http://ssrc.psu.edu

Tom is currently the Manager of the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State University.  Having completed his Master's of Science degree in the summer of 2008, he is currently working on a Ph.D. degree in Agronomy.

After graduating from Penn State's four-year Turfgrass Science program in 2001, Tom began a three-year stint working as the assistant groundskeeper for the Philadelphia Eagles. He then moved on to a position as a research technician focusing on weed control in turf at Virginia Tech's Hampton Roads Agriculture Research and Extension Center.  In 2006, Tom came back to Penn State to begin his post-graduate education. 

Tom's M.S. thesis focusing on improving the playability of football fields using plant growth regulators can be found here:  Serensits M.S. thesis

Research Interests:

• The influence of fiber type and infill material on the playability and safety characteristics of synthetic turf
  
• The effects of athletic field maintenance practices on the playability and safety of natural turfgrass and synthetic playing surfaces
• The use of plant growth regulators to improve athletic field conditions