From Leafhoppers to Labs: How a USU Student Is Protecting Utah Plants

For its student spotlight series, the College of Arts & Sciences is featuring Josh Westhora, a senior studying biology with a cellular and molecular emphasis.

Originally from Tooele, Utah, Westhora has known since high school that he wanted to pursue a degree in this field.

“It's what I've been most interested in,” Westhora said. “Smaller-scale biology is fascinating to me. Even the smaller scale processes translate to a large scale, just like the project that we're doing.”

The project he’s referring to is the research he is developing alongside mentor Claudia Nischwitz. Their work focuses on phytoplasmas, a bacterial disease that affects many plants and is transmitted by leafhoppers.

“It causes irreversible damage. Once they're infected with these specific diseases, there's no cure and they must be destroyed,” Westhora said. “Grapevines specifically have been known to be especially susceptible to these diseases, and Utah has a significant vineyard industry. Plants across the state, from crops to landscape trees, are vulnerable. Identifying potential risks from these insects is a major economic factor.”

As part of the research, Westhora and Nischwitz conducted surveys throughout Utah, visiting parks and vineyards in areas including Moab and at Mt. Naomi Farms in Cache Valley.

This research was possible because Westhora received the Undergrad Research and Creative Opportunities Grant (URCO). Beyond funding his work, the grant has provided opportunities to present his research and connect with others.

“I've had so much experience presenting, researching and networking with other students. It's also interdisciplinary, which broadens your area of study, and it's a great place to network overall,” Westhora said. “It prepared me with grant writing. I've had experience presenting at the 2025 Hansen Life Science Retreat, and I am now preparing to present my research at the capitol this February.”

Outside of his work in the USU Plant Pathology Lab, homework and preparing for graduate school, Westhora enjoys attending student events and hiking locally when the weather allows. He especially loves attending Utah State Athletics events.

He also expressed gratitude to his support system, which consisted of his mentor and professors he has had in previous years.

“Dr. Dickenson with the chemistry & biochemistry department is super great and is always willing to help. Overall, I’ve had such supportive professors who have really propelled me forward,” Westhora said.