Our Team

Fereshteh (Angel) Shahoveisi - Principal Investigator, Mentor

My research focuses on the identification and integrated management of turfgrass diseases. Our turfgrass pathology lab at the University of Maryland (UMD) is a multidisciplinary program where we conduct research on epidemiology, genetics of host resistance, nematology, and remote sensing. My position is a three-way appointment with 50,40,10% of extension, research, and teaching, respectively. Prior to starting my position at UMD, I was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the North Dakota State University where I also received my Ph.D. When I am not working, probably you will find me traveling or camping.

Feel free to contact me at: fsh@umd.edu

Uday Kumar - PhD Student

I completed my Master's degree in Plant Pathology at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India, where my research focused on the characterization and screening of mapping populations of Rhizoctonia solani.

My research takes on a new focus as I pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Maryland. I am dedicated to comprehensively controlling turfgrass diseases, particularly emphasizing Dollar spot management. My primary research areas encompass the innovative use of RNA interference and UV-C light to manage Dollar Spot disease and investigate the genetic factors related to host resistance in creeping bentgrass.

Thomas Lai - Lead Agricultural Technician

I am a plant biology and environmental horticulture major. My past research was on CRIPSR based systems in potato plants. Currently, I am working with fungicides, nematicides, and UVC to control various turfgrass pests.

Britney Isaacoff - Undergraduate Reseacher

My Name is Britney Isaacoff and I am currently majoring in Environmental Science & Technology with a concentration in Ecosystem Health. I am currently interested in learning more about plant health, restoration projects among wetlands, and the vast diversity of ecosystems around the world! What I like to do in my free time is going on walks/hiking, watching movies, and reading.

Swathi Sevugan - Undergraduate Reseacher

I am a first year biology major. In my free time I enjoy reading and cooking. I plan on going to graduate school and pursuing a career in education.

Selena Jiang - Undergraduate Researcher

I am a freshman biochemistry major. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, taking care of my Christmas cactus, and have recently gotten into crocheting. I hope to pursue higher education after finishing my undergraduate degree.

Our Team

Fereshteh (Angel) Shahoveisi - Principal Investigator, Mentor

Uday Kumar - PhD Student

Thomas Lai - Lead Agricultural Technician

Britney Isaacoff - Undergraduate Reseacher

Swathi Sevugan - Undergraduate Reseacher

Selena Jiang - Undergraduate Researcher

Ariana Boyd - Spring 2023-Winter 2023 Undergraduate Researcher

Amanda Moy - Summer 2023 Intern

Rishi Balani - Summer 2023 Intern

Youna Kim - Summer 2023 Intern

James Houck - Summer 2022 Intern

Karley McIlhatton - Fall 2022 Intern

Mary Huber - Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Intern