Margery Daughtrey, a renowned plant pathologist who specializes in the diseases of ornamental plants, has officially finished all requirements for her to receive a Ph.D. from Cornell University. On April 26, Margery passed the final defense examination of her research dissertation.
Most people who know Margery probably assume that she already has a Ph.D. because of her vast knowledge about ornamental plant diseases and her excellent diagnostic abilities. Last year, Margery was accepted into the Ph.D. program at Cornell University in the Section of Plant Pathology and Plant–Microbe Biology. At that time, she had a team of faculty members assigned to serve on her graduate committee. Since then, Margery has completed all the requirements to receive a Ph.D. from Cornell University. After working as a dedicated plant pathologist for 45 years, this is a tremendous accomplishment for Margery.
Margery Daughtrey joined Cornell University’s Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (LIHREC) in Riverhead, NY in 1978. She was the first female professional to be hired at the LIHREC. Since then, she has been the Center’s most prolific writer and speaker. Margery has published more than 1,000 technical publications, books, book chapters, refereed journal articles, internet publications, and extension publications. She has given thousands of oral presentations throughout New York and Long Island, the United States, and around the world.
Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor and Director of Cornell’s LIHREC, said: “Most of our Ph.D. students are in their late 20’s and early 30’s and are expected to prove their worthiness in the future. However, in Margery case, she has already spent 45 years conducting research, publishing books, and excelling as a Senior Extension Associate with Cornell University’s Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology before beginning her Ph.D. program. This Ph.D. is recognizing a career of excellence and acknowledging her accomplishments.”
Margery Daughtrey is truly a national treasure for Cornell University and the greenhouse and ornamental plant industries. Congratulations Margery for a job well–done!
(Photos courtesy of Dan Gilrein.)