Romina Gazis

Dr. Gazis is a plant pathologist with extensive experience in fungal biology and an increasing interest in tropical plant diseases caused by other groups of plant pathogens. During her Ph.D. (University of Maryland) and two postdoctoral fellowships (Clark University and University of Tennessee), her research areas were quite diverse. Her dissertation focus was on fungal endophytes inhabiting wild and planted rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), with the aim of finding potential biological control agents that could be used against diseases detrimental to natural rubber production. In this project, she collected, identified and characterized hundreds of fungal cultures isolated as endophytes of trees grown in plantations and natural forests of Africa, South and North America. This research effort resulted in the description of several novel fungal lineages, including Trichoderma spp. with potential biocontrol properties and the unveiling of a novel branch in the fungal tree of life (Class Xylonomycetes). At Clark University, Dr. Gazis was part of the Open Tree of Life project where she conducted research on fungal systematics and evolutionary biology, as well as on the fungal comparative genomics and genes that play a role in determining the lifestyle of a fungus. At the University of Tennessee, Dr. Gazis used population genetics and genomic approaches to investigate the evolutionary dynamics and disease ecology of the pathogen/vector system involved in Thousand Cankers Disease.

Dr. Gazis long-term research goal is to understand the biology behind different plant diseases (Fungi, Bacteria, Oomycetes, Viruses) affecting local industries and natural landscapes and use this knowledge to develop efficient and long-term disease management strategies. At TREC, Dr. Gazis has a 60% extension and 40% research appointment. Most of the extension work is related to TREC’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Serving a diverse array of businesses within the green industry, but with a focus mainly on commercial growers that cultivate ornamental, tropical fruits, and landscape crops. South Florida offers an ideal climate to grow plants year-around but it also represents a hot spot for plant diseases and an entry point for detrimental invasive species.