Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center
1992 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Meet the Researcher: Rebecca Hall
Master's Student | she/her/hers
Rebecca Hall is part of an MITPPC-funded team led by plant pathologists Dean Malvick and Kathryn Bushley. Check out this profile's companion piece, "Stopping Sudden Death."
Can you give a quick overview of your work with MITPPC?
I'm currently determining the distribution of Fusarium virguliforme –the cause of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) – and the survival strategies that allow this invasive pathogen to survive in the climate of Minnesota.
What drew you to invasive species research?
As a plant pathologist, I'm passionate about caring for our agriculture system and want farmers to grow the best produce possible. The introduction of invasive pathogens can cause detrimental effects on agriculture and I want to help understand how to stop them.
What is one thing you hope people can take away from your research project by the end of it?
I hope that my research can help soybean growers with the management of Sudden Death Syndrome and stop their fields from developing the disease.
When you are not out in the field or in the lab, what do you like to do for fun?
I love camping, hiking, looking for mushrooms - anything that gets me out of the house and into the forest!
About the Author
Maggie Nesbit is a Communications Intern with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC). She is a double major in English and Strategic Communications at the University of Minnesota. In her spare time, Maggie enjoys running, hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family. Maggie's position is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.