Michael V. Kolomiets

Mike Kolomiets, Ph.D., is a professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. His research interests include molecular and biochemical responses of plants to diverse pests and pathogens and molecular mechanisms of plant interactions with root colonizing symbionts. His research is focused on the lipid-mediated signaling in maize defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. Kolomiets research has been continuously funded by NSF and USDA NIFA and attracted over $7.5 million in funding. Funded studies include the exploration of maize symbiont- and insect herbivory-triggered induced systemic resistance, mechanisms of resistance against mycotoxin producing fungi, leaf, stalk and root pathogens, and drought/salt tolerance. The overall objective of his research program is to couple the techniques of plant genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology with the assessment of agronomically important traits of maize to enhance our understanding of basic biology of cereal crops and to improve these species by innovative methods. His research has been cited over 5,000 times in refereed publications. He is Associate Editor of Frontiers of Plant Sciences and Editor of Molecular Plant Pathology.