Meet Doug Higgins, an assistant professor of plant pathology and an extension specialist at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agriculture Research and Extension Center (AREC). His research focuses on evaluating and optimizing pesticide application methods, disease diagnostics and early detection, and advancement of novel disease management practices for specialty and small grain crops. Higgins joined the USWBSI in 2024 as a new PI in the Integrated Management Coordinated Project.

Joining Peace Corps Leads to Plant Pathology

Higgins grew up in northern Illinois but also lived in Wisconsin and Michigan. He attended Montana State University as an undergraduate studying environmental microbiology. During this time, he became fascinated with the role microorganisms play in natural responses. After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and went to Paraguay where he received an immersive education in agriculture and developed a passion for extension work. To combine these two new found fields of interest he decided to obtain a graduate degree in plant pathology. This led him to Michigan State University, where he completed his graduate degree and post-doctoral research in the Department of Plant Pathology on specialty crop disease management under the direction of Mary Hausbeck. His research projects focused on disease etiology, isothermal diagnostics, and optimizing pesticide applications. He attributes his inspiration for deriving meaningful research questions through applied field work to Hausbeck’s mentorship.

Pursing a Passion for Research and Extension

Higgins joined the Eastern Shore AREC at Virginia Tech in 2022 as the resident applied plant pathologist with a 50/50 research and extension appointment. His program works on a diversity of vegetable (snap bean, potato, tomatoes, watermelon, and sweet corn), grain (wheat and corn), and oilseed (soybean) crops of importance to the region. In his new position he is excited about pursuing his research interests and the opportunity to find solutions to problems of practical importance.

Being located at the research station allows Higgins to collaborate closely with scientists from various fields (i.e. breeders, entomologists, etc.) and engage directly with the growers. He’s also excited to work with new scientists and watch them become enthusiastic about their projects. He enjoys “geeking out” with them about plant pathology.

Focusing on the Here and Now

As an early career scientist himself, Higgins has some advice for those in similar positions. Focus on the problem right in front of you. “Try to quiet the internal noise and worries about what you should do next,” said Higgins. Then let the results guide your next research question and project.

For more information about Dr. Doug Higgins's research, visit his faculty profile.

To learn more about others in the FHB community, check out all the previous USWBSI Featured Researchers/Advocates.