People

Dario Javier Chavez
Associate Professor-PI
dchavez@uga.edu
(770) 228-7242

Jordan R. Knapp-Wilson
PhD Student
Research: Imaging and Data Analysis of Peach Tree Architecture Amongst Different Cultivars and Rootstocks.

Orestis Giannopoulos
PhD Student
Main advisor Dr. Angelos Deltsidis (Department of Horticulture)
Co-advised in our lab
Research: Investigating the Potential of Oxygenated Water as Replacement of Chlorinated Water for Peach Sanitation during Hydrocooling.

Selvin Carrillo Ramos
PhD Student
Research: Enhancing peach orchard management practices in Georgia: Rootstock-scion nutrient dynamics, root characterization, and foliar nutrition.

Caitlin McCann
MS Student
Research: Development and utilization of KASP markers for P. persica genetic diversity studies.

Robert Beck

Research Professional
reb78@uga.edu

Rachel Devitt

Field Technician
rachel.devitt@uga.edu

Hannah Elliott
MS Student – Completed 2023
Main advisor Dr. Rachel A. Itle (Department of Horticulture)
Co-advised in our lab
Research: Cold hardiness in Blueberries with focus on Freeze Protection Strategies using Nanocellulose.

Deanna Bigio
MS Student – Completed 2023
Co-advised with Dr. Rachel A. Itle (Horticulture Department)
Research: Cold Hardiness in Peaches with focus on Freeze Protection Strategies Using Nanocellulose.
Current: Extension Agent – Horticulture Wake County  – NCSU

Jamal Mohammed
PhD Student – Completed 2023
Main advisor Dr. Rachel A. Itle (Department of Horticulture)
Co-advised in our lab
Research: Blueberry Flavor Profile and Consumer Perceptions.

Srijana Thapa Magar
PostDoc – Completed 2023 PhD Student – Completed 2023
Research: SmartIrrigation Peach App for Irrigation Scheduling in Georgia. Current: Faculty member at Kentucky State University

Sakshi Pathania
MS – Completed 2021
Research: Study of the Genetic Diversity and Morphological Characteristics of Ecuadorian Capuli (Prunus serotina subsp. capuli). Current: PhD student at Auburn University Blueberry Breeding Program.

Bruno Casamali
PhD – Completed 2019
Research: Irrigation and Fertilization Practices for Young Peach Trees in the Southeastern United States.
Current: Scientist, Horticulture at Pairwise Plants, Durham, NC.

Mary Sutton
MS – Completed 2019
Main advisor Dr. Anish Malladi (Department of Horticulture).
Co-advised in our lab
Research: Peach Fruit Thinning Management in Georgia. Former: PhD student at University of Florida – Completed 2024
Current: Citrus Specialist at the University of Georgia

Jun Liu
MS – Completed 2017 Research: Revisiting Critical Freezing Bud Temperature of Peaches in Georgia Former: PhD student at University of Georgia (working with Dr. van Iersel) – Completed 2022
Current: PostDoc at Texas A&M

Catherine Belisle
MS – Completed 2017
Co-advised with Dr. Koushik Adhikari (Food Science Department)
Research: Peach Quality Analysis Using Sensory and Instrumental Evaluations.
Former: PhD student at University of Florida – Completed 2021 Current: Research Support Specialist – Cornell Maple Program

Luis Monserrate
MS – Program ended [May 2018] Co-advised with Dr. Anish Malladi (Department of Horticulture)
Research: Peach fruit shape and size genetics.
Former: MS student at the University of Florida – Completed 2021
Current: PhD student at Cornell University

John Whitehurst
Research Technician