By Scout Nelson
Gazala Ameen, assistant professor at South Dakota State University (SDSU), has been honored with the 2025 Early Career Award by the American Phytopathological Society’s North Central Division. This award celebrates her remarkable work in plant pathology, research, teaching, and community engagement.
Since joining SDSU in 2021, Ameen has led a dedicated research program focused on plant-pathogen interactions. She collaborates with students and fellow researchers to develop practical disease management strategies and early diagnostic tools for farmers, especially in the Midwest.
"We are very proud of Dr. Ameen for this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success," said Joe Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Ameen credits her success to strong institutional support, mentorship, and research facilities at SDSU. She values collaboration and believes that working with dedicated students and professionals has strengthened her work in plant pathology.
Along with research, Ameen teaches courses such as Principles of Plant Pathology and Genetics of Disease Resistance. She has mentored many students, some of whom now work in industry or continue in academics. Her goal is to create disease-resistant crops and reduce chemical use, promoting environmental sustainability.
Ameen advises aspiring scientists to find their niche, plan efficiently, work consistently, build meaningful collaborations, and stay open to new experiences. She believes success comes from hard work and strong mentorship.
With a master’s and Ph.D. from North Dakota State University, Ameen’s career has focused on solving plant immunity challenges. Her work ranges from cloning resistance genes in barley to studying fungal sensitivity to fungicides.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her dedication to research, education, and sustainable agriculture, shaping a positive future for plant pathology and farming communities.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Business