Bill Fry

William E. (Bill) Fry is professor emeritus of plant pathology and has been a member of the Cornell faculty since 1971. His teaching has included introductory plant pathology, plant disease epidemiology, and biology of plant pathogens. His research has centered on the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine, investigating its population genetics, molecular genetics, ecology, epidemiology and control. In that regard his lab documented global migrations and global population displacements of this pathogen during the 1980s and 1990s. Locally, his discoveries have been used to aid efforts in agriculture to suppress the disease caused by this pathogen. The most recent emphasis has been to build a program (Decision Support System) that integrates all disease control tools into a single package. The goal is to achieve the most effective disease suppression possible while minimizing costly inputs. His service to the university includes chair of the department of Plant Pathology (1981-1995, 2011- 2014), Cornell University Faculty Trustee (1998-2002), senior associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (2001-2007), Dean of the University Faculty (2008-2012). His service to the American Phytopathological Society includes membership on many subject matter committees, APS Foundation, councilor-at-large and President (1995-1996).