dossier - university of tennessee system...university of tennessee plants, soils, & insects june...
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Dossier
Virginia R. Sykes
Assistant Professor
Department of Plant Sciences
2431 Joe Johnson Dr.
252 Ellington Plant Sciences Building
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-4561
Phone: 865-974-7285
e-mail: [email protected]
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Contents
A. Recommendations, History, Responsibilities, and Criteria .....................................................4
A.2. Educational History and Employment History ....................................................................5
A.2.a. Educational History .......................................................................................................5
A.2.b. Employment History .....................................................................................................5
A.3. Statement of Responsibilities ...............................................................................................5
A.4. Department and College Statements of Criteria and Expectations ......................................6
B. Teaching Ability and Effectiveness .........................................................................................6
B.1. Required statements, information, and reports .....................................................................6
B.1.a. Candidate’s statement of teaching philosophy and its implementation ........................6
B.1.b. List of courses taught ....................................................................................................6
B.1.c. Teaching evaluation summary .......................................................................................8
B.1.d. Peer evaluation of teaching ...........................................................................................8
B.2. Other indicators of quality....................................................................................................9
B.2.a. Membership on graduate degree candidates’ committees .............................................9
B.2.b. Undergraduate advising.................................................................................................9
B.2.c. Evidence of expertise or experience in international or intercultural activities ............9
C. Research, Scholarship, Creative Activity ..............................................................................10
C.1. Candidate’s statement ........................................................................................................10
C.2. Research and/or scholarly publications ..............................................................................10
C.2.a. Articles published in refereed journals ........................................................................10
C.2.b. Book chapters ..............................................................................................................11
C.2.c. Papers or extended abstracts published in conference proceedings ............................11
C.2.d. Contributions to popular press articles ........................................................................13
C.2.e. Research reports submitted to sponsors ......................................................................13
C.2.f. Peer-reviewed technical bulletins ................................................................................13
C.2.g. Manuscripts in preparation ..........................................................................................13
C.3. Projects, grants, commissions, and contracts .....................................................................15
C.3.a. Completed....................................................................................................................15
C.3.b. Funded and in progress ...............................................................................................16
C.3.c. Under review ...............................................................................................................17
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C.3.d. Applied for but not awarded ........................................................................................17
C.4. Record of participation in seminars and workshops ..........................................................17
C.5. Papers presented at technical and professional meetings ...................................................20
C.6. List of honors or awards for research/scholarship/creative achievement ..........................20
D. Institutional, Disciplinary, and/or Professional Service............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
D.1. Candidate’s statement ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
D.2. Summary of candidate’s service record .............................................................................20
D.2.a. Institutional Service.....................................................................................................20
D.2.b. Disciplinary Service ....................................................................................................20
D.2.c. Professional Service ....................................................................................................21
E. Candidates Signature Statement ...............................................................................................22
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A. Recommendations, History, Responsibilities, and Criteria
A-1. Summary Sheet: Recommendations for Promotion and/or Tenure:
Name of faculty member: Virginia R. Sykes Present rank: Assistant Professor
Candidate for: [ ] Tenure [ ]
Department: Plant Sciences Highest degree earned: Ph.D.
Original UTK rank: Assistant Professor Subsequent promotions (year, rank): n/a
UTK RECORD
Date of original UTK appointment as a full-time probationary faculty member: January 3, 2017
Years of full-time faculty experience before UTK probationary period: 1
Years of full-time faculty experience at UTK, as of the May 31st prior to the review: 1
Total years of professional experience: 4
Latest year for tenure review as stipulated in appointment letter: 2023
RECOMMENDATIONS
DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY
Date of departmental discussion:
Result of discussion: For: Against: Abstain:
Recuse (attach explanation for conflict of interest):
Is there a dissenting report? [ ] Yes (please attach) [ ] No
Is there a response from the candidate? [ ] Yes (please attach) [ ] No
INTERDISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OR DIRECTOR (where appropriate)
For: Against: (Provide letter)
DEPARTMENT HEAD [ ] Recommend approval [ ] Do not recommend approval
Provide a statement on the professional record and a summary recommendation.
COLLEGE COMMITTEE
For: Against: Abstain:
Recuse (attach explanation for conflict of interest): A copy of the report of the departmental and
college committees must also be attached. In cases where this report disagrees in any substantial way with the departmental recommendation, this report must go
beyond a listing of the vote to indicate as fully as possible the reasons for the differences.
DEAN [ ] Approve [ ] Disapprove (Provide letter)
CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER [ ] Approve [ ] Disapprove (Provide letter)
CHANCELLOR’S RECOMMENDATION TO THE PRESIDENT
[ ] Approve [ ] Disapprove (Provide letter)
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Candidate name: Virginia R. Sykes
A.2. Educational History and Employment History
A.2.a. Educational History
Institution Program or Degree Dates in Program Degree
University of Tennessee Plants, Soils, & Insects June 2010 – Dec. 2014 Ph.D.
University of Tennessee Statistics June 2010 – Dec. 2014 M.S.
