(View publications under the "Works" tab)
My general interest is epidemiology and integrated management of plant diseases, with emphasis on understanding the basic biology and ecology of plant pathogens and the use of this information to develop disease management tools for practical application. I am particularly interested in the use of statistical and 
computer models to describe plant disease dynamics in the field and the use of these models to make disease management decisions based on risk assessment and disease prediction.
An understanding of the basic biology and ecology of plant pathogens is indispensable for effective disease management through disease prediction and risk assessment. Basic research has to be an ongoing process if we are to understand the effects of changing weather patterns, shifts in pathogen populations, genetic manipulation of crops, and changes in cropping practices on the appearance of new and resurgence of existing plant diseases.
I use statistical and computer models to describe the effects and anticipate possible consequences of these changes on disease development and crop yield. I would like to take advantage of modern statistical techniques, sophisticated computer technology, large weather database, and fast and efficient information delivery systems to development and use prediction and risk assessment models as decision-making tools in integrated disease management programs.
Honors and Awards
Teaching
I co-teach Diseases of Field Crops (PLNTPTH 5140) with Anne Dorrance, offered Autumn semesters.
Extension
Podcast Demonstrates How to Identify Wheat Growth Stages
Videos help wheat growers identify various stages of wheat growth and to know what management strategies can be used during each growth stage:
> Feekes Growth Stage 6
> Feekes Growth Stages 7 & 8
> Feekes Growht Stages 9 & 10
> Wheat Flowering Stage
Narrated presentation on Fusarium Head Blight (head scab) and how to measure head scab in the field by Pierce Paul and Dennis Mills > View presentation
Katelyn T. Willyerd, Pierce A. Paul, Peter Thomison and Dennis Mills were awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the Agronomy Society of America Educational Materials Awards Program for the OSU Extension fact sheet:
Gibberella Ear Rot and Mytotoxins in Corn: Sampling, Testing and Storage
< View pdf on Ohioline
View highlight piece featuring the Fusarium head blight risk assessment tool (pdf)
Professional Experience
- Associate Professor, The Ohio State University, Plant Pathology, 2012 - present
- Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University, Plant Pathology, 2006 - 2011
- Research Scientist and Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University, Plant Pathology, 2005-2006
- Postdoctoral Researcher, The Ohio State University, Plant Pathology, 2003-2005
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology. Ames, Iowa, 2002
- Phytosanitary Inspector, Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology and Iowa Department of Agriculture. Ames, Iowa, 2000
- Graduate Research Assistant, Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Pathology. Ames, Iowa, 1999 - 2003
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Cincias Agrrias, Departamento de Fitopathologia. Vicosa, Brazil, 1999
- Graduate Research Assistant, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Cincias Agrrias, Departamento de Fitopathologia. Vicosa, Brazil, 1997 - 1999
- Undergraduate Research Assistant, Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Cincias Agrrias, Departamento de Fitopathologia. Vicosa, Brazil, 1995 - 1997
