Kelsey E. Fisher 218 S. Walnut Ave. #1 • Ames, IA 50010 • 609-221-5129 • [email protected]

EDUCATION Iowa State University Ames, IA Ph.D. in Entomology

University of Delaware Newark, DE Master of Entomology December 2015 Cum GPA: 3.72

Widener University Chester, PA Bachelor of Science in Biology, Honors in Biology May 2013 Cum GPA: 3.322 GRE: Verbal Reasoning 150 (44% below), Quantitative Reasoning 152 (52% below), Analytical Writing 4.0 (49% below)

PUBLICATIONS Krumm, J.L., A.A. Nagengast, A. Moretti, M. Colgan, K.E. Fisher, K.L. Hy, R.M. Castellante, M. Poslusny. 2014. Summer research program on a shoestring budget: Increasing participation in undergraduate research. Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentoring. 3(2): 1-10.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Graduate Research, University of Delaware June 2013-December 2015 • “Evaluation of natural plant defenses in comparison to Bacillus thuringiensis on the growth, development, and survival of Ostrinia nubilalis” For this project I observed the feeding behavior of the European corn borer (ECB) on a range of host plants that vary in defensive chemistries. The objective was to determine if unfavorable, natural host plants of ECB have effects similar to those of transgenic corn. I conducted feeding bioassays on leaf tissue of each host in the incubator, greenhouse, and field. I also conducted no choice and choice tests to calculate feeding consumption. I was able to determine survival, growth, development, weight gain, feeding consumption rates, and feeding preferences. Research objectives included: (1) evaluate the ability of European corn borer to utilize a range of host plants in comparison with Bt corn, (2) compare neonate and larger larvae’s ability to survive on different hosts containing various plant chemical defenses, (3) evaluate amount of feeding on each host plant based on leaf tissue consumption in a no choice 48- hour period by 3rd instar European corn borers, and (4) determine feeding preferences based on leaf tissue consumption by 3rd instar European corn borers when presented with a choice.

Undergraduate Research, Widener University Spring 2010-Spring 2013 • Senior Thesis: “Food choice preference throughout the lifespan of Epimecis hortaria” Spring 2012-May 2013 I examined the innate feeding preference of Epimecis hortaria (which feed on 4 plant species) followed by feeding preferences throughout instar development in a small artificial setting.

• “Host plant preference of Epimecis hortaria” Summer 2011-Spring 2012 Collaborated with a group of students and advisors, I analyzed the host plant food preference of Epimecis hortaria at two time points during their larval development. This was conducted in large arenas with multiple leaves of each species to replicate the field environment in a laboratory setting.

• “Impact of host plant species on larval success of Epimecis hortaria” Summer 2010-Spring 2011 Since Epimecis hortaria feed on four different food types, we observed growth and development success for differences when the larvae were raised on only one of the four plant species.

• “Do floral spiders limit pollination rate in pawpaw?” Summer 2010 We studied the effect of flower-dwelling spiders on the pollination rate and fruit yield of pawpaw by tagging numerous flowers and observing them over the course of a blooming season, recording presences/absence of spiders within flowers and number of fertilized carpels.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: COURSE WORK • “Invertebrate biodiversity in urban settings” (Ecology) Fall 2012 My lab partner and I set baited pitfall traps weekly to collect invertebrates from an urban setting (on campus) and a rural setting (Houston Park). We collected, pinned, and identified all of the individuals that we found in our traps to test for biodiversity differences at the two locations.

• “Floral constancy behavior in diverse pollinator fauna” (Plant and Animal Interactions) Fall 2012 My lab group and I observed goldenrod with its pollinators. We offered the pollinators an option between the familiar flower (goldenrod) and a foreign flower (thin-leaved sunflower) using an interview stick and recorded visits.

• “Analysis of resident crayfish aggression toward intruding crayfish based on size” (Animal Behavior) Spring 2012 Using resident and intruding crayfish, my lab partner and I observed aggressive including fighting, threat, moving towards the intruder, and flexing, as well as submissive behaviors including moving away from the intruder and extending.

