Lola McMullin

Pursuing a master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech

White woman with long curly brown/red hair smiling, wearing a black shirt and blazer

“As a child, I loved to explore the natural world and learn about how living things operate...I like that this field provides the opportunity to use my knowledge to help others.”

Lola is working in the Schmale Lab and the Bargmann Lab, analyzing Fusarium mycotoxin production in Arabidopsis and wheat. This research project will serve as the groundwork for developing an aerosol-sampling device that would detect and destroy airborne plant pathogens. In the future, Lola hopes to utilize everything learned throughout her academic career by working with a government agency to help people and the environment. Specifically, she anticipates the application of a One Health approach to environmental toxin research in the public sector.

Lola completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, with minors in Psychology and Entomology, at Virginia Tech. She is currently a master’s student in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.