Faculty Spotlight: Tony Adesemoye

Tony Adesemoye
Tony Adesemoye explains the work of his lab to new IANR professionals during the IANR Roads Scholar Tour in August 2016.

About Tony Adesemoye: 

I was born in the southwestern part of Nigeria, where I started my education up to master of science. Later, I earned a Ph.D. in plant pathology from Auburn University in Alabama. At different times, I was a postdoctoral scholar and research fellow at Michigan State University, the University of California Riverside, and Auburn University. Lastly, I was a research scientist with Agricen Sciences until joining the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2014.

What is your position at UNL? 
Assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and disease management specialist at the West Central Research and Extension Center. 

What drew you to UNL? 
I have always been interested in research involving integrated systems with potentials for sustainable management of plant diseases and enhanced use of inputs in agriculture. The state of Nebraska is known for the production of both row crops and cattle. The limited water use cropping systems in central and western Nebraska make it an interesting place to conduct research. The present conditions align with me career goals and development in plant pathology and soil microbiology, thus I was excited when the opportunity opened for me to work here.  

What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Research is my favorite part! 

What do you consider your greatest achievement? 
In the last two years, I have been collecting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This is a group of bacteria that can be used to manage plant diseases in a sustainable way. The bacteria could also play roles in enhanced use of input such as fertilizer. Some of the PGPR collected so far has given promising activity and responses in managing plant pathogens. Particularly, two of the strains have been effective against major pathogens in this area, but studies are ongoing on other pathogens. Finding these effective strains, which could help tremendously in disease management, is what I will describe as an achievement at this point. 

What is something that most people don't know about you? 
I love to see nature; each time, it makes me marvel the more at  natural architectural design and functionality of living organisms as well as different terrains and land formations. I also love sports, which is  one thing that makes me wish I lived in Lincoln; I would be able to frequently see the Huskers home games (soccer, football, basketball). Personally, I still like to play ping pong (table tennis) and lawn tennis for leisure.    

What is your life like outside of work? 
I enjoy my work as well as my life outside work. I have three kids, and they keep my wife and me busy. So far, we are both very happy with our decision to have three children. Sometimes work pressure can be daunting; for example, if you get a rejection letter after working very hard on a grant proposal. However, any pressure will quickly lighten when I get to my family. The other day, I was down from such a rejection letter as I was going home but I forgot about that immediately when I got home. It was time for a game of hide and seek with my children and I needed to focus to enable me to select a very good hiding place in the house, where I would not be found easily! There is nothing for me to think about besides laughter and joy when I am with family.  







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