Virginia Tech Plant Pathology Aug. 2006 – May 2009 M.S.
Virginia Tech Business – Marketing
Management
Aug. 2002 – May 2006 B.S.
A.2.b. Employment History
Ranks Held Institution Department Effective Date of
Rank
Assistant Professor University of
Tennessee
Plant Sciences Jan. 2017 – present
Research Assistant
Professor
University of
Tennessee
Plant Sciences Jan. 2016 – Dec. 2016
Research Associate II University of
Tennessee
Plant Sciences May 2013 – Dec. 2015
Graduate Research
Assistant
University of
Tennessee
Plant Sciences June 2010 – May 2013
Graduate Research
Assistant
University of
Tennessee
Plant Sciences Sept. 2009 – May
2010
Graduate Research
Assistant
Virginia Tech Plant Pathology,
Physiology, and
Weed Science
Aug. 2006 – May 2009
A.3. Statement of Responsibilities
This appointment is 50% Extension - Agronomic Variety Testing, 25% Extension -
Agroecology, and 25% AgResearch - Agroecology. Responsibilities of this appointment include:
1. Coordinate the small plot, replicated trials evaluating commercially available and
experimental corn and soybean cultivars on UT AgResearch and Education Centers.
Assemble and publish trial results annually.
2. Develop an educational program that extends the results of field crop agroecology
research to address issues faced by agricultural producers through effective teaching,
publications, and obtainment of extramural funding. Conduct training and offer support
to county agricultural agents statewide.
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3. Develop an active and nationally recognized program in field crop agroecology. Mentor
M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students, seek and obtain extramural funding in the form of
grants, contracts and/or gifts, and create scholarly publications including peer-reviewed
papers, research abstracts, and popular press articles. Collaborate in research projects
with other university faculty, both within and outside of UT, and appropriate industry
partners.
A.4. Department and College Statements of Criteria and Expectations
Assistant professors are expected to
1. hold the doctorate or other terminal degree of the discipline, or to present equivalent
training and experience as appropriate to the particular appointment
2. show promise as teachers
3. show promise of developing a program in disciplinary research / scholarship / creative
activity that is gaining external recognition
4. have a developing record of institutional, disciplinary, and/or professional service
5. show evidence that they work well with colleagues and students in performing their
university responsibilities
B. Extension Teaching Ability and Effectiveness
B.1. Required statements, information, and reports
B.1.a. Candidate’s Statement of Teaching Philosophy
B.1.b. Instruction
Summary of Instruction (current position)
Instruction Type Number
conducted
Number of
participants
Total hours taught
Agent In-service Training 3 68 3
County Production Meetings
Field Days 2 100 1
Expos/Grain Conferences
Scout Schools/Workshops
Invited Guest Lectures 1 5 1.25
Industry, consultant, and other
production events 1 35 0.5
Totals 7 208 5.75
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Extension and Outreach Presentations (current position)
Descriptive Title including Dates Involvement
(total,
coordinator,
team, invited)
Number of
students or
participants
Number
of
Sessions
Duration of
each
session
(hours)
1 Introduction of Tennessee Home
Garden Variety Trials Program.
Eastern region home vegetable in-
service. Eastern Region Office,
Knoxville, TN. 12 Sept. 2017
Team 17 1 1
2 Introduction of Tennessee Home
Garden Variety Trials Program.
Central region home vegetable in-
service. Rutherford County
Extension Office, Murfreesboro, TN.
5 Sept. 2017
Team 28 1 1
3 Introduction of Tennessee Home
Garden Variety Trials Program.
Western region home vegetable in-
service. Madison County Extension
Office, Jackson, TN. 29 Aug. 2017
Team 23 1 1
4 Long Term Systems Study.
Agroecology Field School. Milan,
TN. 27 July 2017
Team 35 1 .5
5 Risks and rewards of genetically
modified crops in modern
agriculture. Alcoa Kiwanis.
Knoxville, TN. 6 Apr. 2017.
Invited 35 1 .5
6 UT Variety Testing. Advanced Plant
Breeding/PLSC 653. University of
Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. 23 Mar.
2017.
Invited 5 1 1.25
7 Impact of crop rotations and soil
amendments on long-term no-till
corn, soybean, and cotton yields.
Climate Change Adaptation/Cover
Crop Field Day/In-service. Milan,
TN. 21 Mar. 2017
Team 65 1 .5
Extension and Outreach Presentations (previous positions)
Descriptive Title including Dates
Involvement
(total,
coordinator,
team, invited)
Number of
students or
participants
Number
of
Sessions
Duration of
each
session
(hours)
8
B.1.c. Teaching and Extension evaluation summary
B.1.d. Peer evaluation of teaching and Extension activities
See attached
1 Picking Winners: Using variety test
information to improve profit,
Tennessee Agricultural Production
Association Annual Meeting,
Gatlinburg, TN, 2 Aug. 2016.
Invited 70 1 .75
2 Turfgrass management and disease
control. Pesticide Recertification.
Suffolk Extension Center. Suffolk,
VA. 2009.