HONORS, AWARDS, ACADEMIC SOCIETIES • University of Delaware Entomology Departmental Travel Award November 2015 $1000 travel award for oral presentation at Annual Entomological Society of America meeting in Minneapolis, MN

• University of Delaware Entomology Departmental Travel Award August 2015 $1000 travel award for oral presentation at Annual Ecological Society of America meeting in Baltimore, MD

• Sigma Alpha Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success Fall 2012 Induction

• Nicholas D. Caputo Biology Student-Faculty Research Collaboration Award January 2012 Selected by biology faculty for active involvement in research and excellent academic achievement

• Order of Omega, National Greek Leadership and Honors Society Fall 2011 Induction

• Beta Beta Beta, National Biology Honors Society Fall 2011 Induction

• Widener University College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium September 2010 Third Place Poster Presentation

• Science Honors Spring 2010; Spring 2013 Awarded to Biology majors who maintain 3.0 GPA in science courses over two consecutive semesters

• Undergraduate Dean’s List Fall 2009; Spring 2010; Spring 2012; Fall 2012; Spring 2013

REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CONFRENCES Presentations by Kelsey Fisher in bold 2015 Fisher, K.E. and C. Mason. Picky Caterpillars: Feeding preference of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner),over a range of host plants. Entomological Society of America National Conference, Minneapolis, MN (oral presentation).

2015 Fisher, K.E. and C. Mason. Growth and Survivorship differences of European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), on a Range of Host Plants. 100th Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (oral presentation).

2015 Fisher, K.E. and C. Mason. Growth and Development differences of European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), on a Range of Host Plants. Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch Meeting, Rehoboth, DE (oral presentation).

2014 Fisher, K.E. and C. E. Mason. Feeding behavior of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hüber), on a range of host plants. Entomological Society of America National Conference, Portland, OR. (poster presentation).

2012 Moir, C.A., K.E. Fisher, M.J. Colgan, L.A. Ortiz, K.R. Goodrich, and J.L. Krumm. You are what you eat: Larval success of Epimecis hortaria due to host plant diet. Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Symposium, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA (oral presentation).

2012 Colgan, M.J., K.E. Fisher, C.A. Moir, L.A. Ortiz, K.R. Goodrich, and J.L. Krumm. Hungry, hungry caterpillars: Food preference in the tulip tree beauty moth. Lehigh Valley Ecology and Evolution Symposium, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA (poster presentation).

2011 Moir, C.A., K.E. Fisher, M. Colgan, L. Ortiz, K.L. Hy, A.L. Jones, K.R. Goodrich and J.L. Krumm. Host plant choice and larval success in Epimecis hortatia. 96th Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Austin, TX (poster presentation).

2011 Jones, A.L., K.E. Fisher, C.A. Moir, K.L. Hy, K.R. Goodrich and J.L. Krumm. Impact of host plant species on larval success of Epimecis hortaria. Mid-Atlantic Chapter Ecological Society of America and New Jersey Academy of Sciences Joint Meeting, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ (poster presentation).

2011 Hy, K.L., A. Jones, C. Moir, K.E. Fisher, J.L. Krumm and K. Goodrich. Impact of host plant species on larval success of Epimecis hortaria. The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT (poster presentation).

PRESENTATIONS AT UNIVERSITIES Presentations by Kelsey Fisher in bold 2015 Fisher, K.E. Evaluation of natural plant chemical defenses in comparison to Bacillus thuringiensis on the survival and feeding preferences of Ostrinia nubilalis. Thesis Defense. University of Delaware, Newark, DE. (oral presentation)

2015 Fisher, K.E. and C. Mason. Growth and Development differences of European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), on a Range of Host Plants. Graduate Student Research Presentation Day, University of Delaware, Newark, DE (oral presentation).

2014 Fisher, K.E. and C. Mason. Neonate host choice behavior of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), on a range of host plants. Proposal Presentation. University of Delaware, Newark, DE (oral presentation)

2013 Fisher, K.E. and K. Goodrich. Host plant preference of the tulip tree beauty moth (Epimecis hortaria). Student Projects Day, Widener University, Chester, PA (oral presentation).

2013 Fisher, K.E., J. Koble, and B.W. Grant. Invertebrate Biodiversity in an Urban Setting. Student Projects Day, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2012 Fisher, K.E., K. Goodrich. Host plant preference of the tulip tree beauty moth (Epimecis hortaria). College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2012 Moir, C., K. Fisher, J. Krumm, and K. Goodrich. Host plant diet in the tulip tree beauty moth. Student Projects Day, Widener University, Chester, PA (oral presentation).

2012 Colgan, M., K.E. Fisher, L. Ortiz, K. Goodrich, and J. Krumm. Host plant preference in Epimecis hortaria. Honors Week Student Presentations, Widener University, Chester, PA (oral presentation).

