Plant Pathology

Overview

Key Features

New PhD students have the opportunity to rotate through three labs, to gain experience with the scientific questions and techniques employed in each. Following the selection of a permanent lab and a Major Advisor, students deepen their expertise in that lab's research area through participation in all aspects of the research endeavor, including generating novel hypotheses, writing proposals, mentoring undergraduate assistants, developing and executing tests and assays, and participating in lab discussions. With guidance from the Major Advisor, students then develop and execute their own novel research projects and disseminate their results through scientific publications.

Core coursework is minimal and includes cross-training in basic plant science, to ensure a solid foundation in plant responses to microbial interactions. Elective coursework, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisors, deepens expertise in areas related to the intended direction within plant microbial research.

The Plant Pathology program from University of Arizona prepares graduates for research and leadership careers in, for example, federal and state agencies involved in food safety, industry pursuits of crop improvement through microbiome manipulation, academic institutions with foci on basic and applied microbial sciences.