National nonprofit honors WSU plant pathologists
PULLMAN – Three WSU scientists are being recognized by the American Phytopathological Society (APS) for thier outstanding accomplishments in the classroom.
They will receive their awards in August during a special recognition ceremony at the annual APS meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Lori Carris, associate professor of plant pathology, will receive the society’s Award of Excellence in Teaching based on her achievements in teaching mycology at WSU for 22 years. Carris teaches and mentors graduate students, consistently receives high marks on student teaching evaluations and has developed new courses for the department. She also serves as president of the University Commission on the Status of Women.
Dennis Johnson, Extension plant pathologist and professor, will be named 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, plant pathologist and Extension specialist, will be honored with the society’s Excellence in Extension award. APS recognizes Chastagner for hisground-breaking research and best practices in preventing disease in ornamental bulbs and Christmas trees. His work has helped to eliminate some diseases from the industry, creating greater profits for the Christmas tree industry at large.
