Evan Mascitti

As a geologist turned groundskeeper, Evan comes with a strong academic background, including M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Penn State, complimented by significant experience in industry. His career has taken him to prestigious sports venues from Citi Field to PNC Park, maintaining turf, coordinating renovations, monitoring irrigation, and optimizing cultural practices. In his most recent position, at Biocore LLC, he honed his research skills in surface testing as it relates to athlete injury and performance.

 Evan will set up an office and lab in Bowditch Hall on the UMass Amherst campus. He will serve as the primary instructor for the Introduction to Turfgrass Management course and develop additional courses for turf and horticulture students in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Evan's research program will broadly address current issues relevant to urban landscapes, including sustainable management of lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and other green spaces. This research will serve as the foundation for Extension and outreach activities to New England stakeholders and will include establishment of trials at the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center.