Paula Flynn: Plant Disease Diagnostician

Paula Flynn
Plant Disease Diagnostician,
Iowa State University

Plant Science Career Path

Growing up on a farm, always appreciated the importance of plants to society
Science was favorite subject in school
Discovered that being a plant disease diagnostician would involve working with plants and the microorganisms that cause them problems
Received BS in Microbiology, MS in Plant Pathology
Coordinates the Plant Disease Clinic at Iowa State University where she looks at sick plants and tries to determine the cause of the problem

What does Paula like about her job?	Expert's Advice to Young People	Want to know more?
" What I like best about my job as a plant disease diagnostician is the daily opportunity I have to learn. With so many possible combinations of problem-causing agents, there is often the need to read and research." "Questioning the owner is also very important when gathering facts about the history of a troubled plant. I enjoy the many people that I talk to during the day."	It can be overwhelming to think about picking a career area, especially when you have many interests. To help narrow the possibilities, it's helpful to work and experience first hand your areas of interest. Take advantage of summer job and internship possibilities. Consider working for a landscape business, crop consulting firm, seed company, agricultural chemical company, or your county extension office.	Email Paula to learn more about her experiences as a plant disease diagnostician. To find out more about the Plant Disease Clinic where Paula works, check out their website.