Febina Mathew is one of our ’40 Faces of Plant Pathology’
BSPP members can be found in 51 different countries, with 30% of members based in countries outside of the UK. As part of the BSPPs 40th anniversary, we asked our membership to describe some things about themselves, what plant pathology challenges they would most like to see solved, and what could improve the world of plant pathology in terms of inclusivity. Click here to return to the 40 Faces Home Page.
Febina Mathew
Institution and country of residence
South Dakota State University, United States
Position title
Associate Professor / Field Crops Pathologist
Area of expertise/study
I research on the biology of pathogens and development of disease management strategies to manage diseases of of broadleaf crops (https://www.sdstate.edu/directory/febina-mathew). For my research, I heavily focus on fungi belonging to the Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex that affect soybean and sunflower production.
About your early experiences in education
I was in multiple countries of the world for my education – schooling in the United Arab Emirates, undergraduate degree in biotechnology and biochemical engineering in India, graduate degree in plant pathology from North Dakota State University, USA.
If you could solve one problem in plant pathology, what would it be?
Improve food security.
If you could solve one issue relating to inclusivity and diversity within the field of plant pathology what would it be?
Communication and technology has made this easier.
If you weren’t a plant pathologist, what would you be?
A dancer/choreographer or a pilot.
