Dr. Doug Karcher

I originally wanted to be a golf course superintendent but decided in grad school academia was where I wanted to stay.

Currently a co-advisor for a PhD student at University of Arkansas completing their research on wetting agent chemistry & the associated effects on putting green soil moisture.

Started as a Turf Researcher at University of Arkansas (for close to 20 years! It was a great job). While there I had the chance to serve as the assistant department chair for 3 years. This gave me the leadership bug & I was fortunate to be selected for “Lead 21” (a year-long leadership program for future leaders at land grant institutions). After completing “Lead 21” I was able to serve as the assistant research dean for almost a year at University of Arkansas. When the opportunity for the HCS department chair position here at OSU was sent my way; I saw it as a good opportunity professionally & personally. I grew up in Richwood, Ohio just north of Marysville & attended OSU for my undergraduate + both my wife & I’s families still live here. I’m excited about all the opportunities based on the thriving horticulture opportunities around the state & look forward to continuing this opportunity to serve & improve. 

Over the years, I’ve presented & spoken at a lot of international conferences from: Australia to Spain. Helped establish the European Institute of Turfgrass Science (EITS) which ran from the early 2000’s to 2015 with Dr. Sorochan & several great people from Hamburg, Germany. EITS focused on working with German superintendents.

The Sustainable Turfgras Conference (held in Thailand) stands out as one of my all-time favorite conferences. I regularly go to the GCSAA Conference & Show (I’ve hosted several seminars over the years there on wetting agents + gadgets & gizmos). I also really enjoy the Tri-Societies Meeting which I’ve been going to since I was in grad school in 1996 - haven’t missed one yet

Potentially onboarding 5 new faculty members in 2022! This will bring us new energy & new people to help with teaching, research & extension programs (especially in turf & ornamentals). One of the new positions is in Urban foods - which will help with increasing our presence in urban environments around Ohio - helping increase local food production.

Family man, first & foremost to my wife & 2 boys. Being involved in the boys activities (marching band, basketball & drama club) keeps us quite busy. Outside of work & family my passion is tennis. Tennis is an ideal outlet for stress relief, fun & exercise. I also enjoy biking & running + playing a little piano & guitar.