The Center for Turfgrass Science and the Department of Plant Science is thrilled to announce two exceptional additions to our faculty: Dr. Manoj Chhetri and Dr. Chase Straw. Their expertise and dedication to advancing the field of turfgrass science through education, research, and industry collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen our program’s legacy of excellence. 

Dr. Manoj Chhetri: Assistant Teaching Professor in Turfgrass Science 

Dr. Manoj Chhetri joins us as an Assistant Teaching Professor in Turfgrass Science. With a deep passion for education and research, Dr. Chhetri brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. 

Dr. Chhetri holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Kansas State University, where he focused on cultural strategies for zoysiagrass management in the transition zone. His academic journey also includes an M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, where he investigated the effects of shade and drought stress on bermudagrass. These research endeavors have equipped him with a strong foundation in managing turfgrass under challenging environmental conditions. 

Before joining Penn State, Dr. Chhetri served as an Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture at the University of Missouri. In this role, he delivered science-based education to homeowners, turf managers, and service providers, addressing practical challenges and developing innovative solutions for the turfgrass industry. 

At Penn State, Dr. Chhetri’s primary focus is on teaching and mentoring students in turfgrass management. He is also committed to conducting research on sustainable practices that enhance turfgrass resilience under abiotic stress. His approach emphasizes blending academic rigor with real-world applications, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle industry challenges. 

Dr. Chhetri is enthusiastic about contributing to Penn State’s legacy of excellence in turfgrass science. He aims to foster collaboration with industry professionals, advance sustainable turfgrass practices, and promote environmentally responsible turf systems. 

Dr. Chase Straw: Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils and Director of the Center for Sports Surface Research 

Dr. Chase Straw joins us as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils and the Director of the Center for Sports Surface Research. With a distinguished background in turfgrass management and physiology, Dr. Straw is a valuable addition to our team. 

Dr. Straw earned his B.S. in Turfgrass Science from the University of Kentucky, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Georgia. His academic pursuits have been complemented by practical experience, including two years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Minnesota. In February 2020, he began his role as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management and Physiology at Texas A&M University, where he served for nearly five years before joining Penn State in January 2025. 

At Penn State, Dr. Straw’s role includes a 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% extension appointment. His research focuses on technology-driven strategies to enhance the performance and sustainability of golf courses and sports fields. Additionally, he serves as the Academic Director on the Sports Field Management Association’s Board of Directors, further solidifying his leadership in the industry. 

Dr. Straw’s vision for the Center for Sports Surface Research includes fostering innovation and collaboration with industry professionals to address the evolving challenges of sports surface management. He is dedicated to equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the field. 

Looking Ahead 

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Manoj Chhetri and Dr. Chase Straw to Penn State! Their combined expertise and passion will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our program and the broader turfgrass and sports surface industries. 

The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council's Dr. George W. Hamilton, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to the turfgrass industry. The award is considered PTC’s highest individual honor and recipients are recognized by the membership in a formal ceremony at the PTC winter conferences. The 2024 Award is presented to John Chassard. 

John Chassard – His Journey in Golf and Turf Management

John's love for golf—and the idea of being on a golf course—began in his early youth. He was fortunate to spend much of his childhood at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where his father served as the tennis and squash pro for 23 years. It was here that John first walked countless rounds of golf on the club's 6-hole course, often with friends, and occasionally convinced (begged) his father to take him out on one of the "big" championship courses. At times, John would also find himself on his bike in a part-time game of being chased by the golf pro while searching for golf balls along the course's stream banks. John spent more time on the golf course than on the tennis courts, and he cherished every moment of it.

After moving to Lancaster, John worked on course maintenance at Indian Springs Golf Course (now Four Seasons) while finishing high school and attending Millersville University, where he initially studied Oceanography. But after his first year at Millersville, John realized he was more passionate about life on the course than life on the ocean. At this turning point, he reached out to Dave Miller, the Superintendent at Saucon Valley, for advice. Dave encouraged John to return to Saucon Valley, work under him, and apply to the two-year turf management program at Penn State University—advice John took to heart.

While at Penn State, John took an internship on Long Island. During this time, Dave Miller once again reached out to him, encouraging him to contact the Superintendent at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown about an assistant position that had just become available. Ironically, John had never heard of Lehigh, despite it being less than 10 miles from Saucon Valley. That phone call from Dave Miller led to what would become a 42-year career at Lehigh. Dave continued to be a mentor and friend throughout John's career until his passing. Along the way, John also received valuable guidance from Scott Nissley and Marty Nadenicek, superintendents at Indian Springs and Lehigh, respectively, who played a pivotal role in John's development as a turf professional.

Over the span of his 42-year career at Lehigh, John formed many meaningful relationships and friendships, both professionally and personally. He credits his faith in Christ for helping him navigate the more challenging aspects of his career and for blessing him with the longevity he has enjoyed in the turf management field. John has had the privilege of working alongside many talented peers, club members, and fellow employees who have not only helped him become a better manager but also a better person.

