Delaware Valley University Names Dr. Carla D. Garzon to the K.H. Littlefield Endowed Professorship of Plant Science

Delaware Valley University has named plant pathologist Dr. Carla D. Garzon to the K.H. Littlefield Endowed Professorship of Plant Science, the University’s first endowed faculty position. She will join the University in August.

“I’m excited about joining Delaware Valley University this fall,” said Dr. Garzon. “This position is a perfect fit for my research on greenhouse crops and hydroponics. Since efficient plant disease management is fundamental for high crop productivity, my research addresses several challenges faced in controlled environment production, from accurate and sensitive diagnostics of plant pathogens, to disease epidemiology and management, including chemical and biological control. This integrated approach allows me to identify plant disease issues and provide information to growers that can be used to optimize the use of their resources by incorporating best management practices in a timely manner. I look forward to sharing my expertise with DelVal students through the courses I will teach, and also by offering them research opportunities.”

“This professorship is going to expand the career possibilities for our students,” said Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Dr. Broc Sandelin. “They will have a chance to learn in-demand skills and, will be able to explore how these skills apply to current challenges such as feeding a growing population with limited resources.” 

Dr. Garzon is a highly published scholar and a dedicated teacher. She has taught and conducted research at Oklahoma State University since 2008, rising from assistant professor to associate professor to professor. Prior to that, she taught at The College of Wooster and conducted postdoctoral research at Ohio State University and Penn State.

Her work has been published more than 20 times in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in extension and outreach publications. Dr. Garzon is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Society for Plant Pathology and the American Phytopathological Society, and she has served as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals.

Dr. Garzon earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, in Quito, Ecuador, and her Ph.D. in plant pathology from Penn State.

The Littlefield Professorship was made possible thanks to a generous gift from Kate Littlefield, a member of DelVal’s Board of Trustees since 2015.