This award recognizes outstanding contributions to plant pathology by APS members for countries other than their own. Contributions may have been made through collaborative projects, sabbaticals, short- and long-term assignments with educational or governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, international centers and research institutes.
Christian D. Cruz earned a B.Sc. in Agronomic Engineering from Zamorano University (2002), an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University (2008), and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with emphasis in crop biosecurity from Kansas State University (2013). At Kansas State University, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher (2013-2016) before advancing to Research Assistant Professor (2016-2017). In 2018, he joined Purdue University, where he now serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology.
Cruz leads research on high-impact plant pathogens, cutting-edge disease measurement and monitoring techniques, and biosecurity and epidemiological strategies. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to basic and applied research. His work contributes to scientific understanding and helps build collaborative networks that support sustainable agricultural practices around the world.
Cruz’s professional journey began in Ecuador, where, as a Technical Representative for the agrochemical division of a multinational company, he observed growers confronting black Sigatoka. He was particularly influenced by farmers using data-informed strategies, including predictive models to optimize fungicide use. Motivated by these experiences, Cruz pursued graduate studies in plant pathology, blending field experience with academic inquiry. This blend of practical and academic insight shaped his approach to integrating scientific innovation with real-world agricultural challenges.
Cruz’s impact grew during his Ph.D. at Kansas State University, where he studied wheat blast—a devastating fungal disease affecting South American wheat production that later emerged in Bangladesh and Zambia. Recognizing the need for resistant cultivars, he contributed as Liaison Coordinator and Scientist in a multinational project linking North and South American institutions. Working closely with renowned scientists led by Dr. Barbara Valent, along with a dedicated team of technicians, stakeholders, decision-makers, and industry partners, Cruz supported regional efforts to manage wheat blast. His identification of the 2NvS translocation as a genetic resistance source for wheat blast has supported disease management efforts and helped farmers address this ongoing threat. Institutions like CIMMYT and Biotrigo Genética rapidly adopted this strategy, strengthening regional and international disease control efforts. By assisting farmers abroad in managing this disease, these collaborative projects also contribute to safeguarding U.S. agriculture from potential introductions.
Since joining Purdue University in 2018, Cruz has continued addressing plant disease challenges, focusing on corn tar spot, an emerging, high-risk fungal disease prevalent across the Midwest and the Americas. Cruz’s work integrates quantitative methods with plant pathology, particularly in disease measurement and surveillance, to support new strategies in crop disease management. His research supports biosecurity and the development of digital tools, made possible through interdisciplinary collaboration with national and international partners. Stakeholders recognize the value of this work, particularly in high-risk areas. His efforts to apply data science and engineering innovations to field applications have received support from the USDA, commodity boards, and industry partners.
Cruz’s service reflects both deep expertise and sustained commitment to international collaboration. He has held leadership roles within the American Phytopathological Society, working groups focused on national crop health priorities, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Purdue Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems. In parallel, he strengthens global collaborative networks, engaging partners across five continents and working with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, INRAE (France), the Australian National University, CIMMYT (an international partners), EMBRAPA (Brazil), and others.
As a strong proponent for international collaboration and professional development, Cruz’s work extends beyond research. He has contributed to building physical and digital infrastructure within agricultural communities and mentors early-career plant pathologists. Through initiatives like the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship, USDA-NIFA, Purdue Research Foundation, among other funded programs, he has supported training for scientists from the U.S., Central and South America, and Asia in plant pathology, quantitative epidemiology, and disease management. As a lead faculty facilitator of internship programs, Cruz helps connect students with research opportunities in the U.S., providing practical skills in agriculture and engineering. His dedication to professional development ensures that knowledge and expertise continue to expand across disciplines and regions.
Cruz’s early life was marked by international movement and varied experiences. From a young age, he relocated due to changing conditions, building adaptability. Along the way, he lived through both periods of stability and times of hardship, developed an understanding of cultural landscapes, and cultivated empathy for others navigating different circumstances. Having traveled internationally from a young age, Cruz has visited seventeen countries, lived in five, and maintains strong personal ties across these regions. This background has shaped his values of resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for global viewpoints, enabling him to mentor students and collaborate with researchers across borders. Welcoming both challenges and opportunities as paths for growth, Cruz fosters meaningful global partnerships.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Cruz exemplifies the values of the APS Excellence in International Service Award. His ability to adapt across cultures and lead international initiatives underscores his commitment to global collaboration. His career demonstrates the power of scientific innovation, partnership, and dedication to advancing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Through research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary leadership, Cruz continues to contribute to plant health, food security, crop biosecurity, and agricultural sustainability. His enduring work in science, collaboration, and education makes him a deserving recipient of the APS Excellence in International Service Award.
