Person

Kimberly D Gwinn

Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Natural Product Biopesticides

Overview

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. 

Outreach Focus

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.

Research Focus

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.

Teaching Focus

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.

Research Questions
  • 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?
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 117 - Herbert College of Agriculture Honors Freshman Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

The freshman seminar will address global challenges in the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANHS) like the “One Health” model. Federal agencies that have historically acted unilaterally are now recognizing that health of animals, people and the environment are inextricably linked. The "One Health" approach is the collaborative effort of the human health, veterinary health and environmental health communities to interact on a local, national and global scales in order to attain and maintain optimal health not only for people, but for domestic, farm, and food animals, wildlife, plants, and environment. This course will focus on research programs in the Institute of Agriculture that approach solving challenges through communication, cooperation, and collaboration across disciplines and institutions, thus maintaining or reducing health risks to animals, humans, the environment and society.

EPP 201 - Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and plant diseases have had a significant influence on human history, culture, and lifestyles. The science of entomology and plant pathology helps humankind understand the impact of insects and plant pathogens on these dimensions of human existence. The development of strategies to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of these organisms will also be explored. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)

Other Instructors: Ownley, Bonnie H

EPP 234 - Medicines and Drugs from Plants and Microbes
3 credit hour(s)

Plants and microbes are an abundant source of medicinal compounds and, until the end of the 19th century all drugs were natural products or minerals. Today, natural products often serve as chemical templates for drug design. The mission of this course is to promote understanding of medicines and drugs that are derived from natural sources. Students in this online course will develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the roles that plant- and microbe-derived compounds play in modern medicine use and abuse. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)

EPP 516 - Biopesticides
3 credit hour(s)

Plant protection; natural products; international issues in crop protection. The history of biopesticides, their modes of actions, challenges and trends in biopesticide development, and biopesticides in integrated pest management systems will be discussed.

EPP 531 - Special Problems in Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Comprehensive individual study of current problems.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.

Other Instructors: Shoemaker, Dewayne | Gerhold Jr, Richard William | Nowicki, Marcin | Staton, Meg | Kelly, Heather Marie

Picture of Kimberly D Gwinn
416 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • 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
Web Presence

Kimberly D Gwinn

Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Kimberly D Gwinn image
416 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • 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
Overview

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. 

Outreach Focus

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.

Research Focus

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.

Teaching Focus

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.

Research Questions
  • 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?
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 117 - Herbert College of Agriculture Honors Freshman Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

The freshman seminar will address global challenges in the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANHS) like the “One Health” model. Federal agencies that have historically acted unilaterally are now recognizing that health of animals, people and the environment are inextricably linked. The "One Health" approach is the collaborative effort of the human health, veterinary health and environmental health communities to interact on a local, national and global scales in order to attain and maintain optimal health not only for people, but for domestic, farm, and food animals, wildlife, plants, and environment. This course will focus on research programs in the Institute of Agriculture that approach solving challenges through communication, cooperation, and collaboration across disciplines and institutions, thus maintaining or reducing health risks to animals, humans, the environment and society.

EPP 201 - Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies
3 credit hour(s)

Insects and plant diseases have had a significant influence on human history, culture, and lifestyles. The science of entomology and plant pathology helps humankind understand the impact of insects and plant pathogens on these dimensions of human existence. The development of strategies to capitalize on the beneficial aspects of these organisms will also be explored. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS) Satisfies General Education Requirement through the 2021-2022 academic catalog: (NS)

Other Instructors: Ownley, Bonnie H

EPP 234 - Medicines and Drugs from Plants and Microbes
3 credit hour(s)

Plants and microbes are an abundant source of medicinal compounds and, until the end of the 19th century all drugs were natural products or minerals. Today, natural products often serve as chemical templates for drug design. The mission of this course is to promote understanding of medicines and drugs that are derived from natural sources. Students in this online course will develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the roles that plant- and microbe-derived compounds play in modern medicine use and abuse. Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (NS)

EPP 516 - Biopesticides
3 credit hour(s)

Plant protection; natural products; international issues in crop protection. The history of biopesticides, their modes of actions, challenges and trends in biopesticide development, and biopesticides in integrated pest management systems will be discussed.

EPP 531 - Special Problems in Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Comprehensive individual study of current problems.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.

Other Instructors: Shoemaker, Dewayne | Gerhold Jr, Richard William | Nowicki, Marcin | Staton, Meg | Kelly, Heather Marie

Web Presence