Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson (Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture 1983, Master of Science in Agronomy 1989, Ph.D. in Plant Pathology 2003) became interested in research as a horticulture student worker while pursuing her undergraduate degree. This position led to a job as research assistant in MSU's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences during graduate school where she developed a novel host-pathogen interaction system that allowed a pathogen and turfgrass to co-culture. She then worked as a plant pathology research assistant while completing her doctoral degree and developed a lab course in turfgrass diseases. After completing her doctoral degree, she became an assistant turfgrass pathology professor. Throughout her tenure at MSU, Tomaso-Peterson identified emerging turfgrass diseases and pathogens, contributed to the identification of taproot decline in soybean, and played a key role in developing turfgrass pathology courses.

She served as an editor for the "Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases, 4th Edition," mentored graduate students; and has held leadership roles in professional organizations, including the Mississippi Association of Plant Pathologists and Nematologists.

Now retired, she enjoys traveling and caring for her home and landscape in Starkville. Her son, Dr. Luke Peterson, is a research engineer for the MSU Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems.