PNWHRI

Curtis has a PhD in Crop Physiology from Utah State University. Curtis aims to be a leader in improving the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural ecosystems while also enhancing the productivity, quality, and resilience of crop plants. He employs disciplinary approaches such as crop physiology, crop ecology, and agronomy to gain a deeper understanding of how crops respond to the environment and interact within cropping systems. This knowledge guides the development of improved crop varieties and management practices.

Albert is a weed scientist and extension specialist studying and disseminating information on best weed management practices in agronomic crops, mainly: sugarbeet, dry beans, corn and small grains.

Dr. Sam Agyin-Birikorang is the new Research Leader and Agronomist for the USDA – ARS Unit in Pendleton, OR, succeeding Dr. Dan Long, who retired. He joined from the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and has over 25 years of expertise in Agronomy and Soil Science, specializing in plant nutrition, nutrient management, and soil fertility. He has extensive international experience, having worked with producers in numerous countries. He held positions at various universities, conducted international training programs, and trained over 1200 people from 72 countries. He provided consultancy for USAID's Feed the Future initiatives, co-led Action Tract 3 of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, and is involved in global initiatives like Global TraPs, CA4SH, and GPNM. Dr. Agyin-Birikorang holds a doctorate from the University of Florida, a master's from the University of Ghent (Belgium), and a bachelor's from the University of Ghana.

Judit Barroso is an Agronomist Engineering by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and earned her PhD in Weed Science. Her doctoral thesis, titled "Site-specific management of wild oat populations in central Spain's cereal crops," was awarded the extraordinary distinction in 2006. In 2010, her interest in precision agriculture led her to Montana State University, where she collaborated with multiple growers to enhance herbicide treatments in cereal crops. By the end of 2014, she had relocated to CBARC-OSU, where she continued her research on site-specific weed management and embarked on new research endeavors. Judit Barroso has also made notable contributions to the field as the former chair of the research program for the Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS) and as the eastside director of the Oregon Society of Weed Science (OSWS) for several years.

Dr. Berry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University based in Corvallis, OR. Pete has a history of working within the farming industry as a research and development scientist with Syngenta assessing the effectiveness of crop protection products before obtaining a faculty position at OSU. Pete’s additional areas of expertise include data and spatial analysis using ArcGIS and other tools.

Ian Burke is a weed scientist in Washington State University's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. His work focuses on basic aspects of weed biology and ecology with the goal of integrating such information into practical and economical methods of managing weeds in the environment. His ongoing projects include physiological, biological and ecological studies on prickly lettuce, a common and troublesome weed in crops, range and non-cropland throughout the inland Pacific Northwest. Prickly lettuce is an invasive weed with wind-dispersed seeds that crosses boundaries at multiple scales - from field borders to regional boundaries. It infests Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land and appears to cause significant economic losses in wheat-based cropping systems.

Campbell has been an agronomic weed scientist since 1980, teaching classes on general weed control and pesticides. Her research includes aspects of wheat production systems related to weeds and herbicide resistance. Her work with pulse crops has spanned over the last 40 years, on and off. She says pulses are an important rotational crop. Her research includes insecticides, fungicides and seed treatments.

Bryan Carlson's background includes earning a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he gained a passion for knowledge generation through studying a tiny moth and their host trees. He furthered his education by obtaining an M.S. degree in Botany from Washington State University, focusing on plant-insect interactions and developing expertise in biophysics and computer coding. His skills encompass data engineering, decision support services, application development, and cloud architecture. In his role within the CAF-LTAR, he plays a crucial part in managing data from its generation to utilization in decision support tools. Bryan is currently engaged in various research projects, including creating an inventory of data within a national agroecosystem research network, establishing software infrastructure for cloud-based process-based erosion models, developing a graph database for social collaboration insights, and creating a data catalog system aligned with academic research best practices.

