We are pleased to announce that Dr. Tracy Hawk will begin a new joint appointment in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science in August 2025. She will serve as an Assistant Professor of Plant Molecular Biology at The Ohio State University!
Department Chair, Dr. Doug Karcher, shared our collective excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tracy Hawk to the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. She brings a modern, technical skillset in molecular biology that will foster exciting collaborations with our other plant scientists. As a relatively new Ph.D., Dr. Hawk has already built an impressive resume of scientific publications, awarded research grants, and post-doctoral fellowship awards. Her arrival marks an exciting step forward for our department’s research and teaching missions”.
Dr. Hawk received her Ph.D. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences with a concentration of Molecular Plant Genetics at The University of Tennessee – her Dissertation focused on the “Role of protein kinases and an epigenetically regulated gene in soybean cyst nematode resistance” (2023). Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Hawk received her M.S. (Thesis: The Effects of Seed-Applied Fluopyram on Root Penetration and Development of Meloidogyne incognita on Cotton and Soybean - 2019) at the University of Arkansas and her B.S. (Bioenvironmental Sciences – 2016) at Texas A&M University.
Currently, Dr. Hawk is a USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Plant Pathology at Ohio State University. Her expertise lies in the study of bacterial pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Xanthomonas as a model system for investigation. In Dr. Hawk’s initial year as Assistant Professor, she shared: “I’ll be focused on building my lab and laying the foundation for my research program. I have a graduate student starting who will begin a project on differential host range, looking at how different crop varieties respond to specific pathogens. At the same time, I’m beginning work to explore how environmental stressors influence epigenetic regulation in plants. This research will help us better understand how plants adapt at the molecular level, and I’m excited to build this focus as my lab grows alongside my first graduate student.”
We are absolutely thrilled to bring Dr. Hawk on board for this shared position! She took a minute to share with us how she feels about this next step…
What are you most looking forward to about this next step in your career as an Assistant Professor of Plant Molecular Genetics?
I'm most looking forward to building strong collaborations across the department—especially with faculty in horticultural crop science. I’m excited to connect with people working in breeding, genetics, and imaging to explore how we can use molecular tools to better understand and improve crop traits. Working alongside others with complementary expertise is what makes this next step really meaningful to me.
What initially sparked your interest in plant molecular genetics?
What initially sparked my interest in plant molecular genetics was the ability to explore and conceptualize complex, invisible processes—especially how gene regulation and epigenetics influence plant traits. I was drawn to the idea that something so subtle can dramatically impact how a plant responds to its environment.
What have been a few highlights of your career so far?
A few highlights of my career so far include working across diverse fields—from applied nematology to molecular plant pathology, and from bacteriology to plant genetics. I’ve especially enjoyed bridging disciplines like plant sciences and pathology, which has allowed me to approach research questions from multiple angles.
What are you most excited about seeing happen in HCS this year?
I’m most excited to see how the energy and collaboration in HCS continue to grow this year. It’s such a special department—there’s a wide range of research happening, from breeding to genomics to physiology—and it seems that everyone is genuinely supportive of each other’s work. I love that the department not only values strong science, but also puts effort into building a fun, connected community. I’m really looking forward to being part of that.
What’s your favorite industry conference?
My favorite conference is American Phytopathological Society’s annual meeting followed closely by The Society of Nematology’s (SON) annual meeting. SON meetings have a wine and cheese poster session that makes poster viewing and chatting about research very fun!
Do you currently have any industry international involvement?
I do not but hope to establish some international collaborations soon!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love spending time outside with my dog, whether it’s hiking, going for walks, or just hanging out at the park. I also really enjoy cooking. I like trying new recipes, experimenting with flavors, and cooking for friends and family when I get the chance. It’s a great way to unwind and share something I love with others.
We could not be happier to have Dr. Hawk on board for this shared position, and we hope you will join us in giving her a big welcome!