People
Bish Lab 2024
Mandy Bish
Assistant Professor & State Extension Plant Pathologist
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
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
Jeff manages nematode testing at SCN Diagnostics. His Ph.D. research involves characterizing plant parasitic nematodes across Missouri. Jeff earned a Master's Degree in Plant Pathology at Iowa State University, with focus on soybean cyst nematode.
Feyisayo Akande
Ph.D. Student
Feyi's research involves evaluation of current disease management practices on soybean pathogens through strip trials conducted on Missouri farms. She earned her Master's Degree in Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University where she characterized the role of a PIEZO ion channel in plant defense and pattern-triggered immunity.
Melanie Carraher
Graduate Student
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
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.
Cameron Gromek
Research Specialist
Cam assists with small plot, greenhouse, nematode clinic, and on-farm research. He earned his B.S. Degree at Michigan State University and has experience with pesticide applications and GIS mapping.
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
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.