People

Bish Lab 2023

Mandy Bish

Assistant Professor & State Extension Plant Pathologist

bishm@missouri.edu

573-882-98878

Dr. Bish is the Principal Investigator on the team.  She earned a Ph.D. in Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland. Her postdoc training was with the USDA-ARS Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit at Fort Detrick, Maryland. 

Alex Haafke

Senior Research Specialist

ahaafke@missouri.edu


Alex oversees small plot and lab research. She earned a Master's Degree in Plant Pathology at Iowa State University with focus on Diaporthe sp. infection of soybean

Jeff Barizon

Ph.D. Student and Senior Research Specialist

jd32v@missouri.edu


Jeff manages nematode testing at SCN Diagnostics. His grad work involves characterizing nematodes in non-disturbed soils. Jeff earned a Master's Degree in Plant Pathology at Iowa State University, with focus on soybean cyst nematode. 

Melanie Carraher

Graduate Student

carrahermm@mail.missouri.edu

Melanie is characterizing Cercospora species responsible for Cercospora Leaf Blight of Missouri soybean. Melanie earned a B.S. Degree at MU and is co-advised by Dr. Jim Schoelz and Dr Bish.

Meghan Biggs

Research Specialist

ferrym@missouri.edu


Meghan assists with nematode testing and small plot research. Meghan earned a B.S. Degree at MU and has considerable experience in pest management research.

Susan Taylor

Research Technician


Susan isolates and cultures fungal pathogens for the team. She earned a Master's Degree in Plant Pathology at MU and has extensive experience isolating and culturing an array of fungi.

Jared Fogue

Media Producer 2

ipm@missouri.edu


Jared uses a combination of design and production skills to enhance content developed by Extension Specialists and promote communication of MU pest management efforts. He earned a B.A. Degree at MU in graphic design.