Ali Lab

Courses

Courses and students mentoring.

Courses

1. Cell Biology (BY310), 4 credits: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.

2. Disease Management for Greenhouses and Nurseries (non-credit, online course)

3. The Pest Management University program (https://pmu.ifas.ufl.edu/courses) (Non-credit online course)

Course name

Years offered

Attendees

# of pesticide companies

# of CEU

Improvement in knowledge

Foundations of Lawn and Ornamental Pest Management

2017: 2 times

2016: 3 times

2015: 2 times

22+8

20+16+13

10+15

22+7

9+10+8

9+7

136

108

35–50%

15–36%

25–40%

Masters of Lawn and Ornamental Pest Management

2017: Scheduled

2016: 1 time

2015: 1 times

n/a

30–70%

25–65%

Graduate Students in the lab

Candidate’s Role	Student	Major	Complete Date
Chair Ph.D.	Zunaira Afzal	Plant Pathology	May 2019 (expected)
Chair Ph.D.	Shaheen Bibi	Plant Pathology	May 2019 (expected)
Chair M.S.	Kamaldeep Bansal	Plant Pathology	December 2014
Co-Chair Ph.D.	Stephanie Suarez	Plant Pathology	May 2018 (expected)
Member Ph.D.	Anne Vitoreli	Plant Pathology	May 2018 (expected)
Member M.S.	Amanda Morgan	Environmental Horticulture	May 2018 (expected)
Member Ph.D.	Yucheng Zhang	Plant Pathology	August 2016

Undergraduate and high school teachers mentoring

2017 – 2018 Jabari Campbell, Senior at the University of Central Florida: Research Project, “Identifying antimicrobial resistance genes in fungi”.

2017 Elena Diyakonova, Senior at the University of Florida: Research Project, “Exploring culturable microbiome of Florida native plants for controlling plant pathogens”.

2017 Anjeli Nandwani, Senior, Lake Highland Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL: Research Project, “HPLC fractionation of Neem oil for identifying compounds for the control of pests”. Won 1st place in the Dr. Nelson Ying Orange County Science Exposition (2017), 3rd place at the State Science and Engineering Fair (2017); Will appeared at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (2017); admitted to University of Florida.

2017 Students (4) and a Faculty (1), University of Virgin Islands: A two-hour tour consisting of lab tours and roundtable discussions, in which the students were introduced to basic plant pathology topics and career.

2016 Middle and High School Teachers (6): “Don’t get caught with your plants down”, a one-day workshop provided by the University of Florida, IFAS, for middle and high school teachers as a STEM topic. Teachers were exposed to basics of plant pathology through lectures and demonstrations that can be used in the classroom.

2016 Lake Nona High School Advanced Placement Science students (6) and teachers (2): “Diagnostics and molecular methods in plant pathology” A one-day science module consisting of lectures and molecular biology lab exercises.

2013-2014 Keyon Aghajan, Senior, Lake Howell School, Winter Park, FL: Research Project, “Control of citrus psyllid using the RNAi approach”. (Currently an undergrad at the University of Florida)

2005-2011 Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) students (6), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO: I mentored them in research methodology and principles of scientific inquiry, and provided them training in general molecular & cell biology while they worked towards completing a specific project, which ranged from research in plant pathology, biofuels to abiotic stress tolerance. Teaching activities consisted of oral lectures and experimental hands-on experience focused on gene cloning, tissue culture, protoplast transfection, general molecular biology techniques, and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. (All these students went on to either graduate schools or work in industry).

2008 High school science teacher (1), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO: I trained this teacher in general molecular & cell biology, which helped him transfer latest knowledge and experimental methods to his students.

