Michelle Heck

Overview

I have a 70% administrative and 30% research appointment in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. For more than 20 years, my research has focused on the complex interactions among plants, insect vectors, and microbial pathogens, with the goal of developing innovative and sustainable approaches to protect crops from insect-transmitted diseases. My current research integrates vector biology, genomics, molecular plant–microbe interactions, and biotechnology-based approaches to address economically important diseases impacting US agriculture. As Director of the School, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and engaged community, strengthening connections among teaching, research, Extension, and Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, and positioning SPES as a national leader in plant and environmental sciences.

Expertise

• Academic leadership, strategic planning, and faculty development
• Integration of research, teaching, Extension, and statewide programs
• Plant–insect–microbe interactions and vector-borne plant diseases
• Insect vector biology, genomics, and microbial symbioses
• Translational biotechnology and sustainable crop protection

Education

• Ph.D. Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, 2005
• B.A., Biology, Boston University