Why Diversity Matters: From Disease Management to the Next Big Scientific Breakthrough

Disease management and government regulations are based on knowledge of the biology and ecology of plant pathogens. Molecular techniques allow accurate identification of causal agents, but have also revealed that some agents constitute several morphologically indistinguishable organisms. This talk will highlight economically relevant examples of cryptic species and why diversity matters, including recent research in Nebraska. Building on the idea that diversity matters, this talk will also highlight research on how a diverse workforce is a powerful asset towards the next big scientific breakthrough and current outreach at Nebraska cultivating career opportunities for underrepresented students in the agSTEM fields.