Mr. Paul GiordanoGraduate Research Assistant
102 CIPS |
I am currently a M.S. candidate working in the Department of Plant Pathology with Dr. Joe Vargas. My current research involves understanding the mechanisms of lightweight rolling and dollar spot reduction on golf course putting greens. I have been conducting a field study involving rolling at different times of the day and different frequencies for the past two years. Hypotheses regarding dew/guttation removal, plant enzyme interactions and microbial populations are being explored with relation to rolling. I have also worked extensively with the dollar spot pathogen, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa / Rutstroemia floccosum in the laboratory, researching infection mechanisms and cell wall degrading enzyme production.
I graduated with a B.S. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University in 2008, with a focus on turfgrass management. I have worked on several golf courses both public and private, and thoroughly enjoy turf management as well as the game of golf. Research has given me an opportunity to make a contribution to the turf industry and those who work within it. I look forward to continuing my research and education in turf, and playing an active role in expanding our knowledge of turfgrass science.
Along with golf I enjoy playing and participating in many other competitive sports including soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball/softball. I enjoy playing the guitar and am an avid music geek. Born and raised Westland, Michigan, currently residing in East Lansing, MI.