Giovana Cruppe named fellow of Biosecurity Research Institute

By Emily Boragine

Division of Communications and Marketing

Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

Giovana Cruppe, research assistant professor in the Kansas State University Department of Plant Pathology, has been named a fellow of the Biosecurity Research Institute, or BRI.

Cruppe's connection to the BRI began during her graduate studies at K-State. Today, her research focuses on wheat blast, a fungal disease that threatens wheat production worldwide.

Her work includes identifying sources of genetic resistance in wheat and its wild relatives, studying the fungus that causes wheat blast and better understanding how the disease spreads.

"To recognize Giovana’s dedication and the important work that she conducts at the BRI, by appointing her as a Fellow of the BRI, gives me great pleasure. She is an inspiration for others and a most worthy successor to BRI Fellow Dr. Barbara Valent, who retired last year," said Stephen Higgs, director of the Biosecurity Research Institute.

Cruppe earned her doctorate in plant pathology from K-State in 2019. As a graduate student, she conducted research at the BRI under the guidance of Barbara Valent, focusing on potential new sources of genetic resistance to wheat blast.

She has since continued working with K-State researchers, including James Stack, on efforts to better detect and manage the disease. Their work includes developing methods to improve the detection of the pathogen in seed shipments.

"I am delighted for Dr. Cruppe to be designated as a BRI Fellow. Dr. Cruppe's work on high-impact plant diseases is relevant to agricultural production in Kansas and around the world and directly supports the Global Food Security and Biosecurity opportunity area in K-State's strategic plan," said Megan Kennelly, plant pathology professor and department head.

The Marty Vanier and Bob Krause BRI Research Fellows Program recognizes principal investigators who conduct a significant portion of their funded research at the institute. Established through support from Vanier and Krause, the program encourages interdisciplinary research, education and training. Fellows also meet regularly to discuss research activities and provide recommendations to BRI leadership.

“Fellowships help researchers pursue bold ideas, build meaningful collaborations and translate discoveries into solutions that matter,” said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research. “Dr. Cruppe’s work to combat wheat blast and strengthen plant biosecurity exemplifies the innovative, impact-driven research that advances K-State’s Next Gen land-grant mission and positions the university for the future.”

Fellow appointments are for an initial three-year term and may be renewed based on continued research at the institute.

"The BRI has been such an important component of my graduate studies and early career that this is truly an honor for me," Cruppe said. "I look forward to continuing our work at the BRI and contributing to the Fellows Program."