1975 B.A. Biology, Clark University, Worcester, MA. 1982 M.S. Biology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA. 1988 Ph.D. Plant pathology and Nematology, University of California, Riverside. Professional Experience: 1989-1996: Post-doctoral research associate in C. elegans development, Sternberg Lab, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. 1997 - present: Research Plant Pathologist, USDA Nematology Laboratory nematode morphology, taxonomy and phylogeny. Membership in AAAS, Helminthological Society of Washington, Society of Nematologists, Sigma Xi.

Developing new characters for nematode taxonomy and phylogeny for systematics of plant-parasitic nematodes (Tylenchida and Dorylaimida), and soil or insect-associated Rhabditida that involve: Microscopy methods such as DIC, Polarization, SEM (cryo- and chemical), TEM Molecular phylogenetic methods, involving especially the Hsp90 gene, Physical characters such as specific gravity and falling behavior in fluids, Assisting the North American Plant Protection Organization to harmonize protocols for potato nematode identification. Skantar, A. M., Handoo, Z. A., Zasada, I. A., Ingham, R. E., Carta, L. K., and Chitwood, D. J. 2011. Morphological and molecular characterization of Globodera populations from Oregon and Idaho. Phytopathology 101:480-491.