Entomology Doctoral Student Earns Honor for Study of Oxygen's Role in Plant Self-Defense

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Research into how plants combat aphid attack using a reactive form of oxygen has earned Hillary Fischer, an Arkansas entomology doctoral student, honors from the Entomological Society of America.

The society presents the Lillian and Alex Feir Graduate Student Travel Award in Insect Physiology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology to graduate students working in those disciplines. The group announced the award Aug. 21.

Fischer's research aims to understand the role of singlet oxygen in plants for defense against aphids. Singlet oxygen is produced during photosynthesis and can serve as a signaling molecule for plant defense. Because singlet oxygen has a short half-life, it is very difficult to study. Fischer plans to improve techniques used to study it and showcase its role in signaling for aphid resistance.

Fischer is a member of the Plant-Insect Ecosystems section of the Entomological Society of America, but she was able to win this award from the Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology section of the organization because of her use of molecular techniques. The award recognizes her use of new technology to understand the physiology and biochemistry in plants.

"I've always only been in plant-insect ecosystems even though my research could fit in other categories, and I like the idea of branching out and being affiliated with different groups," Fischer said.

It was Fischer's adviser, entomology professor Fiona Goggin, who encouraged Fischer to apply for the award, and she couldn't be happier with her student's success.

"I am very proud of Hillary's accomplishments," Goggin said. "She is a talented, hardworking and creative student with a genuine passion for entomology and this award is well deserved."

Fischer said she has always looked up to her fellow entomologists and winning an award in the field has been an irreplaceable experience.

"I feel very honored to receive this award," she said. "There are people in my field doing amazing things and to be honored amongst them is very humbling."

Fischer recently brought home the President's Prize at the National Entomological Society of America meeting and the Robert T. Gast Award at the Southeastern Branch ESA meeting, both for outstanding presentations of her research.

Before beginning her doctoral studies at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences in Fayetteville, Fischer earned bachelor's degrees in entomology and plant biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.