Botany & Plant Pathology

2025 BPP Research Showcase

  • November 12, 2025

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology hosted its Annual Research Showcase at the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. This signature event brought together faculty, students, industry partners, and community members to celebrate groundbreaking research and foster collaboration across plant science disciplines.

The showcase featured:
  • Lightning Talks: Two dynamic sessions where graduate students and postdocs presented cutting-edge findings in just four minutes, sparking curiosity and discussion. A big thank you to our lightning talk presenters: Ava Barnes, Kathryn Maley, Samuel Mantel, Dinh Nhan Lai, Alex Mueth, Elizabeth White, Sana Doty, and Ian Rimer.
  • Poster Sessions: Over 70 posters highlighted diverse research topics, from disease resistance in crops to advanced sensing technologies for precision agriculture. See the full list of posters here.
  • Special Presentation: The event concluded with the 2025 Weier Award Outstanding PhD Student, Denise Caldwell, honoring excellence in plant science research.
Poster presentations spanned a wide range of themes:
  • Crop Protection and Disease Management: Studies on tar spot in corn, red crown rot in soybeans, and fungal microbiomes showcased innovative approaches to safeguarding crop health.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Research on herbicide resistance, drone-based applications, and resilient cropping systems reflected the department’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Plant Development and Genetics: Investigations into auxin signaling, QTL mapping in cowpea, and sex determination in nematodes demonstrated the depth of molecular and genetic research.
  • Emerging Technologies: Projects integrating robotic imaging, remote sensing, and NASA satellite data underscored the role of technology in modern agriculture.
The showcase exemplifies Purdue’s mission to protect the environment, improve plants, and manage natural resources. By connecting researchers with stakeholders, the event accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world solutions for agriculture and beyond. As climate challenges intensify and global food systems evolve, the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology remains at the forefront of innovation. Events like the Research Showcase not only celebrate achievements but also inspire future collaborations that will shape the next generation of plant science.

 

photo of participants mingling in reception area Participants socializing between talks and sessions
audience listening to remarks Department Head Tesfaye Mengiste and Professor Michael Mickelbart talk to BS student Adeline Dering about her poster and research
Award presentation 2025 Weier Outstanding PhD Student Denise Caldwell receives award from her major professor, Professor Anjali Iyer-Pascuzzi
Audience listens to lightning talk PhD student Kathryn Maley presents her research lightning talk titled Out of the dark: The mystery of the dark root fungus
student presenting poster Mark Crooks, BS student, presents his poster
student presenting poster PhD student Polina Mironova discusses her research
student presents lightning talk PhD student Ian Rimer presents a research lightning talk
student presenting research poster to colleague Menghui Liu, PhD Student, discusses her research
Graduate student standing in front of poster Outstanding PhD Student Weier award winner Denise Caldwell with her poster
student presents his research poster MS student Grant Isaacs discusses his research poster with professor emeritus Tom Jordan
student presenting her poster Emma Horn, BS student, presenting her poster to Mark Sullivan, Business Relationship Manager, Agricultural Research and Graduate Education
two colleagues viewing poster Associate professor Yun Zhou and Chao-Jan Liao, Proteomics Senior Research Scientist
student presenting poster Emma Lagerhausen, MS student, presents her poster
student presenting poster MS student Anthony Peretta presents his research poster
3 students pose for picture at table Emmanuel Santos, Kamran Ashad, and Juan Peña take a break between sessions
student Liz White presents lightning research talk MS student Elizabeth White presents her lightning talk on Vascular Streak Dieback of Redbud