People
Current Openings in the DiGennaro Lab:
None – check back soon!
Current Lab Members
Dr. Peter DiGennaro (He/Him)
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology
Ph.D. 2013 Functional Genomics, North Carolina State University
M.Sc. 2007 Biochemistry, State University of New York at Geneseo
pdigennaro@wisc.edu
(608)262-1305
My research focuses on the underlying mechanisms of host-nematode symbioses. I utilize genetic and genomic tools to dissect the biology behind disease and developmental signaling, with a focus on responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Leveraging the unique biology of an obligate parasite, Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), allows me to interrogate basal plant biology. The long-term goals of my research are to inform novel control measures and increase plant adaptability to environmental and nematode stress.
Abby Schweiner (She/They)
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology
B.S. 2018 Botany and German, University of Wisconsin–Madison
I study the molecular basis of interspecies crosstalk, and the genes involved in these interactions. I aim to understand the exchanging of resources and space in the rhizosphere and using plant parasitic nematode is a great tool to uncover novel signals and proteins like nematode phytohormone mimics, which increase high-affinity nitrate transporter activity in plant roots. My overreaching research goal is to advance knowledge and inform breeding programs to create efficient, sustainable, resistant, and nutritious crops all people rely on.
Kody Hughes (She/They)
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology
M.Sc. 2023 Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida
B.S. 2018 Biochemistry, University of North Texas
A.S. 2015 Kilgore College
My research focuses on how climate change impacts plant host-pest interactions, how those relations are impacted by plant nutrition, how plant host and pest genotypes alter these relations, and how all of this impacts human nutrition.
Dr. Shandeep Ganesan
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Plant Pathology
Ph.D 2024 Plant Nematology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
M.Sc 2021 Nematology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
B.Sc. 2019 Agriculture, Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture
As a Molecular Plant Nematologist, I focus on the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes by integrating the inter-disciplinary research to frame the strategies for tackling this tricky menace on the field. Some of my expertise includes biological control, bioinformatics, and Nanotechnology in nematode management.
Sushant Puri
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology
M.S. 2022 Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing
B.S. 2018 Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, India
I am interested in understanding the genotypic interactions of plants and root-knot nematodes.
Grazi Preterotto
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology
M.S. 2023 Biotechnology, West Virginia State University
B.S. 2021 Biology, West Virginia State University
Grazi is a first-year PhD student in the Plant Pathology department and is interested in plant-microbe interactions and disease management. She will be investigating the interaction between Pratylenchus and Verticilium in the Potato Early Dying disease complex.
Melette DeVore (She/Her)
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology
B.A. 2019 Biology, Augustana College
I am interested in using microscopy and genomic tools to better understand Root Knot Nematode feeding sites and how plants perceive and respond to nematode signals. In addition to my research, I enjoy mentoring early scientists and am passionate about fostering diversity in the sciences.
Dr. Kheeman Kwon
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ph.D. 2024 Plant Pathology, University of Georgia
M.S. 2018 Crop Sciences, concentration Plant Pathology, University of Illinois
B.S. 2015 Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois
email@address.com
(608)123-4567
Dr. Kwon employs genetic and ‘omic’ tools to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of plant-nematode interactions.
Santina Cullison
Undergrad Student – Research Assistant
Plant pathology major with a certificate in sustainability
Previous DiGennaro Lab Members
- Anil Baniya (Doctoral Student)
- Shova Mishra (Doctoral Student)
- Gideon Alake (Doctoral Student)
- Ruhiyyih Dyrdahl-Young (Doctoral Student)
- Kody Hughes (Masters Student)
- Shannon Barry (Masters Student)
- Mesfin Bogale (Post-doc)
- Weiming Hu (Post-doc)
- Noor Abdelsamad (Post-doc)
- Keating Godfrey (Post-doc)
- Undergraduate Student Researchers
- Madison Cook
- Chriselle Tiu
- Linda Dao
- Krista Kingsbury
- Oscar Salichs
- Priya Larson
- Bhu Venkataramanan
- Apollo Rodriguez