Ruth Dill-Macky is Professor and Head of the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Minnesota (USA). She holds B.Sc. (botany, biochemistry, plant pathology) and Ph.D. (botany, plant pathology) degrees from the University of Queensland (Australia). Ruth's applied research and extension program is focused on economically important diseases of small-grain cereals in Minnesota where she works in close collaboration with crop breeding programs to develop new varieties with improved disease resistance. She has advised many students and has been globally recognized for her contributions to providing effective mentorship.