AMES, Iowa – After an impactful first five years at Iowa State University, Steven Harris has been reappointed for another five-year term with the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, effective April 1.
Harris has served as chair since April 2021. One of his first and biggest tasks was leading the merger of the former Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology and the Department of Entomology, which took effect in September 2022.
“Steve has done tremendous work as chair of the department, from bringing together the former departments, to leading the distinguished faculty, staff and students in the department, to collaborating all across the college and beyond,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “He is an accomplished scholar, of science and learning, and of adding leadership value. It is a great opportunity to reappoint Dr. Harris to this position to continue his relevant, impactful and excellent work.”
Harris has created a renewed emphasis on high-impact experiences for undergraduate students, which includes the Microbiology 1150: Phage Discovery Lab – the very first class PPEM students take as new students on campus. Harris also has enhanced support for graduate student travel to conferences and other professional development events.
Other highlights include the recruitment of new faculty whose research focuses on complex species interactions that impact plant health and productivity. He also oversaw successful external reviews of the department and the undergraduate microbiology program.
“I sincerely appreciate the support of the faculty, staff and students in PPEM over the past five years as we built from the departmental merger. I also look forward to the exciting progress that we’ll make over the next five years,” Harris said.
The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology offers undergraduate majors in microbiology and minors in global health and insect science. Graduate students can enroll in programs related to entomology, microbiology or plant pathology. The department also participates in several interdepartmental undergraduate majors and graduate programs.
Contacts
Steven Harris, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, 515-294-2149, stevenh1@iastate.edu
Whitney Baxter, Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications, 515-294-2314, wjsager@iastate.edu