Team 50 1 .75
3 Brown Patch Control on Tall Fescue.
Virginia Turfgrass Council Annual
Meeting. Fredericksburg, VA. Feb.
2008.
Team 75 1 .75
4 Review of east coast turfgrass
diseases. Mid-Atlantic Horticulture
Short Course – Pesticide
Recertification. Virginia Beach, VA.
Jan. 2008
Team 150 1 .75
5 Virginia Tech Turf and Landscape
Field Day. Blacksburg, VA. Aug.
2008
Team 20 3 .25
6 Hampton Roads Research and
Education Center Nursery,
Landscape, and Arboricultural Field
Day. Virginia Beach, VA. Aug.
2008
Team 20 3 .25
7 Virginia Tech Turf and Landscape
Field Day. Blacksburg, VA. Oct.
2007
Team 20 3 .25
8 Hampton Roads Research and
Education Center Nursery,
Landscape, and Arboricultural Field
Day. Virginia Beach, VA. Sept.
2007
Team 20 3 .25
9 Virginia Tech Turf and Landscape
Field Day. Blacksburg, VA. Sept.
2006
Team 20 3 .25
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B.2. Other indicators of quality
- Production of “Home Garden Variety Trials” promotional video and training video
in 2017. This video was produced to highlight our new home garden variety trials
initiative and encourage citizen participation next year. The promo video has been picked
up by news stations across Tennessee as well as in other states, including Pennsylvania
and Ohio. Not only has this video raised awareness of this new and exciting program for
Tennessee growers, but it has also led to contact from extension agents/homeowners in
other states who want to know how they can set up similar programs.
B.2.a. Membership on graduate degree candidates’ committees
Student Department Degree Role Dates
Alison Willette Plant Sciences,
University of TN
M.S. Committee Member 2017 – present
Santosh Nayak Plant Sciences,
University of TN
Ph.D. Committee Member 2017 - present
Sangeeta Bansal Plant Sciences,
University of TN
Ph.D. Committee Member 2017 - present
B.2.b. Personnel Supervision
2017 Classification Number per semester
Spring Summer Fall
Research Associate - 1 1
Term or undergrad. student 3 - 1
2016 Classification Number per semester
Spring Summer Fall
Term or undergrad. student 2 1 1
Previous positions: In my research associate role, I supervised 5 undergraduate students and 5
graduate students between 2013-2015
B.2.c. Evidence of expertise or experience in international or intercultural activities
- Co-PI on “Agronomic Trials of Potential Broiler Feed Resources in Rwanda”, 2017-2020
(project placed on hold by lead-PI at the end of 2017. Uncertain whether it will resume at
this time)
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B. Research, Scholarship, Creative Activity
C.1. Candidate’s statement
C.2. Research and/or scholarly publications
Publications Summary
Current appointment (2017 – present)
Year
Refereed
journal
articles
Books
and book
chapters
Abstracts in
conference
proceedings
Popular
press
articles
Research
reports
Peer-reviewed
Extension
publications
2017 4 - 1 - 2 6
Total –
current
appt. 4 - 1 - 2 6
Previous appointments (2007 – 2015)
Year
Refereed
journal
articles
Books
and book
chapters
Abstracts in
conference
proceedings
Popular
press
articles
Research
reports
Peer-reviewed
Extension
publications
2016 1 - - - 1 3
2015 1 - 3 - 1 4
2014 - - 4 - - 4
2013 - - 4 - - 4
2012 - - 1 - - -
2011 - - 1 - - 2
2010 - - 4 - - 1
2009 - - - 1 - -
2008 - - 2 1 - -
2007 - - 3 - - -
Total –
prev.
appt. 2 - 22 2 2 18
Total 6 - 23 2 4 24
C.2.a. Articles published in refereed journals
1. Bhandari, H.S., S. Nayak, C.O. Dalid, V.R. Sykes. 2017. Biomass yield heterosis in
lowland switchgrass. Crop Science 57 (4): 2015-2023.
2. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, S.E. Warnke, S.D. Askew, A.B. Baudoin, J.M. Goatley. 2017.
Comparing digital and visual evaluation for accuracy and precision in estimating tall
fescue brown patch severity, Crop Science 57 (6): 3303-3309.
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3. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, R.D. Johnson. 2017. Impact of fungicides on rust, biomass yield,
and ethanol yield in biofuel switchgrass, 2011-2012. Plant Disease Management Reports
Volume 11. Report No. 11:OT001. doi: 10.1094/PDMR11
4. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis, A.M. Saxton, H.S. Bhandari, D.R. West, E.W.
Hughes, M.E. Bobbitt, V.G. Benelli. 2017. Efficiency of spaced-plant selection in
improving sward biomass and ethanol yield in switchgrass. Crop Science 57 (1): 253-
263.
5. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis, A.M. Saxton, H.S. Bhandari, D.R. West, E.W.
Hughes, M.E. Bobbitt, V.G. Benelli. 2016. Efficiency of early selection in improving
biomass and predicted ethanol yield in switchgrass. Crop Science 56 (6): 2940-2951.
6. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, J.R. Mielenz, C.N. Stewart Jr., M.T. Windham, C.Y. Hamilton,
M. Rodriguez Jr., K.L. Yee. 2015. Reduction of ethanol yield in switchgrass infected
with rust. BioEnergy Research 9(1): 239-247.
C.2.b. Book chapters
- None
C.2.c. Papers or extended abstracts published in conference proceedings
1. A. Willette, H. Bhandari, F. Chen, C. Smallwood, V.R. Sykes, and V. R. Pantalone.
2017. Breeding for improved oil quality in high yielding soybean lines using molecular
markers for selecting fAD3A and FAD3C mutant alleles. World Soybean Research
Conference 10, Poster completed and displayed in Plant Biotechnology Bldg. Conference
cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
2. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, J.R. Mielenz, C.N. Stewart Jr., M.T. Windham, C.Y. Hamilton,
M. Rodriguez Jr., K.L. Yee. 2015. Reduction of ethanol yield from switchgrass infected
with rust caused by Puccinia emaculata. Switchgrass III: Prairie and Native Grass
International Conference. 30 Sept. – 2 Oct. 2015. Knoxville, TN.
3. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, Diallel analysis of traits associated with biomass yield in
switchgrass. 2015. Switchgrass III: Prairie and Native Grass International Conference. 30
Sept. – 2 Oct. 2015. Knoxville, TN.
4. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis. 2015. Efficacy of Juvenile, First Year, and
Second Year Selection on Improving Biomass Yield and Ethanol Yield in Switchgrass.
NAPB Annual Meeting. 27 – 30 July 2015. Pullman, WA.
5. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis. 2014. Efficacy of Juvenile, First Year, and
Second Year Selection on Improving Biomass Yield and Ethanol Yield in Switchgrass.
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meeting. 2 – 5 Nov. 2014. Long Beach, CA.
6. DeSantis, A.C., V.R. Sykes, F.L. Allen. 2014. Diallel analysis of predicted ethanol yield
of leaves versus stems of lowland switchgrass. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meeting. 2 – 5
Nov. 2014. Long Beach, CA.
7. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis. 2014. Comparison of space and sward planted
switchgrass for estimates of genetic parameters and ranking of biomass and ethanol yield.
NAPB Annual Meeting. 5 – 8 Aug. 2014. Minneapolis, MN.
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8. DeSantis, A.C., V.R. Sykes, F.L. Allen. 2014. Diallel analysis of biomass yield in leaves
versus stems of lowland switchgrass. NAPB Annual Meeting. 5 – 8 Aug. 2014.
Minneapolis, MN.
9. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, Bhandari, H.S. 2013. Comparison of space and sward planted
switchgrass for traits associated with biomass and ethanol yield. ASA/CSSA/SSSA
Annual Meeting. 3 – 6 Nov. 2013. Tampa, FL.
10. Bobbit, M., F.L. Allen, V.R. Sykes, E. Hughes, and H. Bhandari. 2013. Genetic variation
and trait associations for forage yield and quality among half-sib families of switchgrass.
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meeting. 3 – 6 Nov. 2013. Tampa, FL.
11. Hughes, E., F. L. Allen, V.R. Sykes, M. Bobbitt, and H. Bhandari. 2013. Genetic
variability for biomass yield, yield components, and ethanol yield among half-sibs of
switchgrass. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meeting. 3 – 6 Nov. 2013. Tampa, FL.
12. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen. 2013. Diallel analysis of traits associated with biomass yield in
switchgrass. NAPB Annual Meeting. 2 – 5 June 2013. Tampa, FL.
13. Sykes, V.R.. 2012. Effect of rust infection on ethanol production potential of switchgrass.
8th Eastern Native Grass Symposium. Charlottesville, VA. 1 – 4 Oct. 2012.
14. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, J.R. Mielenz, C.N. Stewart, Jr., M.T. Windham. 2011. Effect of
Puccinia emaculata infection on ethanol production potential of Panicum virgatum.
Phytopathology 101:S174. APS Annual Meeting. 6 – 10 Aug. 2011. Honolulu, HI.
15. Stewart Jr., C.N., M. Mazarei, L. Wusheng, M. Rao, M. Rudis, L. Abercrombie, and V.
Sykes. 2010. Phytosensors: Plants to Report Pathogens and Environmental Contaminants.
In Vitro Cell Dev Biol 46 (1): S76. 2010 In Vitro Biology Meeting and IAPB 12th World
Congress. 6 – 11 June 2010. St. Louis, MO.
16. McCall, D.S., B.J. Horvath, M.A. Cutulle, A.E. Nichols, V.R. Sykes. 2010. Nozzle
selection for maximizing brown patch control with fungicides. Phytopathology
100(6):S80. APS Annual Meeting. 7 – 11 Aug 2010. Charlotte, NC.
17. Horvath, B.J., D.S. McCall, B.S. Amaradasa, M.A. Cutulle, V.R. Sykes. 2010.
Rhizoctonia species causing turfgrass disease in the transition zone: Identification, host
resistance and management. Phytopathology 100 (6): S152. APS Annual Meeting. 7 – 11
Aug 2010. Charlotte, NC.
