Michelle Heck appointed director of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Michelle Heck harvests samples during a field trial evaluating treatments for citrus greening disease as part of the Grove-First program, which tests therapies in collaboration with citrus growers. Photo courtesy of Michelle Heck.
Michelle Heck, an internationally recognized plant pathologist and agricultural researcher, has been appointed director of the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.
Heck, who previously served as lead scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and adjunct full professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology at Cornell University and the Boyce Thompson Institute, officially begins her new position on June 1, 2026.
Heck is known for her pioneering work on plant-pathogen interactions and vector biology through a career spanning more than two decades in molecular genetics, virology, and crop protection. Her research has shaped national priorities for managing emerging plant diseases and improving agricultural resilience.
As director, Heck will lead efforts to enhance the school’s integration of teaching, research, and Extension to serve students, producers, and other stakeholders.
“My key priorities are to strengthen an integrated, student-centered teaching environment, accelerate research that moves discoveries into the field, and expand the reach of Extension across Virginia, the U.S., and internationally,” Heck said. “I’m committed to fostering a collaborative, service-minded environment for the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, where all members of the school community have the opportunity to learn, contribute science, and play a role in advancing our land-grant mission.”
Heck’s passion for agriculture began during her doctoral training in molecular plant genetics, where she was introduced to plant pathology concepts.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how plant pathogens take advantage of normal plant functions,” Heck said. “If we understand those mechanisms, we can develop strategies to manage disease and protect crops.”
That curiosity has driven a career marked by groundbreaking research and national leadership roles, including forming USDA’s strategic research priorities for crop protection.
Michelle Heck prepares to run psyllid proteomics samples on a mass spectrometer. Heck uses proteomics and genomics to study proteins that regulate the spread of plant pathogens by insects. Photo courtesy of Michelle Heck.
In recognition of her many contributions, Heck has received some of the highest honors in her field, including the 2025 Ruth Allen Award from the American Phytopathological Society and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the White House. She has also earned Agricultural Research Service research excellence awards for her leadership in developing innovative strategies to combat crop diseases.
Heck looks forward to supporting the accomplishments and careers of students, faculty, and staff while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in her new role.
“This school has a tremendous opportunity to lead in developing innovative solutions for farmers and agricultural industries,” Heck said. “I want our faculty and staff to work seamlessly to facilitate training, research, and new on-farm management practices that make a real difference.”
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Mario Ferruzzi expressed enthusiasm for Heck’s appointment, noting her leadership experience and vision for the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
“Dr. Heck brings a wealth of experience through her leadership and research coordination at USDA-ARS,” Ferruzzi said. “Her appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences as we continue to advance our mission across the commonwealth and beyond.”
Heck’s appointment underscores Virginia Tech’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through cutting-edge science and education. Her leadership will help position the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences as a transformative force in addressing global challenges in food security and plant health.
Heck earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Boston University in 1999 and completed her doctorate in biology in 2005 at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences.
