University of Idaho Hires Nematologist

Area farmers and growers will have a new resource for dealing with a costly but often invisible threat in their fields: nematodes.

The University of Idaho is hiring Erika Consoli as the first Saad Hafez Presidential Endowed Chair for Nematology at the Parma Research and Extension Center, a designation reserved for endowed positions supported by at least $3 million in funding. The endowment’s namesake, U of I Emeritus Professor Saad Hafez, helped develop U of I into a national leader in nematology and established the university’s modern nematode diagnostics program.

Nematodes are microscopic organisms found throughout Idaho soils. Some are beneficial, but plant-parasitic species can damage crops, spread disease and cut yields, often before growers realize there’s a problem. A 2025 University of Idaho study found nematodes can cause about $1.8 million in lost economic activity each year for every 100 acres of infested potato fields.

Consoli Is An Emerging Star

“This is one of the largest nematology endowments, not only in the U.S., but in the world, demonstrating our commitment toward addressing a pressing need for Idaho agriculture,” said Leslie Edgar, J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “With the help of our stakeholders, we’ve hired an emerging star in the field who brings a breadth of experience and a global perspective.”

Consoli comes to U of I from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, where she’s worked since April 2025 as a postdoctoral scholar.

Helping Growers Make Better Management Decisions

“Growing up [on a small farm in Brazil], I often saw the impact of pathogens and pests on my family farm and overheard my parents discussing the best ways to deal with these issues affecting our crops,” Consoli said. “Really early I wanted to be a plant breeder because I believe it’s one of the most effective ways to deal with pests and diseases.”

Consoli said her goal is to give growers timely, accurate diagnostics to make better management decisions. She’ll also work with Extension educators on a statewide survey to identify where different nematode species are affecting Idaho farms.

Consoli starts in her new role in November 9th.

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