Post-doc mentoring

2015-2016 Dr. Ashraf El-Sayed, University of Florida (Currently Associate Professor at Zigazig University, Cairo, Egypt)

2011-2011 Dr. Aftab Khan, University of Florida (Currently a postdoctoral scientist at UF)

2011-2013 Dr. Jaimin Patel, University of Florida (Currently a Research Scientist, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY)

2005-2011 Dr. S. Palusa, Colorado State University

Dr. H. Celesnik, Colorado State University

Dr. P. Kasavajhala, Colorado State University

SERVICE TO SCHOOLS

I have established collaborations with local high school teachers and students, which enabled me to train high school science teachers and their students in molecular plant pathology projects. This also allowed me to fulfill the broader impacts requirement of NSF and USDA grants. Following are some of the activities that I have performed and are related to my field of studies.

1. Plant Pathology Workshop for Middle School and High School Teachers (07/18/2016): This one-day long workshop, consisting of lectures and practical hands-on activities, was developed by Dr. Monica Elliot. I updated the genetic engineering part of the workshop, and delivered all talks to AP science teachers in central Florida. Participating science teachers showed interest in learning more about plant diseases, and they expressed interest in arranging a hands-on experience in molecular biology for AP Biology students. This led to a one-day workshop for AP class students as follows.

2. Hands-on Molecular Biology Experience for High School Students (09/18/2016): This workshop consisted of a lecture and several hands-on activities in molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis for identifying an unknown plant disease. Students showed increased interest in studying biology, and some of them expressed interest in internships at the University of Florida. As part of this workshop, one of my graduate students learned how to put together workshops.

3. Hosted three groups of elementary school students (2013): Students learned the concept of the disease triangle, and observed beneficial fungi and bacteria on plates and under microscopes.

4. Hosted local high school students: 3 tours as of 2017, general introduction to the field of plant pathology.

5. Hosted National Junior Horticulture Society (100 students in four groups): I delivered a talk and conducted lab tours; students learned history, and current and future trends in plant pathology, and observed molecular and cell biology tools and lab set ups.

6. Hosted students for Science Fair projects: Total number: 3, as of 2017. One student won 1^st position in a local Science Fair competition, and 3^rd in a statewide competition in 2017.

7. Served as Judge at the Dr. Nelson Ying Orange County Science Expo (2013), where K–12 students compete by presenting Science Fair projects.

8. Presented a talk on producing biofuels from cellulose to high school teachers in a science conference, Denver, CO, Nov 20, 2009.

9. Introduced Denver high school students to producing disease resistant transgenic potato (2008).

LECTURES, SPEECHES, POSTERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES

a. International

Invited:

1. Ali G.S. Pseudomonas sp associated with Smilax bona-nox display strong activity against Phytophthora spp. The American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Tampa, FL. July 8–Aug 3, 2016

2. Ali, G. S. Silver nanoparticles: a new tool for controlling Phytophthora spp. 1^st International soil-borne oomycetes conference, Duck Key, FL. Dec 8–10, 2015

3. Ali, G. S. What are nanoparticles and how do they impact biological and chemical disease control. Poster HUDDLE #5. The American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Pasadena, CA. Aug 1–5, 2015

Selected:

1. Ali GS. Phytophthora effectors suppress plant immunity by interfering with the Ca²⁺ - signaling pathway. Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Meeting, Asilomar, CA. Mar 11–14, 2017

2. Ali, G. S. Ali, M. Norman, D. and Brennan, M. Inhibition of Phytophthora spp. by silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium. Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Meeting, Malmo, Sweden. June 15–17, 2016

3. Ali, G. S. Ali, M. Norman, D. and Brennan, M. Inhibition of Phytophthora spp. by silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Pasadena, CA. Aug 1–5, 2015

4. Ali, G. S. Characterization of Phytophthora species infecting ornamental crops. Oomycetes Molecular Genetics Network Meeting, Asilomar, CA. March 10–12, 2013

5. Ali, G. S. Characterization of Phytophthora species infecting ornamental crops. Oomycetes Molecular Genetics Network Meeting, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China. March 26–28, 2012

6. Ali, G. S. Genetic transformation of grapevine cv. Chancellor as a model system for enhancement of disease resistance. Fourth International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and Enology, Rochester, New York. July 17–20, 1996

b. National

Invited:

