Autumn McLaughlin, a doctoral student with the Herbert College of Agriculture Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, was selected as a recipient of the I.E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium at the American Phytopathological Society (APS) Annual Meeting, Plant Health 2023.

The highly anticipated symposium, which centers around the theme of “Systems-based approaches, tools, and tactics to combat mycotoxins for a sustainable and safe food supply,” provides current and recent graduate students the opportunity to present their research during the acclaimed Melhus session. Recipients receive an honorarium of $500 to apply to the cost of attending the meeting.

McLaughlin’s research is focused on determining effective and sustainable integrated pest management to assist growers in managing corn ear rots and mycotoxin contamination. “I am honored to be selected to present my Ph.D. research in the I.E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium. This experience holds special significance in my journey,” McLaughlin said. “I am very thankful to my advisor, Dr. Heather Kelly, for introducing me to the wonderful world of plant pathology.”

APS is a community of scientists dedicated to innovative plant pathology initiatives. McLaughlin has been a member since her undergraduate years. To learn more about APS, visit apsnet.org.