Denita Hadziabdic-Guerry
Specialization: Forest Health & Forest Pathology
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.
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.
“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.
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.
- 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?
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
- 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
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
- 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
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.
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.
“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.
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.
- 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?