18. Liu, W., M. R. Rudis, V.R. Sykes, M. Mazarei, and C. N. Stewart, Jr.. 2010. In vivo
analysis of synthetic promoters by agroinfiltration of tobacco leaves for pathogen
phytosensing. Southern Section American Society of Plant Biology Annual Meeting 10 –
12 April 2010. p. 22.
19. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, S.E. Warnke. Identification of resistance in Festuca
arundinacea Schreb lines to both Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn and Rhizoctonia zeae
Voorhees using digital image analysis. Abstract 648-6. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual
Meeting. 5 – 9 Oct. 2008. Houston, TX.
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20. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, S.E. Warnke. Resistance screening of Festuca arundinacea to
both Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizoctonia zeae using digital image analysis.
Phytopathology 98:S154. APS Annual Meeting. 26 – 30 July 2008. Minneapolis, MN.
21. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, S.E. Warnke. Resistance screening of Festuca arundinacea
germplasm to Rhizoctonia species using digital image analysis. Abstract 265-2.
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meeting. 4 – 8 Nov. 2007. New Orleans, LA.
22. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, D.S. McCall. Development of a digital analysis method to
assess brown patch resistance on Festuca arundinacea germplasm. Phytopathology
97:S113. APS Annual Meeting. 28 July – 1 Aug. 1 2007. San Diego, CA.
23. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, D.S. McCall. Assessment of brown patch severity on tall
fescue using digital image analysis. APS Potomac Division Meeting. 21 – 23 Mar. 2007.
Blacksburg, VA.
C.2.d. Contributions to popular press articles
1. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath. 2009. Screening tall fescue introductions for resistance to
Rhizoctonia using digital image analysis. Virginia Turfgrass Journal. January/February
2009. p. 18-21.
2. Sykes, V.R., D.S. McCall, B.J. Horvath. 2008. Nozzle technology advancements for
improved disease control. Virginia Turfgrass Journal. January/February. p. 33.
C.2.e. Research reports submitted to sponsors 1. Sykes, V.R. 15 Dec. 2017. 2017 Progress report to the United Soybean Board: Project #
1820-172-0132-A, “Economic and environmental impact of multi-use cover crop species
in Tennessee no-till soybean/corn rotation (Year 1 of 3)”.
2. Sykes, V.R. 16 Nov. 2017. 2017 Progress report to the Tennessee Soybean Promotion
Board: Project 17-38-R - Technical Support for UT Variety Testing Program.
3. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, S.Senseman. Dec. 2016. 2016 Progress report to the Tennessee
Soybean Promotion Board: Project 16-38-R - Technical Support for UT Variety Testing
Program.
4. Allen, F.L. and V.R. Sykes. Nov. 2015. 2015 Progress report to the Tennessee Soybean
Promotion Board: Project 15-38-R - Technical Support for UT Variety Testing Program.
C.2.f. Peer-reviewed Extension publications
1. Bumgarner, N. R., R. G. Ary, D. Payne, J. C. Reese, M. Rose, L. Sammons, V. R. Sykes,
and W. Upchurch. 2017. Tennessee home vegetable garden calendar-2018. UT
Extension W-436.
2. V.R. Sykes, A. Willette, R.H. Blair, H. Young-Kelly, V. Pantalone, C. Smallwood, and
A.T. McClure. 2017. Soybean Variety Tests in Tennessee 2017. UT Ext. PB 1865.
3. V.R. Sykes, A. Willette, R.H. Blair, D. West, D. Kincer, and A.T. McClure. 2017. Corn
Grain Hybrid Tests in Tennessee 2017. UT Ext. PB 1864.
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4. V.R. Sykes, A. Willette, G. Bates, D. McIntosh. 2017. Corn Silage Tests in Tennessee
2017. UT Ext. PB 1859.
5. Bates. G.E., C. Harper, D. McIntosh, A. McClure, T. Raper, V. Sykes. 2017 Forage and
Field Crop Seeding Guide for Tennessee. PB 378.
6. McClure, A., L. Steckel, T. Raper, V. Sykes, and G. Montgomery. 2017. Cover Crops
Quick Facts. UT Ext. W 417.
7. V.R. Sykes, R.H. Blair, H. Young-Kelly, and A.T. McClure. 2016. Soybean Variety
Tests in Tennessee 2016. UT Ext. PB 1849.
8. V.R. Sykes, R.H. Blair, and A.T. McClure. 2016. Corn Grain Hybrid Tests in Tennessee
2016. UT Ext. PB 1850.
9. V.R. Sykes. 2016. Corn Silage Tests in Tennessee 2016. UT Ext. PB 1851.
10. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes., V.G. Benelli, A.J. Ashworth. 2015. Corn and Wheat Silage
Tests in Tennessee 2015. UT Ext. Pub. SP 618.
11. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, V.G. Benelli, A.J. Ashworth, R.H. Blair, A.T. McClure, H.
