We are pleased to announce that Dr. Alyssa Essman has accepted an offer to join HCS, as an Assistant Professor in Weed Science.
We’ve been fortunate that Dr. Essman has been with us since 2014 when she began her time at HCS helping out in the Loux Lab as an undergrad, while she was studying Agribusiness here at OSU. She received her bachelor’s in 2015 then proceeded to become a two-time alumna of HCS receiving her Masters in 2018 & her PhD in 2022; all while working as a research associate! Most recently she has been serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor in our department. Learn more about Dr. Essman's Career Journey.
Dr. Essman had a moment to share some highlights of her career so far + her initial plans in this exciting new role:
How do you feel about this next step in your career?
I am thrilled about the opportunity to work in HCS as an Assistant Professor. In this role I am most excited to be able to work with others in the department and across extension to serve growers and stakeholders. We have an excellent group of researchers and educators and I’m honored to be able to work alongside some of the best in the industry with a shared goal of advancing agriculture.
What would you consider to be a few highlights of your career so far?
A few highlights of my career so far have been conducting research in an area I am passionate about, including cover crops for weed suppression and the distribution of problematic weed species. Creative projects including an edible weeds cookbook have been a huge highlight, and I also really enjoy the chance to serve as a supervisor for undergraduate students.
Could you briefly touch on some of your initial plans for your 1st year on the tenure track in HCS?
In my first year, initial plans include assessing needs of growers and finding ways we can work together to answer both small scale and big picture questions related to weed management. There are endless collaborative opportunities and I aim to work with folks in the department, as well as regionally and nationally, to secure funding for these projects. Much of this research will be focused on the “big five” weeds, namely: giant ragweed, common ragweed, marestail, waterhemp, and Palmer amaranth and how we can manage them using traditional methods as well as new technology in an integrated approach. I also have an interest in seedbank management and how we can use IPM strategies to help manage returns to the seedbank.
We're so glad that you've decided to continue growing your career here with us, Dr. Essman!