Graduate Student
Amy Baetsen-Young
Email: baetsena@msu.edu
Education
2015-present, Michigan State University, Ph.D. Plant Pathology
2011-2013, The Pennsylvania State University, M.S. Agronomy
2007-201, Northern Michigan University, B.S. Biology
Professional Experience
2013 Plant Health Technician, Timberwolf Tree Care
2013 Contract Botany Surveyor, USDA Forest Service
2013-2015 Associate Pathology Scientist I, Simplot Plant Sciences
Research Interests
The intersection of plants and pathogens within the ecosystem has motivated many critical questions within my research. These questions will enable me to focus on my long-term goal of being able to assess and determine processes that allow disease to impact host populations, the evolution of host resistance, and pathogen adaptation and virulence. Broadly, I am interested in studying regional and localized epidemiology to generate knowledge that will enable a holistic understanding of pathogen isolate development and evolution. My current research combines classical pathology with gene expression and genome analysis to uncover mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, including determinants of virulence and host range. I hope to apply the research concepts attained in graduate school to spur economic development for growers by reducing enigmatic biotic and abiotic interactions.
Selected Publications
Peer Reviewed
Baetsen-Young, A.M., Vasher, M., Matta, L.L., Colgan, P., Alocilja, E.C., and Day, B. 2018. Direct colorimetric detection of unamplified pathogen DNA by dextrin-capped gold nanoparticles. Biosensor and Bioelectronics. 101: 29-36.
Baetsen-Young, A.M, J.E. Kaminski, M.T. Kasson, and D.D. Davis. 2015. Insights into the biology of Sphaerobolus stellatus as a causal agent of thatch collapse in golf turf. Crop Science. DOI:10.2135/cropsci2014.12.0821
Trade and Extension
Baetsen-Young, A.M, J.E. Kaminski, M.T. Kasson, and D.D. Davis. 2016. Thatch collapse in golf course turf. Golf Course Management. 84: 87-91
Stehouwer R.C., K.L. Butler, K.A. Webber and A.M. Baetsen. 2014. Soils 102, Introductory Soil Science Laboratory, Spring 2014. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Baetsen, A.M., and J.E. Kaminski. 2012. Thatch collapse: a new disease of golf course turfgrasses. Pennsylvania Turfgrass. http://www.thepaginator.com/preview.php?ID=1064