Celeste Giles

Laboratory Manager
Research Associate
Plant and Environmental Sciences Department

Office: 219C Biosystems Research Complex (BRC)
Phone: 864-478-6648

Email: cegiles@clemson.edu
Vita: Download CV

Educational Background

M.S. Plant and Environmental Sciences
Clemson University 2026-Present

B.S. Microbiology
Clemson University 2016-2020

Profile

Celeste Giles is currently the Laboratory Manager and Research Associate with Dr. Steven N. Jeffers in the Phytophthora Lab that focuses on diseases of ornamental crops in nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes, as well as diseases of trees in both urban and natural ecosystems. This laboratory collaborates with several organizations, including CU PPDC, SC Dept. of Plant Industry, USDA-APHIS, Seed and Pesticide, Corporations/Companies, The American Chestnut Foundation and the USDA Forest Service on a multitude of projects involving Phytophthora, Pythium, Phytopythium, Fungi, and Yeast. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in the PES Department here at Clemson University, with a focus on Plant Pathology.

Research Interests

Celeste Giles' research in the Phytophthora Laboratory focuses on diseases caused by Oomycetes, Fungi, and some Yeasts on ornamental crops (vinca, liriope, petunia, lavender, etc.) and trees (edgeworthia, elm, beech, chestnut, franklinia, cherry, etc.). This research is interested in biology, ecology, and optimization of these pathogens detection, identifying sources of inoculum, evaluating host-pathogen specificity, identification and characterization of novel species, and data-driven integrated disease management including the optimization of pesticide applications, manipulating cultural practices, evaluating host plant resistance, and investigating the feasibility of biological control options.

Extension and Outreach

Celeste Giles assists Dr. Steven N. Jeffers with extension and outreach efforts to help growers and plant maintenance professionals in South Carolina make effective, economical, and safe disease management decisions. This is accomplished by (1) teaching early recognition and accurate diagnosis of ornamental crop and tree diseases; (2) investigating the etiology, epidemiology, and management of these diseases; and (3) introducing and implementing integrated disease management programs.

Publications

Steven N. Jeffers, Celeste E. Giles, Annie Bruno, Daniela Negrete-Monreno, G. Curtis Colburn, and Xiao Yang. (2025). Pathogenicity of Phytophthora palmivora to Edgeworthia chrysantha: Importance of a conducive environment for disease development. Plant Health Progress 26:464-468.
Devin S. Bily, Xiao Yang, Celeste E. Giles, and Steven N Jeffers. (2024). Phytophthora fagaceraum sp. nov. Fungal Systematics and Evolution in Fungal Planet Description Sheets 1614-1696:312-314.

Links