Dr. Joaquin Casanova, a specialist in agricultural engineering, obtained his master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida in electrical engineering. His research journey has encompassed crop and micro meteorological modeling, remote sensing, electromagnetic sensor design, and machine learning for data interpretation. He has taught courses in electromagnetics, antenna design, and radiofrequency systems. Joaquin recently joined the USDA-ARS Northwest, Sustainable Agro Ecosystems Research Group (NSAER), where he focuses on remote sensing, from satellites to soil sensors, with a goal of developing new sensors and techniques tailored to the Pacific Northwest's unique landscape. He aims to assist growers in addressing issues like weed management, precise fertilization, and erosion control using cutting-edge technology.

Aaron Esser, the Adams County Extension director at Washington State University (WSU), is a passionate advocate for agriculture. Raised on a family farm in North Idaho, he pursued an ag economics degree at the University of Idaho, followed by a master's in plant science. With 24 years at WSU Extension, his research now focuses on promoting minimum tillage and direct seeding systems and advocating for more intensive crop rotations to enhance soil quality and profitability. Aaron's dedication extends to addressing weed management challenges in the Pacific Northwest, where he conducts research at the Wilke Research Farm. His expertise in soil-active herbicides plays a crucial role in combating herbicide-resistant weeds and supporting the local farming community's sustainability efforts.

Douglas Finkelnburg, an Area Extension Educator specializing in Cropping Systems, serves northern Idaho with a focus on dryland cropping systems. His work at the University of Idaho Extension in Nez Perce County involves delivering unbiased research to agricultural producers and industry partners to address ongoing production challenges. With Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho, he brings expertise in acid soil mitigation, cover crop adoption, and pesticide applicator training/recertification to benefit the agricultural community. His commitment to improving cropping systems in the region is evident in his collaborative and research-driven approach.

Kimberly Garland-Campbell is an accomplished researcher and educator, currently serving as USDA Adjunct Faculty in Crop and Soil Sciences. With an educational background that includes a B.S. in Agronomy, an M.A. in Theology, an M.S. in Crop Science, and a Ph.D. in Crop Science, her academic journey has been diverse and rich in knowledge. Kim's research expertise lies in the genetics and breeding of wheat, with a focus on addressing both abiotic and biotic stress factors. She is dedicated to improving winter survival, disease resistance, grain yield, and crop quality in wheat production. Her work encompasses resistance to stripe rust, pathogenic nematodes, and soil-borne diseases, such as eyespot, Cephalosporium stripe, and Fusarium crown rot. Her efforts aim to reduce risks associated with wheat farming and enhance the overall quality and marketability of wheat varieties in the western U.S. Some of her notable cultivar releases include Cara, ARS-Chrystal, ARS-Crescent soft white club wheats, and ARS-Amber and ARS-Selbu soft white winter wheats.

Dr. Garett Heineck brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. He earned his B.Sc. from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and pursued further studies at the University of Minnesota, where he obtained an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics. With two postdoctoral experiences, Garett honed his skills in modeling yield components and moisture content of Kernza and lentil pathology. In his current role, Garett is an integral part of a diverse team of ARS researchers focused on enhancing the sustainability and profitability of agroecosystems in the Pacific Northwest dryland region. His skills span field agronomy, frequentist statistics, R programming, genetics, and plant pathology. Garett's contributions include fostering collaborations for dryland cropping systems research, exploring perennial grains like Kernza as alternatives or companions to annual wheat, and experimenting with canola and grain legume intercropping to assess yield potential and its impact on winter wheat yields. His work aims to innovate cropping systems and improve the profitability of the existing wheat-based system in the Inland Northwest.

