Research & Discovery

June 2, 2021 | Jessica McBride, PhD - College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Sydney Everhart Appointed Head of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

Molecular epidemiologist Sydney Everhart will join the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources to lead the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

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Sydney Everhart will lead the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. (Contributed photo)

The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is pleased to announce that following a national search, Sydney Everhart, Ph.D. will serve as the next head of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA). Effective August 23, 2021, Everhart will be taking over this role from Richard McAvoy, Ph.D., who is retiring after serving in the role for 10 years.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Everhart has joined CAHNR,” says Indrajeet Chaubey, dean and director of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “She brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and innovative ideas that will continue to advance our College’s mission to provide life transformative education, conduct innovative research, and provide impactful extension outreach to our communities.”

Everhart comes to UConn from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she is an associate professor and graduate chair in the Department of Plant Pathology. Her recent research projects are focused on the application of molecular tools for elucidating the biology, epidemiology, and origins of fungal plant pathogens causing disease within cultivated crops. One project, funded through the USDA Small Crops Research Initiative, is focused on deciphering the underlying issues leading to lack of efficacy of fungicides for broccoli and cole crop production in the Eastern U.S. Everhart received her M.S. degree in biology from the University of Central Missouri and a Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Georgia.

“It is an incredible opportunity to join and lead a department like Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at a top research institution like UConn,” Everhart says. “PSLA is a leader in the discovery of innovative solutions to enhance plant productivity and the creation of sustainable and health-promoting environments. I am excited to identify new collaborative opportunities that will help train future generations of plant scientists and further the land grant mission of the University.”

 

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