Golf Course Turfgrass Management
The Program Instructors
Jeffrey A. Borger (M.S. Penn State), instructor in Turfgrass Weed Management. Manages the turfgrass field research program that encompasses the evaluations of grassy and broadleaf weed control, and plant growth regulators. Teaches in the four-year Turfgrass Science Major, and in the two-year Golf Turf Management Program.
Katharine Butler (M.S. Penn State), senior lecturer in Soil Science. Teaches introduction to soils and soil properties in both the two-year and four-year programs, and serves as advisor/teacher for undergraduate teaching assistants. Also active in college outreach programs for high school and younger students.
Paul R. Heller (Ph.D. Ohio State), professor of entomology. Instructor for courses taught in the two-year, four-year, and Penn State World Campus turfgrass programs. Research focuses on the biology and management of turfgrass insects. Extension programs focus on turfgrass IPM.
David R. Huff (Ph.D. University of California), associate professor of turfgrass breeding and genetics. Teaches turfgrass growth and development in community dynamics in both the four-year and two-year programs and researches turfgrass breeding and genetics and the development of turfgrass varieties for multiple uses.
Albert R. Jarrett (Ph.D. Penn State), professor of agricultural engineering. Teaches all phases of soil, water, and waste management. Research interests include sedimentation basins and green roofs.
Andrew S. McNitt (Ph.D. Penn State), associate professor of soil science. Teaches soil physical properties in the two-year, four-year, and Penn State World Campus turfgrass programs. Conducts research relating to athletic field and golf green construction.
Dianne Petrunak (M.S. Penn State), research support technician. Teaches Botany for Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program Students. Responsible for Dr. Andrew McNitt’s athletic field and turfgrass soils research.
Maxim J. Schlossberg (Ph.D. Georgia), associate professor of turfgrass and soil science. Teaches turfgrass nutrition in the two-year program. Current research includes interpretation of nutrient levels and site-specific management practices in recommending fertilizer type, rate, and application frequency and evaluation of soil amendments for improvement of nutrient use efficiency in turfgrass systems.
Paige M. Thomas (M.A. Penn State), instructor in horticulture. Internship coordinator, scholarship chair, and coordinator of the Advising Center in the Department of Horticulture.
Al J. Turgeon (Ph.D. Michigan State), professor of turfgrass management. Research encompasses turfgrass edapholology, morphogenesis, and management systems. Also active in the development and evaluation of educational courseware for computer-based learning.
Wakar Uddin (Ph.D. University of Georgia), associate professor of plant pathology. Responsible for developing research programs related to turfgrass disease management.
Thomas Watschke (Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic), professor emeritus of turfgrass science. Interim coordinator of the Golf Course Turfgrass Management program.