As Director of Cornell’s Hudson Valley Research Laboratory, I lead a multidisciplinary team in applied research focused on supporting the commercial agriculture industry in the region. Our lab specializes in entomology, plant pathology, and horticulture, addressing the most critical challenges faced by local farmers. For over a century, Cornell has operated this satellite agricultural experiment station, collaborating closely with regional growers who host and maintain our lab adjacent to the experimental farm and orchard managed by Cornell AgriTech.
Our research is directly shaped by the needs of the agricultural community, ensuring that the solutions we develop are practical and impactful. In addition to our own research, the lab serves as a hub for other Cornell programs, including the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program, the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, and various county-based Cooperative Extension initiatives in the Hudson Valley.
My research focuses on plant-soil-water dynamics, with a current emphasis on innovative agrivoltaic systems in specialty crops. Ongoing projects include studies on the impact of shading from solar panels in high-density apple orchards, where we utilize environmental sensors to assess microclimate changes and tree development. We are also exploring the horticultural effects of a 300kW solar tracking array above an orchard, a project that combines clean energy generation with productive agriculture.
In addition, I am investigating regenerative agriculture practices, specifically the production and use of biochar within orchards. By studying biochar’s potential to improve soil health and orchard productivity, we aim to provide farmers with sustainable and cost-effective practices. These initiatives are supported by funding from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
