture. Funding sources have included the CFAES and Nationwide AgTech Innovation Hub, USDA, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, United States Agency for International Development, FAO/IAEA, and industry grants.  

Dr. Wang's dedication to advancing knowledge in plant pathology, coupled with his outstanding record of scholarship, leadership, and service, make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious position. His appointment reflects the college’s commitment to excellence in research and education in the important area of plant health. Please join us in congratulating Guo-Liang Wang.