Hello, my name is Kiersten Bushong!
I began my PhD studies at the University of Florida in fall of 2020, and am co-advised by Dr. Jeff Jones and Dr. Mathews Paret.
Currently, I am working on multiple projects focused on bacteriology including: testing the efficacy of nanomaterials against Pseudomonas syringae; characterizing strains of P. syringae isolated from Florida fields; and surveying transplant houses for bacterial leaf spot.
Previously, I was part of the plant diagnostic lab of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, where I participated in projects focused on Rapid Apple Decline, Plum Pox virus, molecular detection of Phytophthora ramorum, and scouting for and molecular detection of plant diseases of international concern.
My research interests include extension, international agriculture, and diagnostics.
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Research
University of Florida:
Bacteriology, focusing on nanomaterial control of the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae
Pennsylvania State University:
As an undergraduate I participated in research focusing on bacteriocins and their effect genetic transfer between Pseudomonas syringae strains in Dr. Kevin Hockett's lab.
I was also employed as a summer research assistant in 2016, where I worked on wine grape studies. -
Education
2018 - Pennsylvania State University, B.S. of Plant Science, Plant Pathology minor