Plant health is a vital field that shapes how we understand ecosystems, protect crops, and promote sustainable interactions with the environment. In this spotlight, we feature two remarkable figures whose work has had a global impact: Professor David Rizzo of UC Davis, a leading expert in plant pathology and the founder of the Global Disease Biology major, and Professor Robin Wall Kimmerer, a distinguished botanist, educator, and author who blends scientific research with Indigenous knowledge to foster ecological supervision. Both have inspired students and advanced the scientific understanding of essential topics in the world.

Professor David Rizzo:

Education:

 B.S. James Madison University, VA 1983 Biology
 M.S. University of New Hampshire, Durham 1986 Plant Pathology
 Ph.D. University of Minnesota, St. Paul 1993 Plant Pathology

Bio:

Professor Rizzo is the Chairperson of the Department of Plant Pathology. He is a distinguished researcher whose pioneering work on Phytophthora ramorum has improved the world’s understanding of Sudden Oak Death, a disease that blights oak trees along many other plants in California. Much of what is known about the disease comes from his lab and the labs he collaborates with. His continuous work has led scientists to better understand Sudden Oak Death, its emergence, and the epidemiology associated with it [3].

In addition to his work on forest diseases, Professor Rizzo has contributed to the study of mycorrhizal biodiversity. His efforts have led to the identification of several new genera of mycorrhizal fungi that were previously undescribed [3].

Beyond his fundamental contributions to science, Professor Rizzo has had a transformative impact on education at UC Davis. He is the founder of the Global Disease Biology major, one of the few majors in the world that focuses on the One Health concept and its applications [2].

Professor Rizzo is also a beloved professor who knows how to engage students and light up their interest in the topics he teaches. His support for students extends beyond the classroom, as he is known for actively participating in welcoming and guiding events. As part of his efforts to support students, he collaborated with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Career Center to develop the Career Discovery Groups, a program designed to help students explore potential careers under the guidance of graduate students [1].

***In the classroom, Professor Rizzo teaches a range of courses from introductory mycology to many GDB courses introductory course and a policy and intervention class.

Awards: 

• APS Pacific Division Early Career Award (2002)
• Distinguished Alumnus award, Plant Pathology Department, University of Minnesota (2004)
• The Luttrell Lecture, University of Georgia (2009)
• Rosie Perez Memorial Lecture, North Carolina State University (2012)
• MSA William H. Weston Teaching Award (2012)
• Western Extension Directors Association Award of Excellence (2015).

Professor Robin Wall Kimmerer

Education:

B.S., State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Botany
M.S., University of Wisconsin–Madison, Botany
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison,Plant Ecology

 

Bio:

Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer is a distinguished botanist, educator, and writer whose work integrates scientific research with indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. She is a professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), where she has inspired generations of students to approach ecological science with curiosity and respect for traditional ecological knowledge. She also directs the Center for Native People and the Environment, which fosters collaborations that bring indigenous communities and scientists together to address environmental challenges [5].

Dr. Kimmerer’s research focuses on plant ecology, particularly the interactions between plants and their environments, and the ways human practices affect ecological balance. Beyond her research, she is widely recognized for her skill in translating complex scientific concepts into narratives that are accessible and meaningful to a broader audience. Her books, including Braiding Sweetgrass, combine storytelling, personal reflection, and scientific insight. It  promotes a vision of ecological ethics rooted in respect, and sustainability [4].

Dr. Kimmerer has inspired communities to rethink their relationship with nature through her teaching, writing, and public speaking. Her commitment to blending scientific excellence with cultural wisdom has made her a leading figure in environmental education and advocacy.

Awards:

• John Burroughs Medal for Distinguished Nature Writing
• Gund Fellowship for Environmental Leadership
• Ecological Society of America Fellow

Citation: 

1. A passionate student advocate. (2020, December 5). College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. https://caes.ucdavis.edu/news/awards-and-honors/2018/a-passionate-student-advocate
2. Congratulations Dave Rizzo! (2020, December 5). College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. https://caes.ucdavis.edu/news/articles/2017/04/congratulations-dave-rizzo
3. David M. Rizzo. (n.d.). David M. Rizzo. https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/awards/Fellows/Pages/DavidMRizzo.aspx
4. Robin Wall Kimmerer MS’78, PhD’83 | Wisconsin Alumni Association. (n.d.). https://uwalumni.com/news/robin-wall-kimmerer/
5. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, April 19). Robin Wall Kimmerer. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Wall_Kimmerer