Principal Investigator
Dr. Francesca Peduto Hand, Professor
Where I am from: Florence, Italy
Education:
PhD, Plant Pathology, University of Florence, Italy
MS, Agricultural Science and Technology, University of Florence, Italy
About myself: I am committed to quality graduate and undergraduate education and to supporting green industry stakeholders in producing healthy plants using sustainable practices. I am passionate about agriculture and women leadership in STEM.
Twitter: @PrettyPlantsDoc
Graduate Students
Ambrosia Havan, PhD student (2023 – present)
Where I am from: Columbus, OH
Education:
B.S., Microbiology and Evolution & Ecology, The Ohio State University
Something about myself: I’m an avid crafter, gardener, houseplant mom, and am passionate about volunteering and giving back to the communities I’m involved in. I love learning about anything and working to improve the skills I have and gain new ones.
Aleacia Laird, MS student (2023 – present)
Where I am from: Springfield, OH
Education:
B.S., Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University
About myself: I graduated from a STEM high school and have always had a love for science and research. I found the field of plant pathology through completing science fair projects in high school. I am passionate about OSU Extension and have spent a few summers working with Master Gardener Volunteers in Clark County Ohio. I would like to learn more about the field of extension during my time as a graduate student. In my free time I enjoy gardening, going to coffee shops, and spending time with my family and friends!
Zen McKenzie, MS student (2023 – present)
Where I am from: Victoria, TX
Education:
B.S., Bioenvironmental Sciences, Texas A&M University
About myself: When I am not in the lab, I enjoy reading, hiking, and trying new foods in Columbus.
Research Associates & Postdoctoral Researchers
Dana Martin, Research Associate 1B-H (2022-present)
Where I am from: Seville, OH
Education:
M.S., Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University
B.S., Plant Health Management, The Ohio State University
About myself: I am passionate about science and agriculture and am excited by working with plant pathogens and plant disease diagnosis. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time at the lake with my family, friends and dog, Louis.
Rachel Capouya, NIFA-AFRI Postdoctoral Fellow (2022-present)
Where I am from: Atlanta, GA
Education:
Ph.D., Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University
M.S., Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University
B.S., Genetics, University of Georgia
My research: My current research project is focused on improving methods of diagnosing Phytophthora Root Rot in woody ornamentals using whole genome sequencing technology.
About myself: I am an avid soccer player and fan of the Columbus Crew. I also love reading sci-fi and fantasy books and hanging out with my cats.
Undergraduate Students
Haley Kruest (2024 – present)
Where I am from:
Education:
About myself:
Former members