Dave earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in forestry at the S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. His first natural resource job was with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Moscow, ID back in 1981. Since then he has spent the majority of his career working on sustainable agricultural issues in the Palouse region. Dave received his Ph.D. at WSU under Dr. Bill Pan conducting research on no-tillage cropping systems and N use efficiency. Subsequently, he became an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota before returning to the Palouse in 1997 as a USDA-ARS Research Soil Scientist, and in 2020, became the Research Leader of the Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems Research Unit in Pullman, WA. Dr. Huggins had a leadership role in establishing the WSU Cook Agronomy Farm in 1998 as a new cropping systems research farm, and in its selection as one of ten original USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) national sites. He currently serves on the national LTAR leadership team, is the current scientific lead for the Cook Agronomy Farm LTAR site, and is also the co-Director of the Northwest Climate Hub. Dr. Huggins has been a P.I. or co-P.I. on 47 competitive grants totaling $37 million and has over 200 publications. He has served as Chair of the Soil and Water Management and Conservation Division of the Soil Science Society of America and as ex-officio board member of the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association. He is, of course, best known for his Ag. related poetry and award winning Harmonicat Graminae Grammy for "The AEZ Blues".

Melissa LeTourneau is dedicated to advancing knowledge in cropping systems modeling, soil acidification, and soil nutrient dynamics. She earned her Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Washington State University, focusing on root-microbe-mineral interactions in wheat rhizospheres. During her post-doctoral research with the USDA-ARS Wheat Health, Genetics, and Quality Research Unit, also in Pullman, WA, she delved into the relationships between microbial communities and soilborne fungal pathogens of wheat. Melissa's academic journey also includes degrees in Geology and Computer Science. Her expertise spans various fields, including cropping systems modeling, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, soil acidification, and plant nutrient uptake and translocation. In her role within the CAF-LTAR, Melissa is actively involved in assessing, managing, and mitigating soil acidification, identifying sustainability determinants in Inland Pacific Northwest cropping systems, and integrating agroecological knowledge into decision support systems. Her current research projects focus on understanding the impact of soil acidification and mitigation approaches on crop production and soil health, as well as developing decision support systems enriched with insights into soil microbial ecology, rhizosphere processes, and weed biology. Additionally, she evaluates the sustainability of agronomic practices and crop rotations in the region, examining soil health, carbon cycling, and nutrient dynamics through field-scale modeling.

Drew Lyon, a weed scientist at Washington State University (WSU), brings his passion for problem-solving and plant understanding to his role as WSU's Endowed Chair in Small Grains Extension and Research, Weed Science. With over three decades of academic experience, Lyon was recently on a one-year appointment as the interim chair in WSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. His career has been driven by a fascination with the diversity of weeds and their adaptive strategies for survival. Lyon's dedication to managing these plants to protect growers' economic interests is evident in his role as a trusted resource for the agricultural community. Despite administrative duties, Lyon remains committed to outreach efforts, including the popular Weeders of the West blog, the Wheat Beat podcast which he hosts, and the WSU Small Grains website, all of which provide valuable resources and insights to growers. His dedication to connecting research with practical applications exemplifies his mission to support the agricultural community. Lyon joined WSU in 2012 after a distinguished 22-year tenure at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, Neb.

Dr. Carol Mallory-Smith is a Professor Emeritus of Weed Science at Oregon State University in the Department of Crop and Soil Science. She received a BS in Plant Protection in 1986 and a PhD in Plant Science in 1990 from the University of Idaho. She began her career at Oregon State University in 1994 where she had responsibilities for teaching and research in agronomic crops. Mallory-Smith's main areas of research were gene flow and hybridization between crops and weeds, herbicide resistance, weed management in agronomic crops, and weed biology. She advised more 40 graduate students and hosted visiting scholars from every continent. She has coauthored more than 140 journal articles and 10 book chapters. Mallory-Smith visited Argentina as a Fulbright Scholar. She served on the National Academy of Science’s National Research Council Committee on the "Science Based Look at Genetically Engineered Crops". Mallory-Smith is a Fellow of the Western Society of Weed Science and the Weed Science Society of America, served as President and Treasurer of the Weed Science Society of America and Secretary-Treasurer for the International Weed Science Society. She received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Idaho's College of Agriculture, the Western Society of Weed Science and Weed Science Society of America Awards for Outstanding Weed Scientist, and the Western Society of Weed Science Presidential Award of Merit.

