Person

Denita Hadziabdic Guerry

Associate Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Forest Health & Forest Pathology

Overview

My research focuses on population genetics of fungal plant pathogens, population biology, forest health, forest pathology, and diversity and conservation efforts of native plants. Our lab is interested in understanding complexity of host-pathogen-vector interactions and its associated microbial communities within the phytobiome across both introduced and native ranges. Increases in both native and introduced pathogens as a result of climate change have provided numerous opportunities in basic and applied research.

My program’s main goal is to utilize novel genetic and genomic tools to integrate molecular data into pragmatic management decisions and provide solutions for preservation of biodiversity, conservation of native species and overall tree improvement programs. In addition, my research goal is to contribute to hunger eradication efforts on the African continent by preserving biodiversity of indigenous and nutritional plants adapted to climate change. This will not only provide regional food security, but will promote science literacy, and recruit and educate the next generation of science ambassadors in sub-Saharan African countries.

Research Focus

My primary research delves into host-pathogen-vector interactions, particularly Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD). I also focus on conserving native trees, preserving biodiversity in North American forests, and ensuring global forest and tree health.

Outreach Focus

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” The best way to share your passion is to teach and educate others. That is why I am involved in STEAM outreach for high school and college students.

Teaching Focus

As a teacher and researcher, I aim to replicate the impact my mentors had on me. I aspire to be the catalyst for positive change, inspiring future environmental stewards and scientists, shaping a better world for generations to come.

Research Questions
  • How and why do disease outbreaks occur?
  • How do fungal pathogen disperse across wider geographical ranges, and how do those processes influence species genetic architecture?
  • How can we utilize novel genomic approaches to develop molecular diagnostic tools for invasive pathogens?
  • What genomic changes occur in a host during fungal invasion?
  • What is the regional influence of disease severity on host diversity and the host’s associated phytobiome?
  • What integrative approaches can be utilized for development of conservation and best management practices of native species in the U.S. and globally?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Ader, David Russell | Sharp, Ryan Leonard | Shoemaker, Dewayne

EPP 411 - Forest Insects and Diseases
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and pathogens associated with trees and shrubs will be identified and their impacts on host plants evaluated.

Other Instructors: Grant, Jerome F

EPP 604 - Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Biological control, disease diagnosis and management, epidemiology, fungal plant pathogens, integrated pest management, molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant pathogenesis, plant pathogenic bacteria, soil- and seed-borne pathogens, and virology.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

Other Instructors: Trigiano, Robert N | Kelly, Heather Marie

Picture of Denita Hadziabdic Guerry
349 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plants, Soils & Insects (Population Genetics), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2010
  • MS, Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2005
  • BS, Horticulture, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville , 2002

Denita Hadziabdic Guerry

Associate Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Denita Hadziabdic Guerry image
349 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plants, Soils & Insects (Population Genetics), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2010
  • MS, Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2005
  • BS, Horticulture, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville , 2002
Overview

My research focuses on population genetics of fungal plant pathogens, population biology, forest health, forest pathology, and diversity and conservation efforts of native plants. Our lab is interested in understanding complexity of host-pathogen-vector interactions and its associated microbial communities within the phytobiome across both introduced and native ranges. Increases in both native and introduced pathogens as a result of climate change have provided numerous opportunities in basic and applied research.

My program’s main goal is to utilize novel genetic and genomic tools to integrate molecular data into pragmatic management decisions and provide solutions for preservation of biodiversity, conservation of native species and overall tree improvement programs. In addition, my research goal is to contribute to hunger eradication efforts on the African continent by preserving biodiversity of indigenous and nutritional plants adapted to climate change. This will not only provide regional food security, but will promote science literacy, and recruit and educate the next generation of science ambassadors in sub-Saharan African countries.

Research Focus

My primary research delves into host-pathogen-vector interactions, particularly Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD). I also focus on conserving native trees, preserving biodiversity in North American forests, and ensuring global forest and tree health.

Outreach Focus

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” The best way to share your passion is to teach and educate others. That is why I am involved in STEAM outreach for high school and college students.

Teaching Focus

As a teacher and researcher, I aim to replicate the impact my mentors had on me. I aspire to be the catalyst for positive change, inspiring future environmental stewards and scientists, shaping a better world for generations to come.

Research Questions
  • How and why do disease outbreaks occur?
  • How do fungal pathogen disperse across wider geographical ranges, and how do those processes influence species genetic architecture?
  • How can we utilize novel genomic approaches to develop molecular diagnostic tools for invasive pathogens?
  • What genomic changes occur in a host during fungal invasion?
  • What is the regional influence of disease severity on host diversity and the host’s associated phytobiome?
  • What integrative approaches can be utilized for development of conservation and best management practices of native species in the U.S. and globally?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
AGNR 491 - International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resources
1 - 12 credit hours

Credit for formalized international experiences related to agricultural sciences and natural resources. Determination of credit based on nature of the proposed experience. Students should discuss the opportunity with their faculty advisors prior to the trip to determine if it is appropriate for credit. Credit hours will be determined by the department and college depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.

Other Instructors: Ader, David Russell | Sharp, Ryan Leonard | Shoemaker, Dewayne

EPP 411 - Forest Insects and Diseases
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and pathogens associated with trees and shrubs will be identified and their impacts on host plants evaluated.

Other Instructors: Grant, Jerome F

EPP 604 - Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Biological control, disease diagnosis and management, epidemiology, fungal plant pathogens, integrated pest management, molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant pathogenesis, plant pathogenic bacteria, soil- and seed-borne pathogens, and virology.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level - graduate.

Other Instructors: Trigiano, Robert N | Kelly, Heather Marie