UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State has appointed Maria del Mar Jimenez-Gasco, professor of plant pathology, as head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology effective Jan. 1.
Jimenez-Gasco has been the department’s interim head for the past year. She replaces Carolee Bull, professor of bacterial systematics and plant pathology, who led the department from 2015 to 2022.
“On behalf of the entire faculty and administration, I am pleased to congratulate Dr. Jimenez-Gasco on being named head of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology,” said Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. “She is an excellent scientist and outstanding leader who will bring deep disciplinary knowledge and great leadership skills to the department.”
Ott noted that her extensive background in population biology and the ecology of plant-associated microorganisms positions her well to lead a department of talented faculty, staff and students.
“Furthermore, during her time as interim head, Maria demonstrated thoughtful and strategic leadership of the department,” he said. “We are excited to work with Dr. Jimenez-Gasco to elevate the impact of the department in these increasingly critical mission areas.”
Jimenez-Gasco said she is honored to serve the department, college and University.
“It is a privilege to work with an outstanding group of faculty, students and staff in a department that has given me so much over the past 20 years,” she said. “I am excited and grateful for this leadership opportunity to help advance Penn State’s land-grant mission, and I welcome with enthusiasm the chance to develop a shared vision and increase our impact.”
Jimenez-Gasco received her master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural engineering and crop protection from the University of Cordoba, Spain. Her research focuses on the evolution of plant pathogenicity and virulence and the emergence of fungicide and antibiotic resistance in microbial populations.
She has been a Penn State faculty member since 2005 and has been involved in the international agriculture and development dual-title graduate program. In 2020, she received the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award. The following year, the American Phytopathological Society awarded her its Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition to securing a significant funding portfolio, Jimenez-Gasco has published more than 60 refereed papers, and several of her students have received prestigious awards under her supervision.
The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology provides research-based solutions for extension and education needs for Pennsylvania, the U.S. and the world. The department aims to be a nationally and internationally recognized leader in integrated plant pathology, mushroom science and environmental microbiology, generating solutions for sustainable, climate-resilient crop and forest systems.