Committee Members

OFFICERS PROFILE 

President

Lydia Balogh

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I am passionate about fostering a strong, supportive graduate student community in the Horticulture Department. I am dedicated to serving my peers and ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. My primary goal is to contribute to making our next graduate research symposium the best one yet! 

Vice President

Emmanuel Appiah

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I am a Master’s student in Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University, working under the supervision of Dr. Florence Sessoms. My research focuses on Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) in tall fescue to enhance nitrogen retention and improve nutrient-use efficiency in agricultural systems. I have strong interests in organic agriculture, digital tools for crop input management, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. I am excited to serve as Vice President of the Graduate Student Association (HCS) because this role provides an opportunity to support fellow graduate students, strengthen our academic community, and foster collaboration across diverse research areas. I look forward to using my leadership experience to advocate for student needs, organize enriching events, and build a strong network that enhances both professional and personal growth for all members.

Treasurer and Fundraising Chairs

Bishal Dhakal

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I am a third-year PhD student working in Dr. Ortez’s lab in Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at Wooster campus. My research focuses on exploring the positive effect of Beauveria bassiana on cover crops establishment in corn-soybean cropping system in Ohio. Well-managed and transparent financial practices are of prime importance in supporting the success of student-led initiatives and activities. Therefore, being part of a team that plays a key role in planning events that bring students together and ensuring that GSA funds are allocated effectively to benefit as many students as possible is the key reason that excites me about being in my “treasurer” position in this committee. Furthermore, I am also excited to gain valuable leadership experience and skills, which will benefit me in the future.

Secretary

Brynn Johnson

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I am a second-year master’s student in Tyler Carr’s lab. I study mowing height and nitrogen rate interactions on community level sports fields. Outside of school and research I enjoy anything artistic. I am excited to be secretary this year because it means I get to be very involved and put my organization skills to work.

HCS GSA Public Relations Chair (Wooster)

Ashly Ramos

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Hello, my name is Ashly. I am from the Garden State of New Jersey, and I am a newly transitioned PhD student in Dr. Michelle Jones’ lab on the Wooster campus. I will be your public relations chair for this year, and I’m excited about the chance to bring my own twist to GSA’s social media and help make our content more engaging and relevant to our audience.

 

HCS GSA Co-Public Relations Chair (Columbus)

Betsy Cunningham

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I am a second-year master’s student in Dr. Alyssa Essman’s lab. My project is focused on rye termination timing, nitrogen application timing, and herbicide program on corn production and weed control. I am excited to be your co-public relations chair in Columbus to bring news and updates on social events and GRS!

Ella Poling

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I am a second year master’s student in Dr. Essman’s lab. I am looking at metribuzin injury in ultra-early and normal planted soybeans. I am excited to serve everyone as the co-public relations chair because I am looking forward to post more on social media and inform everyone about events.

Logistics Chair

Addie Knight

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I am a second year PhD student in Dr. Francis’ lab, and my project is focused on Fusarium Wilt of Tomato.
I’m excited to develop my organizing skills and gain leadership experience in my position as logistics chair!

Executive Advisory Committee Student Representative – Columbus

Kavya Sekar Susitha

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I am a second year PhD student working on disease resistance genetics and breeding in soybean against P. sojae under Dr. Leah Mchale. I enjoy engaging with graduate students, and serving as an EAC member will allow me to act as a bridge between faculty and students, fostering stronger communication and connection.

Executive Advisory Committee Student Representative – Wooster

Sumita Sen

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I aim to represent the graduate student community in Horticulture and Crop Science, communicate the academic and professional needs of the students, collaborate effectively and serve as a connection between the faculty and HCS Graduate Student Association.

HCS Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC)- Columbus

Mabel Akua Dwomoh

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I am a master’s student in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences and a representative for the HCS-Columbus Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC). I am excited to serve as the GSAC representative for Columbus and represent the voices of HCS graduate students. I look forward to strengthening student-faculty connections and helping shape a program that supports our academic, professional, and personal growth

HCS Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC)- Columbus

Joanna Moine

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Hi, I’m a second-year master’s student studying organic cucumber cultivation in a controlled environment under Dr. Matthew Kleinhenz. I am excited to be a representative for GSA in the GSAC. I believe it will be a valuable experience to meet members of other departments and represent GSA for Wooster campus.

GSC Representative

 

Freddy Mendez-Urbano

 

Advisor

Regina VannHickok.1

HCS Graduate Studies Coordinator

HCS Internship Program Coordinator

Academic Program Manager, Administrator of the department’s academic program through assisting the Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies Committees.

Degrees & Credentials:

MA, Public Policy and Administration, The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

BFA, Theater, Otterbein College (Westerville, OH)

Advisor

Dr. Jessica Cooperstone.1

Associate Professor in Horticulture and Crop Science & Food Science and Technology

Degrees & Credentials:

BS Food Science, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)

PhD Food Science & Technology, The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)​

Research Areas: Plant foods and health promotion and disease prevention; Metabolomics; Secondary plant metabolites; Analytical chemistry; Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry; Food science; Nutrition

Advisor

Dr. Florence Sessoms.5

Assistant Professor – Roots, Rhizospheres & Resilience

Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

Degrees & Credentials:

PhD – University of Fribourg (Switzerland) (2009)
MS Population and Ecosystem Biology – University Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI, France) (2003)
BS Organism’s Biology – University Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI, France) (2001)
Interests & Expertise:
Plant Microbe Interaction, Mycorrhizae, Biological Nitrification Inhibition