People

Since 1911, Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center (SOREC) has been integral in Southern Oregon's agricultural landscape. As the Rogue Valley's agriculture has shifted from peaches to pears, and more recently to include vineyards and hemp, SOREC has adapted to continue providing science and research support to area growers, producers, and the community at large. Current research foci include plant pathology, entomology and integrated pest management, viticulture, and crop and soil science.

FACULTY

Dr. Achala KC stands in front of a pear tree

Dr. Achala KC, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Plant Pathology
[email protected]

Dr. KC joined Oregon State University, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in 2016. Her primary focus at SOREC is to develop applied research programs for tree fruit and wine grape industries that include disease diagnosis, population biology, epidemiology, and integrated disease management towards developing sustainable and cost-effective disease management programs. She also engages in Extension and Outreach to the tree fruit, wine grape, and hemp industries across Southern Oregon.

Dr. Alexander Levin stands in a vineyard smiling while looking into the distance

Dr. Alexander Levin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Viticulture & SOREC Director
[email protected]

Dr. Levin joined SOREC in 2016, leading the viticulture program. His applied research focuses on understanding the physiology of grapevines with foci on plant water relations, carbohydrate metabolism, and fruit ripening biochemistry, and applying that to improve vineyard management practices while enhancing economic and sustainable production. Dr. Levin is also a core faculty member of Oregon Wine Research Institute (OWRI) and board member for the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.

Dr. Robert Orpet smiles slightly at the camera in front of lush green foliage

Dr. Robert Orpet, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Entomology
[email protected]

Dr. Orpet is an applied entomologist who calls his approach "insects and people." Robert tries to integrate community members into projects and views research, extension, and teaching as related. Past work has included testing integrated pest management guidelines on commercial pear orchards combined with interviews with farm decision-makers to understand adoption, a recurring earwig transportation workshop to promote bio-control of aphids and psyllids, and outreach & guest lectures to support a diverse workforce in entomology.

Dr. Nan Xu smiles slightly while standing in front of lush green foliage.

Dr. Nan Xu Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice, Crop and Soil Science
[email protected]

Dr. Xu brings extensive expertise in advancing sustainable agricultural practices through innovative research and outreach. Her doctoral research focused on the impacts of organic amendments, cover cropping, and crop rotation on soil health, plant nutrition, and crop yield in Florida’s agricultural systems. This work established sustainable management practices tailored to specific soil conditions, enhancing soil ecosystem functions and providing valuable decision support to local growers.