John's involvement with local Superintendent chapters has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Serving for 15 years with the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council was an especially fulfilling experience. There he worked alongside university staff and turf professionals from across the state contributing to the advancement of golf both in Pennsylvania and globally. John served as PTC’s President from 2005-2006.

Though John is proud of his professional achievements, his greatest reward comes from being the best husband and father/stepfather he can be. He tries to live by the reminder that "knowledge is sometimes proud that it knows so much, while wisdom knows in the realization that it knows so little." For John, this mindset has been a guiding principle in both his career and personal life.

PTC congratulates John on this award!

Congratulations to Wilson D. Kreitz (4-year program) and Chase Groelle (2-year program) for receiving the Dr. James R. Watson Jr. Memorial Turfgrass Award for the 2024/2025 academic year!

Wilson is currently a sophomore in the College of Agricultural Science majoring in Turfgrass Science, with a minor in Agribusiness Management. Learn more about Wilson here.

Chase is currently enrolled in his second year of the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Professional Certificate Program.

The Dr. James R. Watson Jr. Memorial Turfgrass Award supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in turfgrass science. Eligibility for this award includes students enrolled or planning to enroll in the College of Agricultural Sciences who have achieved exemplary academic success in a turfgrass degree or certification program. Half of the available income shall be awarded to a student in the 2- year Turfgrass Science and Management program and half of the available income shall be awarded to a student in the 4-year Turfgrass Science program. 

PTC donates $12,000 annually to the PA Turfgrass Council Turf Program Scholarship. These scholarships support undergraduate students pursuing a degree in turfgrass science at Penn State University. Half is awarded to undergraduate students in the 2-year Turfgrass Science and Management program and half is awarded to undergraduate students in the 4-year Turfgrass Science program.  

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 Recipients: Michael Chaloupka, Aidan Huedepohl, and Carter Marshall!

The football field at Westinghouse Academy in Pittsburgh was in bad shape. Its surface was as hard as a kitchen floor, riddled with divots that posed serious injury risks to the young athletes. But thanks to the dedicated efforts of Penn State Extension educators and their network, this field has been transformed into a safe facility that promises to be a game-changer for the community.

Click here to read the full article.

For over 25 years, the USGA Green Section has provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in an immersive internship experience. Many USGA Green Section interns have gone on to prominent careers as superintendents, professors and turf industry professionals. Manuel Salado, a student of Penn State's Golf Course Turfgrass Managment Program, has earned a 2024 internship. Click here to read more.

Check out this digital publication from Penn State Extension detailing pest and disease activity observed in June, 2024.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE

The Pennsylvania State FFA Activities week took place June 11-13, 2024 at Penn State University, University Park, PA. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

Since 1928, FFA has worked to create Career Development Events (CDE) & Leadership Development Events (LDE) that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios. CDEs & LDE's build on what is learned in agricultural classes and the FFA.

A Turfgrass Science CDE was featured again as part of the 2024 FFA CDEs at Pennsylvania's state contest. Students competed in a multiple choice test, weed, insect, disease, equipment, and turfgrass identification, as well as spreader and sprayer calibration and site evaluation. The students also met with guest speakers from the golf, sports, and lawn and landscape sectors of the industry. The event culminated in a tour of Beaver Stadium.

We hope to continue to grow this event and make young people aware of the exciting opportunities available in the turfgrass industry.

The PTC awards scholarships to graduating Turfgrass Science students who have demonstrated excellent academic records during their Penn State career.

The spring 2024 scholarship was awarded to Chase Minnick. Chase is originally from Gillett, PA and is now working at Oakmont.

Please join us in congratulating Chase in his academic achievements.

The SFMA Student Challenge takes place annually at the SFMA Conference and Exhibition. Each year students from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the country compete in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field industry. The winning teams receive a cash award, a plaque and medallions for each team member. The prize money benefits the institution’s turfgrass science program and creates opportunities for students pursuing a career in sports field management.

The 2024 SFMA Conference took place in Daytona Beach, FL from Jan. 22-25. The Student Challenge took place Wednesday, Jan. 24. Penn State was represented by two 4-year teams and one 2-year team, totalling 12 students. 

Congratulations to our 2-year team for placing 1st in the 2-year division! Team members included Simon Wattier, Camden Macek, Tyler Houghton, and Jake Gartley.

Congratulations to our 4-year team for placing 3rd in the 4-year division! Team members included Chase Minnick, Ryan Zolotsky, Dylan DeSchamp, and Aidan Huedepohl.

And congratulations to our second 4-year team - Ryan Daub, Kyler McGowan, Bill Hilderhoff, and Ian Bowes.

We are proud to have you representing Penn State and Pennsylvania's Turfgrass Industry!