Dr. Cristina Rosa

Biography

Cristina Rosa is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Pennsylvania State University. Her research centers on Plant Virology, focusing on the complex interactions between plant viruses, microbes, plants, and insect vectors in agricultural and natural ecosystems. With a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from Universita' di Firenze and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, she has an extensive publication record that explores topics such as plant disease prediction and management, RNA interference in pest control, and the ecological dynamics of virus transmission in plants. She has significantly contributed to understanding viral ecology and pathogen dynamics that affect agricultural yield and plant health, especially in relation to biotic interactions involving insects and their contributions to virus spread. Rosa joined the faculty at Penn State in January 2014 and has since been involved in numerous research projects and publications that advance the field of plant pathology, particularly in the area of viral pathogens and their management in crops. Her academic work aims not only to deepen scientific knowledge but also to provide practical solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the context of plant disease management.

Research Interests