Jennifer Lorang

Biography

Hello! I am plant pathologist/molecular geneticist with a distinct interest in characterizing the molecular nature of conversations between plants and microbes. I stumbled upon this passion through an environmental path. My B.S. is in Environmental Biology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (Winona), where I studied black tern populations on the Mississippi River. I then went on to investigate Streptomyces spp. that inhibit scab disease of potatoes in the soil, obtaining an M.S. in Plant pathology at the University of Minnesota. Next, I ventured out West to the University of California-Riverside, where I completed a PhD. in Plant Pathology investigating the molecular signaling of bacterial pathogens with plants, but I knew I was finally home when I joined BPP as a Postdoctoral research fellow to investigate the effects of fungal toxins on plant immune systems. I continue this line of research today and recently have thoroughly enjoyed transitioning toward more teaching and sharing of my research experience with our amazing OSU students.