Ohio State professor elected to lead national plant pathology organization

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Francesca Peduto Hand, a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been elected vice president of the American Phytopathological Society (APS). Her election places her on a four-year leadership trajectory, culminating in her service as APS president in 2027-28.

Hand, an expert in ornamental plant pathology, becomes the seventh APS president from the CFAES Department of Plant Pathology — more than any other plant pathology department in the country over the past 50 years.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected to the presidential team of APS and flattered by the support of many in my professional network,” Hand said. “This is an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth and such an important role to carry out.”

She said she was inspired early in her career by the strong legacy of APS leadership within the department.

“I still remember how excited — and I don’t hide it, also a little intimidated — I was as an incoming assistant professor to be walking the halls of a department with so much history of dedicated leadership not just to APS, but to CFAES and the university as a whole,” she said. “The people around me have been a true inspiration, and their unconditional support in my pursuit of leadership opportunities has been incredible.”

Pierce Paul, professor and chair of the CFAES Department of Plant Pathology, called Hand’s election “a very proud moment for us as a department and college.”

“Dr. Hand’s election as vice president of the American Phytopathological Society, to become president in 2027-28, is a testament to, and recognition of, her leadership quality and commitment to serving our professional society and promoting our discipline nationally,” Paul said. “As president, she will continue a CFAES-Plant Pathology tradition of national leadership.”

Founded in 1908, APS is a global, professional organization dedicated to high-quality, innovative plant pathology research and education. Hand’s service will begin following the Plant Health 2025 meeting in Honolulu.

As part of the APS presidential team, Hand said she plans to advance the visibility and impact of plant pathology in addressing pressing global challenges, including food security, climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

“By serving on the presidential team, I will work tirelessly to amplify the influence of plant pathology in promoting ecosystem health, implementing sustainable and proactive disease management practices, and supporting innovative approaches to advance plant health research,” she said.

She emphasized her commitment to strengthening advocacy through the APS Office of Public Relations and Outreach and the Public Policy Board.

“We will promote public awareness of the importance of plant health through targeted outreach programs and educational initiatives and will stress the importance of global plant health approaches by supporting international collaborations,” Hand said.

Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, also benefits from Hand’s work through her Extension programming aimed at disease management for Ohio’s floriculture, landscape and nursery industries.