Les Padley, Jr.

Les is a Ph.D. student focusing on identifying and characterizing sources of resistance to Phytophthora capsici within squash. He received a B.S. degree in 2002 at Florida Southern College, Citrus Department, majoring in environmental horticulture and business with a minor in biology. Les received a M.S. degree in 2005 at the University of Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, majoring in plant breeding. Les’s career interests lie in obtaining a plant breeding position in private industry.

e-mail: lpadley@ufl.edu

Rachel Itle

Rachel is a Ph.D. student focusing on characterizing carotenoids within squash. She received a B.S. degree in 2006 at Penn State University majoring in horticulture with minors in biology and plant pathology. Rachel’s career interests lie in plant breeding and genetics.

e-mail: ritle@ufl.edu

Kristen Young

Kristen is a M.S. student focusing on characterizing resistance to squash silver leaf disorder in squash. She received a B.S. degree in 2002 at the University of Florida majoring in horticultural sciences. Kristen’s career interests include teaching and plant sciences.

e-mail: youngkn@ufl.edu

Jodi Avila

Jodi was a Biological Scientist in my program for almost 3 years. Jodi received a B.S. degree in 2001 at Penn State University. She received a M.S. degree in 2004 at the University of Florida majoring in plant pathology, entomology and nematology. Jodi currently holds at position at the USDA.