Young-Kelly and P. Donald. 2015. Soybean Variety Performance Tests in Tennessee
2015. UT AgResearch Rep. 16-03.
12. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, A.J. Ashworth, V.G. Benelli, R.H. Blair, and A.T. McClure.
2015. Corn Grain Hybrid Tests in Tennessee 2015. UT AgResearch Rep. 16-02.
13. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, A.J. Ashworth, V. Benelli, R. Blair, and T. Raper. 2015. Wheat
Variety Performance Tests in Tennessee 2015. UT AgResearch Rep., 16-01.
14. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes. 2014. Corn and Wheat Silage Tests in Tennessee 2014. UT Ext.
Pub. SP 618.
15. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.C. Williams, Jr., A.T. McClure, H. Young-Kelly and P.
Donald. 2014. Soybean Variety Performance Tests in Tennessee 2014. UT AgResearch
Rep. 15-03.
16. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.C. Williams, Jr., and A.T. McClure. 2014. Corn Grain Hybrid
Tests in Tennessee 2014. UT AgResearch Rep. 15-02.
17. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.C. Williams, Jr. 2014. Wheat Variety Performance Tests in
Tennessee 2014. UT AgResearch Rep. 15-01.
18. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes. 2013. Corn Silage Tests in Tennessee 2013. UT Ext. Pub. SP
618.
19. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.C. Williams, Jr., A.T. McClure, H. Young-Kelly and P.
Donald. 2013. Soybean Variety Performance Tests in Tennessee 2013. UT AgResearch
Rep. 14-03.
20. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.C. Williams, Jr., and A.T. McClure. 2013. Corn Grain Hybrid
Tests in Tennessee 2013. UT AgResearch Rep. 14-02.
21. Allen, F.L., V.R. Sykes, R.D. Johnson, and R.C. Williams, Jr. 2013. Wheat Variety
Performance Tests in Tennessee 2013. UT AgResearch Rep. 14-01.
22. Allen, F.L., R.D. Johnson, and V.R. Sykes. 2011. Corn and Small Grain Silage Tests in
Tennessee. UT Ext. Pub. SP618.
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23. Allen, F.L., R.D. Johnson, R.C. Williams Jr., V. Sykes, C. Main. 2011. Wheat and Oat
Variety Performance Tests in Tennessee. UT AgResearch Rep. 12-01.
24. Allen, F.L., R.D. Johnson, K. Warwick, J. Lane, and V. Sykes. 2010. Corn, Sweet
Sorghum and Small Grain Silage Tests in Tennessee. 2010. UT Ext. Pub. SP618.
C.2.g. Manuscripts in preparation
1. Hughes, E.W., F.L. Allen, H.S. Bhandari, A.M. Saxton, D.R. West, V.R. Sykes, M.E.
Bobbitt. Genetic variation in biomass yield and feedstock composition and trait
relationships in lowland switchgrass. In review. The Scientific Pages of Crop Sciences.
2. Gharahassanlous, A. N., X. Yin…, V.R. Sykes. Long-term crop rotation under no-tillage
improves soil physical properties and increases yield and yield stability in weather
fluctuations.
3. Xiao, J., X. Yin…, V.R. Sykes. Impact of long-term poultry litter application on soil
heavy metal composition.
4. DeSantis, A.C., F.L Allen, V.R. Sykes, A.M. Saxton, H.S. Bhandari, D.R. West. Diallel
analysis of biomass and ethanol yield in leaves versus stems of lowland switchgrass. In
prep. Crop Science.
5. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis, A.M. Saxton, H.S. Bhandari. Comparison of
space and sward planted switchgrass for estimates of combining ability, maternal effects,
heritability, and heterosis of biofuel production traits. In prep. Crop Science.
6. Sykes, V.R., F.L. Allen, A.C. DeSantis, A.M. Saxton. Diallel analysis to assess
quantitative genetics of biofuel production traits in switchgrass. In prep. Crop Science.
7. Sykes, V.R., B.J. Horvath, S.E. Warnke. Screening Festuca arundinacea plant
introductions for resistance to Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizoctonia zeae using digital
image analysis. In prep. Plant Disease.
C.3. Projects, grants, commissions, and contracts
A total of $127,000 was received in 2017 as part of the fee-based statewide variety testing
program for corn grain, corn silage, and soybeans. A total of six grant projects were funded in
2017 totaling $269,158. The candidate’s portion from these grant projects totaled $116,556.
Three additional grant projects were submitted in 2017 and are under review, totaling
$1,534,696. Two grant project were submitted but not approved for funding in 2017, totaling
$471,279.
C.3.a. Completed
Grant Grant Total Candidate's Portion
Sykes, V.R. “Technical Support for UT Variety Testing
Program”. Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board. 1 Jan. 2016 –
31 Dec. 2016
$51,544 $51,544
$51,544 $51,544
16
C.3.b. Funded and in progress
Grant Grant Total Candidate's Portion
Sykes, V.R. and N. Bumgarner. Tennessee Home Garden
Variety Trials Extension ANR Internship. UT Extension. 22
May – 31 July 2018.
