Thomas A. Zitter received both his BS and PhD degrees in Botany and Plant Pathology from Michigan State University in 1963 and 1968, respectively. He began his professional career at the Everglades Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Belle Glade with the University of Florida. In 1979, he joined the Department of Plant Pathology at Cornell University and is currently Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology. At Cornell, he has pursued an active research and Extension program addressing the needs of commercial vegetable production throughout New York and is recognized for his work with peppers, cucurbits, tomatoes, and potatoes.