Haly Neely is a dedicated soil scientist with an extensive educational background. She earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from Texas A&M University in 2014, following an M.S. in Soil Science from Washington State University in 2010. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Agricultural Journalism, also from Washington State University, in 2008. In her role, Haly Neely focuses on teaching AgTM 405 and conducting research with a clear goal: to enhance soil health and ecosystem resilience by studying the intricate interactions between soil, water, and plants at the field scale. Her research endeavors are categorized into two main areas: firstly, implementing soil health-promoting practices to conserve water and protect the soil, and secondly, utilizing sensor technology to accurately measure spatial soil moisture dynamics. Haly Neely's work contributes to a deeper understanding of soil systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

Timothy C. Paulitz obtained a B.S. degree in botany with a plant pathology minor from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 1979. This laid the foundation for his path in plant pathology, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside, in 1984. After post-doctoral appointments at Colorado State University and later USDA-ARS in Corvallis, OR, and a professorial appointment at McGill University in Quebec, Canada, Timothy transitioned to the USDA-ARS Root Disease and Biological Control Research Unit in Pullman, WA in 2001 and assumed the role of a research plant pathologist. His pioneering work in soilborne fungal pathogen ecology, epidemiology, biological control, and cultural management has earned him international recognition.

Catherine Reardon earned her Ph.D. in microbiology from Montana State University in 2005, following a Bachelor of Science degree from Idaho State University in 2001. Her proficiency extends to various molecular techniques, including qPCR, T-RFLP, and DNA sequencing, as well as skills in assessing soil enzyme activity and employing microscopy. In her role as a soil microbiologist, Catherine's research endeavors focus on evaluating the impact of crop management practices on soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling activity. She is particularly interested in identifying beneficial microbial populations that contribute to plant health within dryland cropping systems. Currently, her microbiology program is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the advantages of diversified crop rotations, particularly wheat-oilseed rotations versus traditional wheat-summer fallow systems. Her research objectives encompass investigating changes in microbial diversity, composition, and function in response to crop rotation, pinpointing key shifts in fungal and bacterial populations concerning soil structure, and exploring the potential soil-enhancing effects of Brassica oilseed crops. This work is funded under the USDA-ARS NP 216 Agricultural System Competitiveness and Sustainability program, where Catherine delves into the effects of crop diversification and intensification on microbial communities, aiming to unravel the intricate relationships between soil health and crop management practices.

David M. Weller's academic journey took him to Michigan State University, where he earned his PhD in Plant Pathology in 1978, following an MS in the same field in 1975. Prior to this, he acquired a solid foundation in botany, obtaining a BA from Miami University in 1973. David's scientific interests encompass diverse areas, including biological control of plant pathogens, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, rhizosphere microbiology, molecular ecology, and disease suppressive soils. His current research thrusts delve into topics like Take-all decline and suppressive soil, the ecology of antibiotic-producing Pseudomonas spp., and the dynamics of wheat rhizosphere microbial communities. David Weller's enduring commitment to plant pathology and his extensive research portfolio establish him as a stalwart figure in the field.

Stewart Wuest earned a bachelor's degree in Agrarian Studies from the University of California, Davis, followed by a Master's and a Ph.D. in Agronomy and Soil Science. In 1997, he commenced his career with the ARS at Pendleton, OR, where he initially focused on addressing challenges related to crop establishment in residue. As technology advanced seeding equipment, his research shifted to investigating water infiltration dynamics. His work highlighted that rapid water infiltration in no-till systems was influenced not only by cracks and root holes but also by the surface soil's resistance to slaking and crust formation. Stewart's research encompassed various areas, including minimizing tillage in tilled fallow fields and optimizing farming practices for water efficiency, yield enhancement, and drought resilience.