News

By Emma Geldart

Holly Fisher loves to learn. Pair that with her interest for working with animals, Holly set her sights on studying animal science at Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture. Only one thing stood in her way.

At 25 years old, Holly didn’t have a high school diploma.

Now, at age 29, not only is she in her third year of an animal science degree at the Faculty of Agriculture, Holly was recently awarded an Undergraduate Student Research Award. She is spending her summer working with Dr. Chibuike Udenigwe and Dr. Chris Cutler researching the effects of the consumption of insects as a food source for animals, and even humans.

Holly, from Masstown, NS, returned to school when she was 25 to get her high school diploma and upgrade some of her courses. She went to the Nova Scotia Community College and was enrolled in the Adult Learning Program. After earning her high school diploma, Holly set her sights on the Faculty of Agriculture. She upgraded her courses over the summer and was able to begin her studies in the fall.

“Attending Dal AC was something I aspired to do and was able to achieve, even with the obstacles in my way,” Holly explains. “I have been very happy with my choice to attend the Dal AC.”

Her success didn’t stop there. Holly was awarded an Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) this past spring. USRA’s are awarded to undergraduate students who are interested in natural sciences and engineering. Students who are interested in a career in the field of research are encouraged to apply. The USRA’s allow students to work with researchers over the summer and gain experience in their area of study. USRA’s also allow for financial support.

“Having the chance to put the skills and knowledge to use that I learned throughout the school year, has been very rewarding,” Holly explains. “Learning material is useful, but getting hands on experience is something I will cherish for years to come. I know the skills I learn over the summer will be extremely useful to me in the future, and I am tremendously grateful for this opportunity.”

Holly is interested in entomophagy. Entomophagy is the study of the consumption of insects in animals and humans. Specifically, Holly is investigating the nutritional characteristics of mealworms after exposure to low levels of insecticide. She explains that the theory is the mealworms will develop a hormesis response to low levels of insecticide, which could boost their nutritional composition. She will be assaying the amino acid composition and protein fingerprints of the mealworms, which could show use the benefits, or consequences, of low levels of exposure to insecticides to mealworms.

“I have always had an interest in entomophagy, and believe it will play a crucial role in agriculture in the future,” Holly explains. “The need for a reliable and cost efficient protein source is becoming important as the population grows, and insects may prove to be the answer for this problem.”

Holly explains that research plays a very important role not only in the agricultural industry but in society as well.

“The introduction of the scientific method to the agricultural movement helped shape the world we live in today,” she says. “Without medical research, the world would be rattled with uncontrollable diseases and illnesses and without agriculture research, the world’s population could have starved.”

After she graduates, Holly would like to continue her education and earn her Masters in Entomology. She wants to work in the field of livestock pest management, combining her passion for animals and her interest in entomophagy.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with animals, ever since I was a child,” she says. “I volunteer weekly at the local SPCA which has helped me expand my skills and knowledge in the companion animal field. It’s really rewarding working with animals in need.”

With her skills and experience, Holly is well on her way to reaching her goals. She explains that earning a USRA this past spring really helped confirm that she made the right choice in choosing to go back to school.

“Knowing all the hard work I put into my schooling can actually pay off was a huge deal for me,” she explains. “It will help me work harder next year to achieve my goals.”

Her academic achievements just go to show that when Holly Fisher puts her mind to something, she can do whatever she wants, despite the obstacles that may stand in her way.