2011 Moir, C., M. Colgan, L. Ortiz, K.E. Fisher, J. Krumm and K. Goodrich. Impact of host plant species on food preference in Epimecis hortaria. College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2011 Fisher, K.E., L. Ortiz, C. Moir, M. Colgan, K. Hy, J. Krumm and K. Goodrich. Impact of host plant species on larval success in Epimecis hortaria. College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2011 Jones, A., K.E. Fisher, C. Moir, K.L. Hy, J.L. Krumm and K. Goodrich. Impact of host plant species on larval success of Epimecis hortaria. Student Projects Day, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2011 Hy, K.L., A. Jones, K.E. Fisher, C. Moir, K. Goodrich and J.L. Krumm. Impact of host plant species on larval success of Epimecis hortaria. Honors Week Student Presentations, Widener University, Chester, PA (oral presentation).

2010 Hy, K.L., K.E. Fisher, C. Moir, A. Jones, K. Goodrich and J.L. Krumm. Impact of host plant species on larval success in Epimecis hortaria. College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

2010 Jones, A., C. Moir, K.L. Hy, K.E. Fisher, K. Goodrich and J.L. Krumm. Do floral spiders limit pollination rate in pawpaw? College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Symposium, Widener University, Chester, PA (poster presentation).

SKILLS Biology Laboratory Skills: Insect Rearing Execution: Incubator, Data Collection Experimental Design and Greenhouse, and Field Arena Design and Construction Maintenance of Greenhouse and Moth Pheromone Dissection IPM Systems Field Plots Liquid Transfer Pest Management Insect Identification Serial Dilution Working with Industry Analytical Weighing Irrigation

Computer Skills: R, ImageJ, Excel, PowerPoint, Word

Additional Skills: Experience Managing Technicians, Delegation, and Organization

RELATED COURSEWORK Biological Concepts I, II, III Immunology Biological Control Principles of Genetic Analysis Animal Behavior Readings in Ecology Research Methods Ecology Biological Data Analysis Calculus w/ Review I, II Plant and Animal Interactions Elements of Entomology General Chemistry I, II Evolution Insect Pest Management Organic Chemistry I, II Advanced Ecology Behavioral Ecology College Physics I, II Insect Anatomy and Physiology Chemical Ecology Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Conservation Biology Principles of Microbiology Insect Identification – Taxonomy

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Ecological Society of America September 2015-present Student Section Treasurer As treasurer, I managed the student section’s finances and communicated with ESA’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, I planned section events for annual meetings with fellow executive officers.

PlantingScience September 2015-present Liaison and Mentor Online learning community where scientists provide mentorship to student teams as they design and think through their own inquiry projects. Acted as a scientific mentor for student teams as well as the liaison between PlantingScience team, teachers, and fellow mentors.

Seminar Coordinator Spring 2015; Fall 2015 Act as a liaison between department chair and guest scientists; keep time for speakers; organize schedules

Letters to a Pre-Scientist Fall 2014-present Pen pal with a fourth grade student to encourage them to pursue science in the future and teach letter writing.

Entomology Outreach Spring 2014-present Attend and spoke with summer camps and elementary aged classrooms to educate the benefits of insects.

Widener Dance Company Fall 2009-May 2013 President; Vice President; Treasurer Planned and executed Dance-A-Thon for The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders; raised $1,000. Worked closely with advisor and staff; delegated responsibilities to other executive board members; planned for semi-annual recital.

Committee Responsible for Enhancing Widener (CREW); Orientation Leader Spring 2010-May 2013 Represented Widener University to potential new students and their families. Helped incoming students become acclimated by teaching about campus services and provided ice breaker activities

Widener Day (prospective student day); Biology Student Committee Member Fall 2010-May 2013 Represented biology student body; answered questions from potential students and families about being a biology major

Delta Phi Epsilon Spring 2010-March 2015 Advisor; Vice President of Academic Affairs; Vice President of Recruitment

Biology Club; Environmental Club Fall 2009-May 2013

WORK EXPERIENCE Graduate Research Assistant; Iowa State University; Ames, Iowa January 2016-present

Graduate Research Assistant; University of Delaware; Newark, Delaware June 2013-December 2015

Undergraduate Biological Laboratory Assistant; Widener University; Chester, Pennsylvania Summer 2011, 2012

Student Life Office Worker; Widener University; Chester, Pennsylvania September 2009-May 2013

Ann Taylor Loft Associate; Springfield, Pennsylvania May 2012-August 2013

Rita’s Water Ice Team Member; Sewell, New Jersey March 2006-August 2011

REFERENCES Dr. Charles E. Mason; Graduate research advisor (302) 831-8888 University of Delaware – Professor of Entomology [email protected]

Dr. Lindsey Flexner; Graduate research advisor and funding source (302) 695-6822 Research Fellow at DuPont Pioneer [email protected]

Dr. Kate Goodrich; Undergraduate research advisor (610) 499-1086 Widener University - Assistant Professor of Biology [email protected]