[fhb] Welcome Andrew Friskop as USWBSI's New Researcher Co-Chair

[USWBSI's general mailing list]

U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative Selects Andrew Friskop as Researcher
Co-Chair

 

The U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI) is pleased to announce the
appointment of Dr. Andrew Friskop, extension plant pathologist and associate
professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State
University, as its new Researcher Co-Chair, effective January 1, 2026. In
this key leadership position, Dr. Friskop will provide scientific and
strategic guidance for advancing USWBSI's national efforts to reduce the
impacts of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) on wheat and barley.

 

"Dr. Friskop's deep understanding of Fusarium Head Blight, combined with his
ability to connect research with real-world application, made him an
outstanding choice for this role," said Richard Magnusson, USWBSI Grower
Co-Chair. "He brings a collaborative leadership style, strong communication
skills, and a clear commitment to serving growers, researchers, and
stakeholders across the wheat and barley value chain. The Executive
Committee is confident he will build on our strong foundation and guide
USWBSI forward."

 

In his role as Researcher Co-Chair, Dr. Friskop will work closely with the
Grower Co-Chair, Executive and Steering Committees, and the Networking &
Facilitation Office to help guide research priorities, engage stakeholders,
and foster collaboration across the FHB research community.

 

"I have a strong passion for building relationships and communicating
research that is meaningful and actionable to all agricultural communities,"
said Friskop. "I am honored to serve as Researcher Co-Chair and look forward
to supporting the collaborative research and outreach efforts that are
central to USWBSI's mission."

 

At NDSU, Dr. Friskop's work focuses on developing and communicating
practical disease management solutions for cereal crops, with a strong
emphasis on Fusarium Head Blight and associated mycotoxins. Over the course
of his career, Dr. Friskop's applied research program has resulted in an
impressive number of impactful presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Additionally, he brings extensive leadership experience within USWBSI where
he has served on the Steering Committee, as well as chair of the FHB
Management Committee and the Durum Coordinated Project Committee, and as a
member of the Forum Organizing Committee. He has also gained experience in
significant leadership roles he has held with a variety of regional and
national commodity and disease management organizations.

 

USWBSI also extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ruth Dill-Macky, who
concludes eight years of exemplary service as Researcher Co-Chair. Her
leadership strengthened collaboration across disciplines, elevated national
awareness of FHB research, and helped guide the Initiative through periods
of significant challenges.

 

______

 

U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI)

Networking & Facilitation Office (NFO)

495 Borlaug Hall | 1991 Upper Buford Circle | St. Paul, MN 55108


 <mailto:nfo at scabusa.org> nfo at scabusa.org | 517.290.5023 |
<https://scabusa.org/> https://scabusa.org

Twitter  <https://twitter.com/USWBSI> @USWBSI | Linkedin
<http://www.linkedin.com/company/uswbsi> #uswbsi  

 

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