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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 organizer introducing meeting Department Head Tesfaye Mengiste gives opening remarks
audience listening to remarks The audience at the Beck Center
Award presentation Dr. Anjali Iyer-Pascuzzi presents the 2024 Weier Outstanding PhD Student Award to Rebecca (BeKa) Leuschen-Kohl
Undergraduate student receiving award Dr. Mengiste presents Emily Whittington with the first place prize in the undergraduate poster contest.
student Marcelo Zimmer presenting poster Marcelo Zimmer, Weed Science Program Specialist and PhD student, presents his poster
student Sienna Ogawa presenting poster Graduate student Sienna Ogawa discusses her research
student Kay Annunziata presents her lightning talk Undergraduate student Kay Annunziata presents her research lightning talk
student Juan Diego Gutierrez presenting his lightning talk Juan Diego Gutierrez presenting his lightning talk
Graduate student standing in front of poster Graduate student Brenden Lane with his poster
student Wily Sic Hernandez presents his research in a lightning talk Wily Sic Hernandez presents his research in a lightning talk
student Denise Caldwell presenting her lightning talk Denise Caldwell presenting her lightning talk
student Diwen Wang presents her lightning talk Diwen Wang presents her lightning talk
student BeKa Leuschen-Kohl presenting poster BeKa Leuschen-Kohl, recipient of the Weier Outstanding PhD Student Award, presents her poster
Visiting Scholar Emanuel Santos presenting poster Visiting Scholar Emanuel Santos presents his research
student Denise Caldwell in front of poster Denise Caldwell presents the research in her poster
student Jean Paul Lyakaremye discussing poster Jean Paul Lyakaremye discusses his poster with undergraduate student Morgan Murff
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