1. Daughtrey, M. Ali, G.S., Shishkoff, N. Characterizing the Problem. Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Downy Mildew Workshop, Philadelphia, Nov 15–16, 2016

2. Ali, G.S. Management Options 2: Host Resistance, RNAi/Genome Editing. Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Downy Mildew Workshop, Philadelphia, PA. Nov 15–16, 2016

3. Khachatryan, H. and Ali, G.S. Adoption & Adaptation: Barriers for new methodologies. Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Downy Mildew Workshop, Philadelphia, PA. Nov 15–16, 2016

4. Ali, G.S. Status of Plant Pathology at Mid-Florida Research and Education Center. Big Growers Summit, Apopka, FL. Feb 18, 2013

5. Ali, G.S. Metabolic engineering of plants to produce precursors (phloroglucinol and 1,2,4-butanetriol) of energetic materials. Office of Naval Research, Arlington, VA. July 22 –23, 2008

6. Ali, G.S. A novel plant-specific splicing factor regulates flowering in Arabidopsis. Botany and Plant Biology Joint Congress., American Fern Society (AFS), American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), American Society of Plant Taxonomists (ASPT), Botanical Society of America (BSA), Chicago, IL. July 7 –11, 2007

Selected:

1. Ali, G.S. Khan^p A., Norman D.J. Functional analysis of the host target of a Phytophthora RXLR effector in solanaceous crops. The American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. Aug 10–14, 2013

2. Ali, G.S. Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for detection of Rhizoctonia spp. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Providence, RI. Aug 4–8, 2012

c. Regional

None

d. State

Invited:

1. Ali, G.S. Calcium signaling is under attack by pathogen effectors. 15^th Florida Phytopathological Society Biennial Meeting, Quincy, FL. May 1–3, 2017

2. Ali, G.S. Fungicide resistance genes. 128^th Florida State Horticultural Society Annual Meeting, St. Augustine, FL. May 31–June 2, 2015

3. Ali, G.S. New biologicals and biorationals for controlling plant diseases. Biologicals and Biorationals Update Meeting. Apopka, FL. June 26, 2013

4. Ali, G.S., Scouting diseases, hands-on look at diseases. IPM Nursery Scout Training workshop, Apopka, FL. Oct 9, 2013

5. Ali, G.S. Rapid and accurate plant disease diagnosis. Mid-Florida Research & Education Center Field Day Meeting, Apopka, FL. May 23, 2012

6. Ali, G.S. Rapid diagnostic methods for identification of plant pathogens. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service workshop, Apopka, FL. August 12, 2011

7. Ali, G.S. In planta degradation of lignin using fungal enzymes. Colorado Bioscience Conference, Denver, CO. November 20, 2009

8. Ali, G.S. Identification and expression analyses of calmodulin-binding proteins involved in plant defense. 15^th Annual Colorado Biotechnology Symposium, Fort Collins, CO. April 16, 2002

9. Ali, G.S. Enhanced resistance against fungal diseases by expression of ATLP1 in transgenic potato plants. 13^th Annual Colorado Biotechnology Symposium, Fort Collins, CO. September 14, 2000

e. Local

Invited:

1. Ali, G.S. Gene mining in impatiens for resistance to the downy mildew pathogen. The American Floral Endowment Board of Trustees Meeting, Apopka, FL. Jan 19, 2015

2. Ali, G.S. Plant Pathology at the Mid-Florida Research & Education Center. Training course on agricultural biotechnology organized for visiting professors and researchers from Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Science and Technology, IFAS office of Conferences and Institutes, Apopka, FL. Oct 12–23, 2015

3. Ali, G.S. Developing segregating population for resistance gene cloning, field demo. Training Course on Agricultural Biotechnology organized for visiting professors and researchers from Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Science and Technology, IFAS office of Conferences and Institutes, Apopka, FL. Oct 12–23, 2015

