Current Postdoctoral Research Associates include:

Dr. David Henderson
Plant Pathologist
David.Henderson@ars.usda.gov

Dr. Hongmei Ma
Geneticist
Hongmei.Ma@ars.usda.gov

Supports the shrub breeding unit by investigating the genetic relationship of flowering cherries using molecular markers (SSR). Studies molecular mechanisms of gene expression. Develops in-vitro methods to manipulate ploidy to create seedless plants.

Michael Stulberg
Plant Pathologist
Michael.Stulberg@ars.usda.gov

Some Previous PostDocs included:

• Dr. Slava Andrianov
• Dr. John Bowers
• Dr. Javier Castillon
• Dr. Gary Kinard
• Dr. Clarissa Maroon-Lango
• Dr. Baolong Zhu
• Dr. Keri Jones
• Dr. Keenan Amundsen
• Dr. Karen Hokanson

Mr. Ron Beck
Horticulturist
Ron.Beck@ars.usda.gov

Supports research on somatic cell genetics and on the expression of foreign and novel genes in transgenic plants. Coordinates experiments designed to obtain viable seedlings through embryo rescue. Maintains, operates, and coordinates use of laboratory confocal microscope.

Ms. Susan E. Bentz
Horticulturist
Susan.Bentz@ars.usda.gov

Hybridizes and evaluates hemlock species for resistance to wooly adelgid. Develops techniques for propagating superior selections of disease and insect-resistant trees. Manages national tree distribution and evaluation program.

Ms. Margaret Brannigan-Dienelt
Plant Pathologist
Peggy.Dienelt@ars.usda.gov

Investigates cytology of viral, bacterial, mycoplasma and nutritionally-induced plant diseases using light and electron microscopy. Studies pathogen relationships and host infection processes to develop improved methods of disease diagnosis and control. Incorporates new technology to digitize, analyze and process microscopic images.

Ms. Mary Ann Guaragna
Plant Pathologist
MaryAnn.Guaragna@ars.usda.gov

Supports research on investigations on the biochemical and serological nature of plant viruses, their genomes and gene products. Coordinates and performs recombinant DNA-related experiments, including the expression of viral or anti-viral genes in transgenic plants. Maintains, operates, and coordinates use of laboratory DNA sequencer and genetic analyzer instrument.

Mr. David Kidwell-Slak
Horticulturist
David.Kidwell-Slak@ars.usda.gov

Oversees greenhouse/polyhouse complex for shrub research group; investigates propagation methodologies; evaluates germplasm; conducts hybridization studies in the family Hamamelidaceae. International Registrar for Viburnum.

Dr. Robert Webster
Botanist
robert.d.webster@ars.usda.gov

Oversees the National Arboretum herbarium: collects and identifies plants, ensures that research material and living germplasm collections are represented by specimens in the herbarium, maintains and adds to the specimen database, and trains and assists Herbarium volunteers, and investigates the nomenclature of ornamental grasses.

Mr. Zheng-Lian Xia
Botanist
zheng-lian.xia@ars.usda.gov

Oversees genetic laboratory work for the taxonomy program, obtains comparative genetic marker profiles for estimating parentage of plants and genetic similarity of populations, and obtains DNA sequences for inferring relationships among tree species and accessions.

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Last Updated   November 2, 2012 2:10 PM
URL = http://www.usna.usda.gov/Research/postdoc&.html