The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is pleased to announce the arrival of three accomplished individuals who will join our faculty on February 1, 2024. EPP welcomes Kelsey Coffman as assistant professor of insect-microbe interactions, Gayan Kariyawasam as assistant professor of plant pathology, and Gautam Shirsekar as assistant professor of plant pathology. All three faculty members will be actively involved in conducting research, mentoring students, and contributing to the development of our new proposed undergraduate major. These new additions bring a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to our academic community, contributing to our mission of excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.
Assistant Professor Kelsey Coffman
Coffman holds a PhD in entomology from the University of Georgia and specializes in researching the roles of beneficial viruses in shaping the evolution, ecology, and physiology of parasitoid wasps. Coffman plans to incorporate modern educational practices into her teaching to create an enthusiastic learning environment.
Assistant Professor Gayan Kariyawasam
Kariyawasam received a PhD in plant pathology from North Dakota State University and focuses on characterizing host-pathogen interactions at a molecular level, specifically in economically important crop pathosystems. Kariyawasam hopes to spark the interest of students when teaching introductory plant pathology and genetics courses by employing interactive and hands-on teaching methods.
Assistant Professor Gautam Shirsekar
Shirsekar holds a PhD in plant pathology from Ohio State University. Shirsekar‘s research concentrates on investigating the evolution of Arabidopsis plants, related to cabbage and mustard, against downy mildew parasite infections. To promote a collaborative problem-solving environment for students, Shirsekar aims to enhance open communication and collaboration.
“We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Coffman, Kariyawasam, and Shirsekar to our department. Their outstanding contributions to their respective fields will play a pivotal role in further solidifying our department’s commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge research” said DeWayne Shoemaker, professor and head of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.
To learn more about the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, visit https://epp.tennessee.edu/research/.