Simeon Wright Email & Phone Number

Columbia, Missouri Area

Columbia, Missouri Area

• Coordinated the activities of the plant diagnostic clinic including diagnosis of plant problems, insects and weeds.
• Identification of plant pathogens using traditional microbiological, serological, and PCR-based testing methods.
• Developed plant disease and pest management information and authored client sample reports.
• Managed the plant diagnostic clinic budget.
• Supervised assistant diagnosticians and temporary student employees.
• Compiled year-end reports.

Wooster, OH

• Conducted interdisciplinary field research on organic fruit production, including insect and disease suppression and weed management.
• Executed sensory evaluations on organic and conventional strawberries.
• Isolated anthocyanins from organic and conventional strawberries.
• Planned and implemented field and laboratory experiments to examine the feasibility of using beneficial insects to disperse predatory mites to crops.
• Coordinated and executed field and laboratory experiments on the multicolored Asian lady beetle including experiments on basic biology, behavior and management.
• Analyzed and processed data using various computer applications (eg., Excel, SuperAnova, Statistix).

Union Springs, AL

• Developed and implemented disease and insect management techniques, using integrated pest management (IPM) methods.
• Delivered disease management talks to managers, growers and salesmen.
• Trained growers on inspection, diagnosis, and management of disease and insect problems on plugs, bedding plants, herb and vegetable transplants.

Wooster, OH

• Designed and conducted laboratory experiments to characterize bacterial biological control agents and bacterial plant pathogens, including growth curves, application formulations, chemical resistance, in vitro efficacy.
• Designed and conducted greenhouse and field experiments on tomatoes and peppers to characterize the effects of bacterial biological control agents, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, fungicides, and chemical plant.
• Isolated and identified pathogens from vegetable samples sent to the laboratory by extension agents and growers.
• Expanded vegetable pathology research collection by isolating new organisms from vegetables, and preparing cultures for long-term storage.
• Helped design, plant, inoculate, harvest and evaluate fungicide and disease resistance trials.
• Collected, analyzed and processed data using various computer applications (e.g., Excel, MiniTab).

Orlando, Florida Area

• Conducted field trials to compare beneficial mite species for spider mite management on roses and presentation of results.
• Inspected, diagnosed and managed disease, insect and weed problems on turf and landscape plantings; managed structural pests using IPM methods.
• Identified ornamental plants.

Ames, IA

• Maintained insect colonies, evaluated and increased germplasm for agronomic and horticultural crops at the USDA ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station.
• Executed field and lab research on mating disruption of the European corn borer and cranberry blackheaded fireworm with pheromones.
• Managed field trials for insect and disease management and production aspects for fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and turfgrass.
• Conducted an independent research project evaluating cultivar response to Ash Yellows infection among white and green ash cultivars.

Master'S Degree, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology

Vegetable pathology Thesis title: The role of Bacillus and related species in growth promotion and biological control of tomato and pepper.

Bachelor'S Degree, Entomology

Activities and Societies: Track, Cross CountyMinor in horticulture