Michael A. Ellis received his Ph.D. degree in plant pathology from the University of Illinois in 1976 and joined the faculty of The Ohio State University in 1979. Dr. Ellis is recognized for his research and extension programs that emphasize the use of integrated disease management strategies as critical portions of an overall IPM and crop management program. Dr. Ellis and his colleague L. V. Madden, graduate students, and postdocs have made major advances in understanding the epidemiology of several important fruit crop diseases, with an emphasis on determining the effects of the environment on disease development and spread. In addition to basic research in epidemiology, Dr. Ellis is also extensively involved in problem-solving research for fruit growers. His research approach incorporates an understanding of disease epidemiology and pathogen biology to integrate resistance, cultural practices, biological control, and minimal and targeted fungicide usage for the efficient and cost-effective control of fruit crop diseases. He is an excellent example of how a plant pathologist with a research-extension appointment should function: that is, his research is problem solving and has resulted in practical information that is directly useful to the fruit industry. He is the author or co-author of over 100 refereed journal articles and over 500 papers in trade journals, extension fact sheets, and bulletins. In recognition of his excellence in research and extension, he was honored with the APS Ciba-Geigy Award in 1987 and the APS Excellence in Extension Award in 2000.