4. Ali, G.S. Plant Pathology at the Mid-Florida Research & Education Center. National Junior Horticulture Society tour. Apopka, FL. Oct 12, 2015

5. Ali, G.S. Plant Pathology at the Mid-Florida Research & Education Center. Farm Foundation Meeting, Apopka, FL. Jan 7, 2015

6. Ali, G.S. Plants get sick too! Meeting of visiting K – 12 school students in Florida, Apopka, FL. July 24, 2015

7. Ali, G.S. Plant Defense and Biotechnology. Department of Plant Pathology Comprehensive Review Committee Meeting, Gainesville, FL. October 13–17, 2013

8. Ali, G.S. Research Update. Mid-Florida Research & Education Center Advisory Committee Meeting, Apopka, FL. Jan 19, 2012

f. Other

Invited:

1. Ali. G.S. Plant Pathology at Mid-Florida Research & Education Center. Meeting of visiting students and faculty from the University of Virgin Islands, Apopka, FL. March 7, 2017

Instructional Multimedia Presentations

2017 Three PowerPoint presentations illustrating diseases of plants, and used for extension education targeting pesticide applicators, extension agents and master gardeners

2016 Eight instructions lessons for an on-line course on disease management targeting international and national personnel working in greenhouses and nurseries (https://ufl.instructure.com/courses/327530)

2016 Four PowerPoint presentations illustrating genetic engineering and diseases of plants, and used for extension education targeting high school science teachers, pesticide applicators, extension agents and master gardeners

2015 Five PowerPoint presentations illustrating diseases of plants and fungicide resistance mechanisms, and used for extension education targeting pesticide applicators, extension agents, master gardeners and K – 12 school students

2014 Three PowerPoint presentations illustrating diseases of plants and invasive species, and used for extension education targeting pesticide applicators, extension agents and master gardeners

2013 Two PowerPoint presentations illustrating biologicals and biorationals, disease diagnosis and management, and used for extension education targeting pesticide applicators and extension agents

2012 Four PowerPoint presentations illustrating diagnosis and control of diseases, and targeting pesticide applicators, extension agents and growers

2011 Two PowerPoint presentations illustrating diagnosis and control of diseases, and targeting pesticide applicators, extension agents, growers and Fl. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services personnel

2009 One PowerPoint presentation illustrating methods for biofuels production, and used for extension education targeting science teachers at the Colorado Bioscience Conference

2008 One PowerPoint presentation illustrating strategies for producing sentinel plants, and used for extension education targeting scientists at the Office of Naval Research

SERVICE TO SCHOOLS

10. Plant Pathology Workshop for Middle School and High School Teachers (07/18/2016): This one-day long workshop, consisting of lectures and practical hands-on activities, was developed by Dr. Monica Elliot. I updated the genetic engineering part of the workshop, and delivered all talks to AP science teachers in central Florida. Participating science teachers showed interest in learning more about plant diseases, and they expressed interest in arranging a hands-on experience in molecular biology for AP Biology students. This led to a one-day workshop for AP class students as follows.

11. Hands-on Molecular Biology Experience for High School Students (09/18/2016): This workshop consisted of a lecture and several hands-on activities in molecular biology techniques including DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis for identifying an unknown plant disease. Students showed increased interest in studying biology, and some of them expressed interest in internships at the University of Florida. As part of this workshop, one of my graduate students learned how to put together workshops.

12. Hosted three groups of elementary school students (2013): Students learned the concept of the disease triangle, and observed beneficial fungi and bacteria on plates and under microscopes.

13. Hosted local high school students: 3 tours as of 2017, general introduction to the field of plant pathology.

14. Hosted National Junior Horticulture Society (100 students in four groups): I delivered a talk and conducted lab tours; students learned history, and current and future trends in plant pathology, and observed molecular and cell biology tools and lab set ups.

15. Hosted students for Science Fair projects: Total number: 3, as of 2017. One student won 1^st position in a local Science Fair competition, and 3^rd in a statewide competition in 2017.

