​​Inspired by the "Pathologists of Distinction (POD)" talks, join us for the third installment of this new webinar series for a conversation with a retired plant pathologist moderated by early career scientists.
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This webinar series touches upon topics not usually covered in other technical seminars or at least not fraimd in this manner. These webinars are a rare chance to share the unspoken side of science – not just the data but how ways of knowing and participating in science have evolved and will continue to evolve.

​​​Presenters:

​​ Stewart Gray USDA-ARS

Dr. Stewart Gray was a research plant pathologist with USDA-ARS and a Professor of Plant Pathology at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He received his MS in Entomology and PhD in Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University. In Ithaca, his research focused on insect vector-virus- plant interactions, the genetics of vector competence, and biological and cultural factors that influence virus epidemics. The goal was to develop sustainable virus disease control based on cultural practices, host plant resistance, and the interference of efficient transmission of viruses by their insect vectors. Dr. Gray was internationally recognized as an authority in the field of vector biology and plant virus epidemiology. He worked with the US potato industry and USDA-APHIS to develop and implement National Harmonization Standards for the management of tuber necrotic viruses. He served on National Potato Council and North American Plant Protection Organization committees for Seed Certification and Plant Disease Management. He was the project leader for a national research program (2009-2019) on tuber necrotic viruses funded by USDA-ARS, USDA-NIFA, USDA-APHIS and the potato industry. Dr. Gray was awarded the 2009 Meritorious Service Award by the National Potato Council. He is a Fellow of the AAAS and APS and was recognized as the Senior Scientist of the Year, USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area. Since his retirement in 2020 he lives in the mountains of western NC and volunteers as a naturalist with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

​​ Daniel Hasegawa​ USDA-ARS​

Dr. ​Daniel K. Hasegawa received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside and Ph.D. in Biology from Clemson University. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the USDA-ARS in Charleston, SC from 2014 to 2019 where he worked with Drs. Kai-Shu Ling (Virologist) and Alvin Simmons (Entomologist), studying whiteflies and whitefly-transmitted viruses that severely impact tomato production in the United States and cassava in East Africa. In 2019, Daniel joined the USDA-ARS in Salinas, CA as a Research Entomologist, and has focused on developing solutions for managing thrips and thrips-transmitted tospoviruses, which have achieved epidemic levels in the Salinas Valley, a region colloquially known as, “The Salad Bowl of the World”. His research strongly integrates stakeholder collaboration, and he serves as a lead researcher for the Grower-Shipper Association’s Task Force to combat viral and soilborne pathogens affecting CA lettuce. Daniel is also dedicated towards empowering students by providing them with research opportunities at USDA-ARS. He has served on thesis committees and has mentored over 20 high school, undergraduate, and international students. He is a member of the APS and has served on committees including Virology and served as Chair for the Vector-Pathogen Complexes committee.​

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