EDUCATION

• M.S. Tree Pathology – Kansas State University
• B.S. Horticulture – Kansas State University, cum laude

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• 2000 – Present | Owner, Tree BioLogics Inc., Lecompton, Kansas.
• 2023 – 2024 | Instructor, Dept. of Horticulture, Kansas State University
• 2011 – 2015 | Adjunct Assistant Professor, Johnson County Community College.
• 1998 – 2015 | President, Growing Concerns Inc., Manhattan, Kansas.
• 2000 – 2005 | Graduate Research Student, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.
• 1988 – 1997 | Vice President & Landscape Management Division Manager, Hermes Landscaping Inc., Lenexa, Kansas.
• 1986 – 1988 | Consulting Arborist & Production Manager, American Tree Care, Long Island, New York.
• 1985 – 1986 | County Extension Agent Intern, Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas.
• 1984 – 1985 | Park Manager Intern, Topeka Parks and Recreation, Topeka, Kansas.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH

• Journal of Arboriculture (2006): Prevention of Pine Wilt of Scots Pine with Systemic Abamectin Injections. (Pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)

Abstract. We examined the efficacy of the insecticide/nematicide abamectin to prevent pine wilt disease caused by the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Pinewood nematode movement was inhibited (>80% death or paralysis) following a 48 hr exposure to abamectin concentrations as low as 0.1 micro-L a.i. per L (100 ppb). A commercial formulation of abamectin (Avid™) was injected into Scots pine using a pressurized systemic trunk injection tube (STIT) technique. Fifteen to 30 mL (0.45 to 0.90 fl oz) of Avid per STIT could be injected into the trees in less than 1 hr. Trees were successfully injected throughout February, March, and April at temperatures above 4.4°C (40°F). Survival after 1 year of 10 cm diameter (4 in) at breast height (dbh) Scots pines injected with Avid and subsequently inoculated with pinewood nematode was higher (75%) than in pines injected with water (42%). Similarly, survival after 3 years of large Scots pines (30 to 60 cm [12 to 24 in] dbh)] injected with Avid and exposed to a natural epidemic of pine wilt was higher (96%) than in noninjected pines (33%) or those injected with water (71%). These results indicate that preventive injections of Scots pine with Avid are effective in protecting against pine wilt disease.

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SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

• James, R., Tisserat, N., Todd, T. 2005. Prevention of Pine Wilt Of Scots Pine with Abamectin Injections. Journal of Arboriculture. September 2006

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

• American Phytopathological Society
• American Society of Consulting Arborists
• Horticulture Inspectors Society
• International Society of Arborists (ISA) – certified Arborist
• Kansas Arborist Association (KAA) – certified Arborist
• Kansas Nursery & Landscape Association (KNLA)

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

• Shade tree wilt pathogens
• Ornamental plant protection and integrated pest management (IPM)
• Tree Inventories, appraisals, & audits

PRESENTATIONS

• Tree Appraisal Case Study. Kansas Arborist Association. Manhattan, KS – 2026
• Tree Appraisal Testimony . Kansas Forest Service, Lawrence, KS – 2025
• Pine Protection. Kansas Arborist Association. Manhattan, KS – 2025
• Tree Protection, DCA Outdoor, Lenexa, KS – 2024
• Conifer Diseases, Heartland Green Education Conference, Overland Park, KS – 2013
• Presenter, Kansas Turfgrass Conference. Topeka, KS – 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018
• Guest Lecturer, KSU Dept. of Horticulture. Arboriculture Science. 2010–2024
• Guest Lecturer, KSU Dept. of Plant Pathology, PLTPATH 590 – 2005-2015
• Pine Disease Diagnosis and Prevention, Kansas State Board of Ag. Wichita, KS – 2008
• Pine Wilt Research and Control, Kansas State Board of Ag. Wichita, KS – 2007
• Tree Health Threats, American Society of Landscape Architects, KC, MO – 2006
• Oak Wilt diagnosis and Prevention, grad students and faculty, KSU – 2005
• Landscape Management Solutions, Baton Rouge, LA, 1997
• Grounds Maintenance, AMA, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Orlando & Tampa, FL – 1995
• Successful Landscapes, National Management Clinic, Louisville, KY- 1991
• Applied Integrated Pest Management, White Plains, NY- 1988
• New York Pesticide Recertification, Lindenhurst, NY – 1988

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• State Association Leader Award (Kansas) – Western Nursery Association, 2019
• Elected Board Member/President – Kansas Arborists association. 2011– 2013
  
• Elected Board Member & Vice President – KS Nursery & Landscape Association. 2012–2016
• Chairman – Riley County Executive Extension Council. 2010
• Graduate, Leadership Lenexa, Ks, Class of 1995
• Recipient of USD 383 Little Apple Award for on-going horticultural contributions
• Sophomore of the year, KSU college of Agriculture

EXPERT TESTIMONY

• 2015 Dana Newton vs Butler Rural Electrical Cooperative
• 2012 Vera White vs Junghans Agency, Inc.
• 2008 Wierwille vs Butler County Fire District 3
• 2005 Muhl vs Bohi