Growing up in Clinton, Tennessee, Matthew Longmire has been a lifelong Volunteer, following in his family’s footsteps. In 2018, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with a…
Turning a Love for Insects into a Doctorate: Matthew Longmire
Navigating Graduate Research on Callery Pear: Alina Pokhrel
Originally from Nepal, Alina Pohkrel is pursuing a master’s degree in plant pathology. Under the mentorship of Marcin Nowicki, a research assistant professor within the department, Pokhrel focuses on invasive…
Protecting Forests, One Beetle at a Time: Rafael Ferreira Dos Santos
With a biology and agricultural entomology background, Rafael Ferreira Dos Santos plays a pivotal role at the Lindsay Young Beneficial Insects Laboratory (Lybil). Collaborating with fellow researchers and professionals, Ferreira…
Three Decades of Service and Inspiration: Jerri Arlene King
Jerri Arlene King has been an integral part of the University of Tennessee community for over three decades. From her beginnings in Undergraduate Student Services, which is now known as…
High-Flying Research in Crop Protection: Elias Zuchelli
Elias Zuchelli, a graduate student studying plant pathology, was inspired by his parents’ farming legacy. From his early days on the farm, Zuchelli learned the ropes, facing challenges head-on. With…
Making Strides in Ornamental Plant Research: Lav Yadav
Lav Yadav, a postdoctoral research associate, developed a passion for ornamental plant research at a young age. With the joy of working with plants, Yadav began his journey into the…
From Graduate School to Tenure-Track: Kassie Hollabaugh
Meet Kassie Hollabaugh, a doctoral candidate who has dedicated her graduate studies to the art of teaching and mentoring. Originally from Warren, Pennsylvania, Hollabaugh moved to Knoxville in 2015 to…
Impactful Research on La Crosse Virus and Graduate Life: Corey Day
With a passion for advocating science policy, Corey Day, a first-generation college student, channels his research to protect communities from the threats posed by vector-borne diseases. Graduating from Western Carolina…
Navigating Change with Grace: Sonya Dexter
Sonya Dexter, an exceptional individual who is an invaluable member of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, holds over three decades of dedicated service with the department. With unwavering…
From Investigating Bollworm Resistance to Navigating Graduate School: Dawson Kerns
Fueled by his upbringing, Dawson Kerns, a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, is dedicated to understanding a major cotton pest, bollworm, and its resistance mechanisms.…
