Jason is the Co-Director Emerging Threats to Forests Research Team, Associate Professor of Forest Pathology and State Forest Health Extension Specialist at the University of Florida. The focus of his research program is to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and biology of interactions between tree hosts, pathogens, their vectors and the environment to reduce the impact of disease on trees in the context of global change. Current research focuses on 1.) Exotic tree disease detection and management; 2.) Phylogeography and pathogenicity of tree pathogens; and 3.) Management of diseases affecting rare, endangered or relict tree species in a changing climate. In addition to serving as the Principal Investigator of the Forest Pathology Laboratory, Jason teaches several graduate and undergraduate courses and carries out forest health extension activities including advanced tree diagnostic services. Professionally, Jason is active in the American Phytopathological Society, American Conifer Society and serves as associate editor of the journal Forest Pathology.