GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Jason Smith has been named an assistant professor of forest pathology with the University of Florida's School of Forest Resources and Conservation. His appointment became effective Sept. 29. Smith also was appointed to an assistant professor position with UF's plant pathology department. He will develop a forest pathology research program that includes a focus on Florida forests, and develop a statewide extension program in forest health management. He will also teach and mentor graduate students.

Before being appointed, Smith was a post-doctoral research associate and teaching assistant with the University of Minnesota's plant pathology department. He also is a long-time volunteer with the U.S. Forest
Service. Previously, he was a part-time lecturer with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and research intern at the University of Idaho.

Smith holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., and master of science and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of Minnesota.