Tosh Mazzone

Tosh Mazzone

Research Technologist, Penn State Weed Science Lab,Department of Plant Science

Tosh Mazzone manages all elements of field research, including field operations with a diverse set of specialized agronomic equipment, implementation of the experimental design and treatments, coordination and supervision of data collection, and data summary and reporting. He has been the lead technician on 60 total funded awards, together valued at $2.3 million.

Among all the supporting letters in Tosh’s nomination, a common theme emerged around not only Tosh’s extensive expertise in weed science and agronomy in general. Each letter centered in on Tosh’s dedication to sharing that expertise with others.

In addition to giving guest lectures in undergraduate courses, delivering basic weed identification and management training at extension workshops, and presenting research findings at professional conferences, Tosh provides training and field operation assistance across multiple research programs. For instance, in the past two years, Tosh has developed a pre- and post- survey to assess undergraduate research intern's skill-set and goals in order to raise the value of their employment experience. He also provides a diverse set of training for new lab members.

In recalling a specific instance when Tosh stepped in to provide critical assistance after a field technician had to leave a project, she noted “From coaching me through the process, helping to set up machines and tractors, providing encouragement when I made mistakes, and providing confidence that I could do it. His time and expertise were irreplaceable, but to be honest, it is the encouragement and enthusiasm for this work and helping others learn that made the world of difference. None of this was in his official job duties, but the work he does and support he provides to a broad network across the college, allows research at Penn State to flourish.”