$5,500 $5,500
Bumgarner, N. R., R. G. Ary, D. Payne, J. C. Reese, M. Rose,
L. Sammons, V. R. Sykes, and W. Upchurch “Supporting
residential food production in Tennessee through education
linked with citizen science Residential and Consumer
Horticulture Leadership Team”. Home Fruit and Vegetable
WorkGroup- Funding Request for 2017 Training and 2018
Outreach Efforts. 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018.
$9,393 $9,393
Sykes, V.R., X. Yin, R. Nave, G. Bates, and D. Butler.
Economic and environmental impact of multi-use cover crop
species in in Tennessee no-till soybean/corn rotations. United
Soybean Board. 1 Oct. 2017 - 30 Sept. 2018.
$116,604 $49,119
Yin, X, V.R. Sykes. Long-Term Effects of Cover Crops and
Crop Rotations on Soil Health and Water Availability. United
Soybean Board. 1 Oct. 2017 - 30 Sept. 2018.
$35,540 $2,500
Hawkins, S, S. Savoy, S. Jagadamma, F. Walker, M. McClure,
L. Duncan, M. Bushermohle, V.R. Sykes. “Corn Silage
Nitrogen Yield Response and Phosphorus and Potassium Crop
Removal Rates”. Tennessee Department of Agriculture. 1 April
2017 – 31 March 2018.
$41,267 $0
Sykes, V.R. “Technical Support for UT Variety Testing
Program”. Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board. 1 Jan. 2017 –
31 Dec. 2017.
$50,044 $50,044
Smallwood, C.J., F.L. Allen, V.R. Sykes. “Strawberry
Breeding for Improved Fruit Quality and Flavor”. UTIA
Cultivar Development Fund. 26 July 2016 – no end date
specified.
$10,810 $0
$269,158 $116,556
17
C.3.c. Under review
Grant Grant Total Candidate's Portion
Sykes, V.R. “Technical Support for UT Variety Testing
Program”. Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board. 1 Jan. 2018 –
31 Dec. 2018
$44,080 $44,080
Borole, A. J. Buchanan, A. Shekoofa, C. Tsouris, S. Yiacoumi,
C. Mullen, Y. Elkasabi, G. Banuelos, W. Stringfellow. R.
Campbell. C. Williams, V. Sykes, J. Richards., M. Arias-Paic,
C. Linneman, M. Camarillo, T. Jacobsen, B. Bhaduri, F.
McDonnell, B. Ashe, T. hazen. Using Agricultural Waste to
Reclaim Compromised Water for Food Production. USDA-
AFRI - Water for Food Production Challenge Area. 1 Jan. 2018
- 31 Dec. 2022.
$414,391 $3,540
Yin, X., S. Jagadamma, V. Sykes, J. Larson, B. English.
Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage in long-term
integrated bio-cover and cropping sequence systems under no-
tillage. USDA-NIFA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative
Competitive Grants Program: Resilient Agroecosystems in a
Changing Climate Challenge Area. 1 Jan 2018 - 31 Dec 2020.
$1,076,225 $109,053
$1,534,696 $156,673
C.3.d. Applied for but not awarded
Grant Grant Total Candidate's Portion
Ludwig, A., J. Stier, F. Walker, C. Boyer, M. Buschermohle,
V. Sykes, E. Webb, L. Duncan. Next Generation Scientists:
Internships Focused on Conveying Conclusions to the Public.
USDA-AFRI. 1 Jan. 2018 - 31 Dec. 2020.
$261,286 $500
Oakes, R., V.R. Sykes, G. Bates, M. McClure, C. Boyer. Dual-
purpose canola production in the Southeast: a promising and
economical crop. USDA-NIFA Supplemental and Alternative
Crops Competitive Grants Program. 1 Sept. 2017 - 31 Aug.
2020.
$209,993 $4,500
Bumgarner, N. and V.R. Sykes. Utilizing citizen science to
assess home garden variety performance in Tennessee. Alliance
of Women Philanthropists - Giving Circle. 1 Jan. 2017 - 31
Dec. 2017.
