Joshua Giesler

Joshua Giesler

  • M.S. Student
  • Co-Advised by: Dr. Carolee Bull and Dr. Kevin Hockett

Areas of Expertise

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Specialty Mushrooms
  • Microbiology

Education

  • B.S., Major in Microbiology, Minor in Business, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research focuses on the antimicrobial properties of bioactive compounds from specialty mushrooms, particularly shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa), and their potential application in controlling bacterial blotch disease affecting commercial mushroom production. My work explores the ability of mushroom-derived extracts to inhibit Pseudomonas tolaasii and other blotch pathogens of Agaricus bisporus. Through bioassay-guided extracting, partitioning, and fractionation, I aim to characterize antimicrobial compounds with bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. By integrating microbiology, plant pathology, and natural product chemistry, I seek to contribute to sustainable alternatives for managing bacterial diseases in agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical controls, and improving mushroom crop health.

GRANTS & AWARDS

  • Award, PSU, PPEM Graduate Student Travel Award                                                 June 2025
  • Award, PSU, CAS Graduate Student Travel Award                                                   June 2025
  • Grant, UNL, UCARE Student Research Grant                                                          2023-2024 
  • Award, UNL, Green Thumb Award                                                                              June 2023  
  • Scholarship, UNL, Eagle Coyote Club Scholarship                                                  2020-2021
  • Scholarship, UNL, Husker Power Scholarship                                                         2020-2021