Aaron John Onufrak, PhD
Specialization: Forest Pathology, Microbial Ecology, Bioinformatics
I joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology as a Lecturer in 2025. Prior to joining the department, I was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Dr. Melissa Cregger’s lab. My post-doctoral research characterized the impacts of introduced microorganisms (i.e., bacteria and fungi) on plant and soil microbiomes.
Prior to my time at Oak Ridge National Lab, I completed my doctoral training under Dr. Denita Hadziabdic at the University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. My research focused on the disease complex, Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut trees. Specifically, I explored the roles of the host microbiome in modulating disease severity and the molecular interactions between the host plant and the causal agent of the disease, a fungal pathogen called Geosmithia morbida.
In my current role as a lecturer, I teach courses related to plant pathology, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics techniques.
I’m passionate about STEM education and mentoring middle and high school students. I serve as the Natural Sciences Mentor for UT’s Virtual Science Club, helping students build STEM skills and prepare projects for SASEF.
As an educator, I focus on experiential learning that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I teach microbial ecology and bioinformatics with an emphasis on real-world applications in agriculture and the environment.
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2023
- MS, Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 2018
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Slippery Rock University of PA, 2016
Aaron John Onufrak, PhD
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2023
- MS, Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 2018
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Slippery Rock University of PA, 2016
I joined the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology as a Lecturer in 2025. Prior to joining the department, I was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Dr. Melissa Cregger’s lab. My post-doctoral research characterized the impacts of introduced microorganisms (i.e., bacteria and fungi) on plant and soil microbiomes.
Prior to my time at Oak Ridge National Lab, I completed my doctoral training under Dr. Denita Hadziabdic at the University of Tennessee in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. My research focused on the disease complex, Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut trees. Specifically, I explored the roles of the host microbiome in modulating disease severity and the molecular interactions between the host plant and the causal agent of the disease, a fungal pathogen called Geosmithia morbida.
In my current role as a lecturer, I teach courses related to plant pathology, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics techniques.
I’m passionate about STEM education and mentoring middle and high school students. I serve as the Natural Sciences Mentor for UT’s Virtual Science Club, helping students build STEM skills and prepare projects for SASEF.
As an educator, I focus on experiential learning that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I teach microbial ecology and bioinformatics with an emphasis on real-world applications in agriculture and the environment.