Kimberly D Gwinn
Specialization: Natural Product Biopesticides
My research is best described as applied chemical ecology. I focus on small bioactive molecules produced by plants and microorganisms that induce changes in other organisms. I seek to understand the origin, function, and significance of natural chemicals that mediate interactions within and between organisms. I have determined modes of action of toxic compounds produced by fungi designed to give the fungus a competitive edge in obtaining nutrients from plants. I have analyzed alkaloids from plant-endophyte interactions that negatively impact animal production and behavior. I have determined the chemical basis of and developed means of utilizing natural compounds for pest and disease control that are biologically based and sustainable. I am skilled in the analysis and discovery of bioactive natural products and have participated in programs for the mathematical modeling of responses to these compounds. Current research includes formulation of agricultural by-products as biopesticides, mycotoxins in hemp and hemp-based products, and the application of bioinformatics to elucidate role(s) natural products in the plant-microbe interactions.
My professional interest also includes training the next generation of scientists. In addition to graduate and undergraduate research, I have been the Program Director of two Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) with the overall goal of holistically preparing underrepresented students for graduate programs and careers in STEM. I serve as the Program Director for the Explore BiGG Data REEU, a summer research experience that prepares women undergraduates for careers in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and the Genomic sciences. Explore BiGG Data creates conducive environments for women undergraduates to pursue their STEM and leadership potentials. I also served as the Program Director for REACH, a summer research and extension experience for Tennessee Community College students that emphasized improving agricultural literacy and career development among community college students.
I'm committed to science education outreach. For over a decade, I've led the regional science fair, working closely with teachers on projects for middle- and high-school students. I'm also actively involved in IRB and Scientific Review committees.
Effective pesticides are needed to meet food, feed, and fiber needs of an expanding world population. My research focuses on bioactive natural products that are acaricidal, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, or nematicidal.
My professional interest also includes training the next generation of scientists. I have been the Program Director of two REEU programs with the overall goal of preparing underrepresented students for graduate programs and careers in STEM.
- How do plants protect themselves from disease-causing organisms?
- What role do secondary metabolites play in disease defense?
- How can we use plant defense compounds for pest and disease control in sustainable agriculture?
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, North Carolina St Univ Raleigh, 1987
- MS, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology, West Virginia State University, 1982
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Fairmont State University, 1979
Kimberly D Gwinn
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Doctorate, Plant Sciences, General, North Carolina St Univ Raleigh, 1987
- MS, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology, West Virginia State University, 1982
- BS, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Fairmont State University, 1979
My research is best described as applied chemical ecology. I focus on small bioactive molecules produced by plants and microorganisms that induce changes in other organisms. I seek to understand the origin, function, and significance of natural chemicals that mediate interactions within and between organisms. I have determined modes of action of toxic compounds produced by fungi designed to give the fungus a competitive edge in obtaining nutrients from plants. I have analyzed alkaloids from plant-endophyte interactions that negatively impact animal production and behavior. I have determined the chemical basis of and developed means of utilizing natural compounds for pest and disease control that are biologically based and sustainable. I am skilled in the analysis and discovery of bioactive natural products and have participated in programs for the mathematical modeling of responses to these compounds. Current research includes formulation of agricultural by-products as biopesticides, mycotoxins in hemp and hemp-based products, and the application of bioinformatics to elucidate role(s) natural products in the plant-microbe interactions.
My professional interest also includes training the next generation of scientists. In addition to graduate and undergraduate research, I have been the Program Director of two Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) with the overall goal of holistically preparing underrepresented students for graduate programs and careers in STEM. I serve as the Program Director for the Explore BiGG Data REEU, a summer research experience that prepares women undergraduates for careers in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and the Genomic sciences. Explore BiGG Data creates conducive environments for women undergraduates to pursue their STEM and leadership potentials. I also served as the Program Director for REACH, a summer research and extension experience for Tennessee Community College students that emphasized improving agricultural literacy and career development among community college students.
I'm committed to science education outreach. For over a decade, I've led the regional science fair, working closely with teachers on projects for middle- and high-school students. I'm also actively involved in IRB and Scientific Review committees.
Effective pesticides are needed to meet food, feed, and fiber needs of an expanding world population. My research focuses on bioactive natural products that are acaricidal, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, or nematicidal.
My professional interest also includes training the next generation of scientists. I have been the Program Director of two REEU programs with the overall goal of preparing underrepresented students for graduate programs and careers in STEM.
- How do plants protect themselves from disease-causing organisms?
- What role do secondary metabolites play in disease defense?
- How can we use plant defense compounds for pest and disease control in sustainable agriculture?