Dr. David Geiser

Biography

David M. Geiser is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Pennsylvania State University, where he also serves as the Director of the Fusarium Research Center. His research focuses on the molecular evolutionary genetics of fungi, particularly Fusarium, a significant genus involved in various plant and animal diseases. Geiser's lab utilizes multilocus molecular phylogenetics to classify and understand the biology of fungal pathogens, a critical area of study given the limitations of traditional morphological identification methods. He curates the world's largest collection of Fusarium cultures, with nearly 20,000 accessions available to certified researchers. His extensive publication record covers various aspects of fungal genetics and taxonomy, underlining the ecological and medical importance of these organisms. Geiser has earned degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Northwestern University and Genetics from the University of Georgia, as well as postdoctoral training from the University of California, Berkeley. He is actively involved in research projects that unravel the evolutionary relationships among pathogenic fungi and their hosts, enhancing our understanding of fungal-induced diseases, such as those affecting crops and wildlife.

Research Interests