Get to know… is a feature for UF/IFAS CREC social media. In it, we get to know one of the faculty, staff or students working at UF/IFAS CREC. Dr. Evan Johnson is an research assistant scientist in pathology at the UF/IFAS CREC.

His research focuses the effects and interactions of systemic citrus pathogens with the root system for better understanding of the below ground pathology and for management of root health. This includes study of synergistic interactions of these pathogens with soil-borne root pathogens and pests of citrus.

When did you start working at CREC?

January, 2008 as a postdoc in Jim Graham’s lab. June 2013 as a Research Assistant Scientist in Plant Pathology.

What are your responsibilities at CREC?

I conduct research on citrus root pathology, mainly HLB and Phytopthora root rot.

What are you really proud about working at CREC?

Collaborative projects that really come together to achieve more than any of us could do alone.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working with growers to help them with their current/new challenges and helping students and postdocs develop over the course of their projects.

Who is your favorite superhero?

At the moment, Perseverance rover slightly edging out Curiosity.

What is your favorite type of citrus?

For juice, grapefruit (please don’t breed the yummy bitter out). For eating, tangerines or kumquats. For baking, lemons.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere with tall mountains and good remote hiking trails.

What is your favorite thing to cook/eat?

I love baking tasty treats like coffee cake and lemon bars, I wish I could make a good pastry dough because a well made poppy seed danish with flaky pastry is exquisite.

If you could invite three people to share a meal with, who would it be (other than family)?

I’m going to assume this is the anyone in the world, past or present type of question. Marie Curie, Louis Pasteur, and Carl Sagan or Neil Degrasse Tyson.

What is your favorite song or recording artist?

They Might Be Giants.

Do you have a favorite movie? Book?

Either Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series or Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series.

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