Denita Hadziabdic Guerry

Denita is a faculty member of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on population genetics of fungal plant pathogens, population biology, forest health, forest pathology, and diversity and conservation efforts of native plants. Her lab is interested in understanding the complexity of host-pathogen-vector interactions and their associated microbial communities within the Phytobiome across both introduced and native ranges. Denita's program’s main goal is to utilize novel genetic and genomic tools to integrate molecular data into pragmatic management decisions and provide solutions for the preservation of biodiversity, conservation of native species, and overall tree improvement programs.  

Denita's Fulbright fellowship allowed her to expand her research and contribute to hunger eradication efforts on the African continent by preserving the biodiversity of indigenous and nutritional plants adapted to climate change. This will not only provide regional food security, but will promote science literacy, and recruit and educate the next generation of science ambassadors in sub-Saharan African countries. 

Ask Me About:

• Research in West Africa
• Making research contacts/permits before your Fulbright
• Living in Ghana
• Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with your host institution and the U.S. Embassy
• Traveling alone within the country