16. Served as Judge at the Dr. Nelson Ying Orange County Science Expo (2013), where K–12 students compete by presenting Science Fair projects.

17. Presented a talk on producing biofuels from cellulose to high school teachers in a science conference, Denver, CO, Nov 20, 2009.

18. Introduced Denver high school students to producing disease resistant transgenic potato (2008).

Summary of extension activities (2011–2017):

Year

# of events

Attendance

Delivery methods

Outcomes and Impacts

2017

Attendees:67

Growers, extension agents, pesticide applicators,

visiting international scientists,

High school students

· Presentations: 3

· Printed handouts: 49

· Demonstrations: 1

· Disease control recommendations: 29

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: pre- and post-event evaluations showed an average 30% increase in knowledge about pests, diseases, weeds, disease diagnosis, IPM methods and fungicide applications; participants also reported increased knowledge of invasive diseases.

· CEU offered:48

· Disease samples diagnosed:29

2016

Attendees:407

Growers, extension agents, pesticide applicators, Master Gardeners,

visiting international scientists,

Elementary and High school students

· Presentations: 9

· Printed handouts: 7 Demonstrations and group discussions: 3

· Disease control recommendations:130

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: pre- and post-event evaluations showed that 68–100% participants had increased knowledge of identifying abiotic and biotic factors; Participants reported increased knowledge of invasive diseases, disease diagnosis, and IPM methods; Participants expressed willingness to promote sanitation, avoid disease spread, and conduct disease scouting in their facilities.

· CEU offered:325

· Disease samples diagnosed:130

2015

Attendees: 439

Growers, extension agents, pesticide applicators, Master Gardeners,

visiting international scientists,

Elementary and High school students

· Presentations: 12

· Printed handouts: 10 Demonstrations: 2

· Disease control recommendations: 171

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: pre- and post-event evaluations showed that 78–100% participants had increased knowledge of identifying abiotic and biotic factors; participants expressed willingness to promote sanitation, avoid disease spread and conduct disease scouting in their facilities.

· CEU offered: 220

· Disease samples diagnosed: 171

2014

Attendees: 173

Growers, extension agents, pesticide applicators, Master Gardeners and

K–12 students

· Presentations: 3

· Printed handouts: 3 Demonstrations: 1

· Disease control recommendations: 116

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: Number of participants, who could identify abiotic and biotic factors, recommend practices to promote sanitation and avoid disease spread, and list benefits of disease scouting, increased by 68–100% compared to 0–13% before the events; 100% participants reported increased awareness of biocontrol agents, biorationals and invasive diseases;

· CEU offered: 138

· Disease samples diagnosed: 116

2013

Attendees: 369

Growers, extension agents and pesticide applicators

· Presentations: 5

· Printed handouts: 4 Demonstrations: 1

· Disease control recommendations: 151

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: More than 90% participants reported increased knowledge of biologicals, and expressed willingness to incorporate them in disease management plans; Approximately 90% participants were able to tell the difference between biotic and abiotic disorders after extension events.

· CEU offered:332

· Disease samples diagnosed: 151

2012

Attendees: 463

Growers, extension agents, visiting international scientists

· Presentations: 5

· Printed handouts: 5 Demonstrations: 1

· Disease control recommendations: 147

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: Participants reported 90% post-events increase in knowledge and importance of disease diagnostics and fungicide rotations; 100% participants reported to diagnose before spray and to rotate fungicides with different modes of actions.

· CEU offered:416

· Disease samples diagnosed: 147

2011

Attendees: 206

Growers, extension agents, visiting international scientists

· Presentations: 4 Printed handouts: 4

· Hands-on exercises: 1 Demonstrations: 1

· Disease control recommendations: 108

· Knowledge improvement & behavior change: Participants reported approximately 40% increased awareness about plant diseases and disease diagnosis.

· CEU offered: 185

· Disease samples diagnosed: 108