$4,644 $2,322
$475,923 $7,322
C.4. Record of participation in seminars and workshops
Seminar/Webinar
- USDA Competitive Funding Opportunity Webinar, 25 May 2017, Knoxville, TN
Workshops
- University of Tennessee Promotion and Tenure Workshop, 14 June 2017, Knoxville, TN
18
- Extension New Workers Orientation, 6 – 9 Mar. 2017, Knoxville, TN
- Grant Writers’ Workshop – “Write Winning Grant Proposals”, 3 Feb. 2016, Knoxville,
TN
- Graduate Student Leadership Conference, 1 – 2 Nov. 2014. American Society of
Agronomy Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA
Tours and Field Days
- NRCS Cover Crop Field Day, 3 Aug. 2017, Hillsboro, TN
- Climate Change Adaptation/Cover Crop Field Day/In-service, 21 Mar. 2017, Milan, TN
- Southern Soybean Breeders Tour, 3 – 5 Sept. 2013, Raleigh, NC
- Southern Soybean Breeders Tour, 4 – 6 Sept. 2012, Milan, TN
- Milan No Till Field Day, July 2010, Milan, TN
- Virginia Tech Turf and Landscape Field Day, Blacksburg, VA
o Sept. 2006, Oct. 2007, Aug. 2008
- Hampton Roads Research and Education Center Nursery, Landscape, and Arboricultural
Field Day, Virginia Beach, VA
o Sept. 2006, Sept. 2007
National and Regional Conferences and Professional Meetings
- National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, 7-10 Aug. 2017, Davis, CA
- S-9 Plant Genetic Resources Multi-State research group, 20-21 June 2017, Griffin,
GA
- SCC-33 National Variety Testing Meeting. Multi-state research coordinating
committee and information exchange group. 5 – 8 Feb. 2017. San Diego, CA
- West TN Grain Conference, 2 Feb. 2017, Dyersburg, TN
- Middle TN Grain Conference, 26 Jan. 2017, Manchester, TN
- East TN Grain Conference, 19 Jan. 2017, Knoxville, TN
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 7 – 9 Nov. 2016, Phoenix, AZ
- National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, 15 – 18 Aug. 2016, Raleigh,
NC
- West TN Grain Conference, 4 Feb. 2016, Dyersburg, TN
- Middle TN Grain Conference, 28 Jan. 2016, Manchester, TN
19
- Switchgrass III: Prairie and Native Grass International Conference, Sept. 2015,
Knoxville, TN
- National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, Aug. 2015., Pullman, WA
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 2015, Minneapolis, MN
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 2 – 5 Nov. 2014, Long Beach, CA
- National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, Aug. 2014, Minneapolis,
MN
- West TN Grain Conference, 6 Feb. 2014, Dyersburg, TN
- Southern Soybean Breeders Tour, Sept. 2013, Raleigh, NC
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 3 – 6 Nov. 2013, Tampa, FL
- National Association of Plant Breeders Annual Meeting, June 2013, Tampa, FL
- 8th Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Oct. 2012, Charlottesville, VA
- Southern Soybean Breeders Tour, July 2011, Milan, TN
- American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, July 2011, Honolulu, HI
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 5 – 9 Oct. 2008, Houston, TX
- American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, July 2008, Minneapolis, MN
- Virginia Turfgrass Council Annual Meeting, Jan. 2008, Fredericksburg, VA
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 4 – 8 Nov. 2007, New Orleans, LA
- American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, July 2007, San Diego, CA
- American Phytopathological Society Potomac Division Meeting. 21 – 23 Mar. 2007.
Blacksburg, VA
- Virginia Turfgrass Council Annual Meeting, Jan. 2007, Fredericksburg, VA
- American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science
Society of America Annual Meeting, 12 – 16 Nov. 2006, Indianapolis, IN
20
C.5. Papers presented at technical and professional meetings
- See section C.2.c
C.6. List of honors or awards for research/scholarship/creative achievement
- None
D.2. Summary of candidate’s service record
D.2.a. Institutional Service
- UT AgResearch Innovation Grant Panel (2017)
- Plant Variety Release Committee (2017 – present)
- Plant Sciences Seminar Committee (2017 – present)
- Home Fruit and Vegetable Work Group (2016 – present)
- Variety Testing Budget Committee (2016 – present)
- Variety Testing Database Work Group (2016 – present)
- Tobacco Breeding Faculty Search Committee (2013 – 2014)
D.2.b. Disciplinary Service
- Multistate Hatch Projects
o NIFA SCC-33 “National Variety Testing Group” (2017 – present)
o NIFA S9 “Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Utilization” (2017 –
present)
- National Association of Plant Breeders
o Communications Committee (2015 – present)
o Vice-Chair (2017-present)
o Secretary (2016/2017)
o Early Career Working Group (2017 – present)
o Graduate Student Committee (2013 – 2015)
o Member of sub-committee to design and provide content for Society
marketing material
o Graduate student liaison to Advocacy committee
- American Society of Agronomy/ Crop Science Society of America
o Graduate Student Committee (2014)
o Member of sub-committee to plan and run career panel
21
- Reviewer
o Journal of Crop Variety Testing (2017 – present)
o Agronomy Journal (2017-present)
o Crop Science Journal (2017-present)
o Oak Ridge National Laboratory internal reviewer (2017)
D.2.c. Professional Service
D.2.c.i. Service to public and private organizations or institutions in which the candidate
uses his/her professional expertise
8 Aug 2017 Judge for National Association of Plant Breeders annual conference poster
competition
13 July 2017 Summer Celebration disease diagnosis clinic, Jackson, TN
D.2.c.ii. Service to governmental agencies at the international, federal, state, and local
levels
D.2.c.iii. Service to industry, e.g. training, workshops, consulting
22
E. Candidates Signature Statement
I hereby attest that I have examined for accuracy the factual and informational parts of my
dossier (excluding the external letters of assessment).
Candidate Signature Date