SWFREC Team Shines at FPS Meeting: Lauren Fessler Mathews Wins Third Place

Dr. Ozgur Batuman and master's student Lauren Fessler Mathews recently attended the Florida Phytopathological Society Meeting, held from May 6–8, 2025, at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce, FL. The event brought together plant pathologists from across the state, providing an opportunity to connect and learn about the latest research on a wide range of plant disease topics.

Lauren presented a poster titled "Can Ascorbic Acid Improve the Stability and Distribution of Oxytetracycline in Trunk Injections of Citrus?" and also delivered a talk titled "Identifying and Evaluating Potential New Therapeutics for HLB Management in Florida Citrus." Her presentation earned her third place in the student oral presentation competition, a notable achievement in such a competitive field.

Lauren (center) receives her third-place award for the student oral presentation competition at the Florida Phytopathological Society Meeting.

Dr. Batuman also participated in the event's "Blight Bowl," a plant pathology trivia game, and was elected as the new Secretary of the Florida Phytopathological Society (FPS).

Dr. Batuman (second person from the right) participates in the "Blight Bowl" trivia game at the Florida Phytopathological Society Meeting.