Recent Graduates

Graduate Program

Tyler McFeaters

M.S., Plant Pathology; International Ag & Development

Tyler McFeaters has accepted a position as a research technologist at Penn State.

McFeaters' thesis is titled "Field-Scale Spatial Distribution and Genotypic Diversity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Soybeans." His research included studying the population genetics and epidemiology of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal, fungal pathogen of white mold in soybean. His project focused on determining the field-scale distribution of S. sclerotiorum and genotyping approximately 300 isolates. Pennsylvanian S. sclerotiorum populations were compared to Brazilian and New York populations. The findings are important in developing management strategies for white mold in soybeans and reducing the risk of fungicide resistance. Another aspect of his research was the validation of the Sporecaster mobile application for use by Northeast U.S. soybean growers. The Sporecaster mobile application is a forecasting tool developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that helps growers make in-season fungicide application decisions. The app's models were found to be accurate in predicting white mold disease incidence, which provides growers a great resource when timing preventative fungicide applications.

When asked about insight for prospective students, McFeaters responded, "The Penn State PPEM Department is a very friendly environment where you will be surrounded by many great faculty, staff, and students always looking to give a helping hand! I would recommend finding an advisor who is a great fit for your personality and allows you to work on a project you are passionate about. My time at Penn State has opened many career opportunities for my future and has been a true blessing."

Alexander Varaksa

M.S., Plant Pathology

Alexander Varaksa has accepted a position as a biological science technician at USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Varaksa's thesis is titled "Assessing Grapevine Leafroll Disease Impact in Commercial Vineyards Throughout Pennsylvania." His research involved conducting disease testing to determine the incidence and spread of grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) in Pennsylvania commercial vineyards from 2018 to 2021, assessing GLD impact in four Pennsylvania vineyards and attempting to correlate vineyard specific weather conditions with GLD impact using regression statistics.

In 2020, Varaksa was vice president of the Plant Pathology Association. 

When asked about insight for prospective students, Varaksa responded, "There are many great faculty and students in the department. Take the time to find the perfect environment for you."

Miranda DePriest

M.S., Ecology

Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu

Ph.D., Plant Pathology

Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu has accepted a position as a postdoctoral fellow at Bioprotection Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Ehau-Taumaunu's thesis is titled, "Microbial interactions in the phyllosphere: from bacterial competition to disease suppression." Her research explored how antagonistic traits influence plant-associated microbial populations and communities in natural conditions. This was through investigating bacteriocin-mediated antagonism between phytopathogens, using passaging to develop disease suppressive communities in the phyllosphere, and uncovering the microbiome of passaged communities enriched for disease suppressiveness.

Ehau-Taumaunu received the following awards during her graduate career at Penn State:

• Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Doctoral Scholarship
• Northeast SARE Graduate Student Award
• Phytobiomes Graduate Fellowship
• PA Vegetable Growers Association
• Grant Rose Hellaby Postgraduate Scholarship
• Fulbright New Zealand Science and Innovation Graduate Award
• Elwin L. Steward & Barbara J. Christ Plant Pathology Graduate Studies Enhancement Fund
• IndigiData Indigenous Data Science Workshop Awardee

Leadership roles:

• Māori and Student Representative for the Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Executive Committee (2019-2021)
• Social Media Coordinator American Phytopathological Society (APS) Graduate Committee (2020-2021)
• Co-founder of the Penn State Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• President (2019-2020), Treasurer (2018-2019) of the Plant Pathology Association
• Secretary of the Penn State SACNAS chapter (2019-2021)

When asked about insight for prospective students, Ehau-Taumaunu responded, "Take time to enjoy your time as a graduate student and make sure to celebrate even the little milestones. Your journey and health should be your priority, and PPEM has many resources and amazing people to help support you along the way. Also, try to make connections across campus, such as student groups, and with other organizations, such as APS and SACNAS, as you never know the great people you can meet and the collaborators you might have in the future!"

Undergraduate Program

Ian Finn

Mushroom Science and Technology Minor
B.S., Food Science