ROBIN FISHER

Experienced Entomology Research Technician with a robust history at Michigan State University, showcasing a track record of dedication to enhancing research methodologies. Excelled in applying problem-solving abilities to improve research efficacy and field data accuracy. Skilled in data collection and interpersonal collaboration, their meticulous attention to detail and adaptability led to significant contributions in ecological studies and publications.

• Research Manuscript-Can tree sap serve as a non-fruit waste used as a reproductive resource for Drosophila suzukii?, While working in my integrative pest management entomology lab, I designed an experiment to test if Drosophila suzukii can use tree sap as a reproductive resource. I created and built a specific arena design to allow fertile females to lay eggs, and once removed, the eggs had access to the syrup treatments for a food resource. The experiment showed that they could use tree saps as a reproductive resource and be the primary nutrient source for the winter morph Drosophila suzukii.
• Literature Review- Evaluation of the effectiveness of green spaces in increasing biodiversity in Australia., This literature review was done for the Natural and Human Environments in Queensland, Australia, study abroad trip as a final paper evaluating whether green spaces effectively reduce carbon emissions and increase biodiversity in urban areas.
• Research Poster- The viability of bacteria found in premixed and mixed-in probiotic drinks under simulated stomach conditions., A research project was completed for a microbiology laboratory classroom to see what commercial probiotic products work best overall within the gut. We made agar plates and plated the drinks to count the CFUs; we made varying acidic conditions to test the bacterial survival after exposure at varying lengths of time; gel electrophoresis and PCR were used to try to extract DNA for sequencing. A poster and manuscript were written and presented at the Lyman Briggs College research symposium.
• Research Manuscript and Poster- Growing season day and temperature increase call rate of spring peepers in southeastern Michigan (Pseudacris crucifer), A project completed for organismal biology class to evaluate how climate changes shift in temperature may affect the emergence of spring peepers. Field data was collected and analyzed from three different wetland locations. They were presented in a poster presentation and a submitted manuscript at the Lyman Briggs College research symposium.
• Research Manuscript and Poster- Correlations between positive and negative behaviors of captive North American River Otters with visitor age and group size., This was an independent research project conducted for my ecology lab with permission from the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, MI. Behaviors were monitored and recorded along with visitor demographics and compared to find correlations between the two. A presentation and manuscript were written and presented at the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University.

• Extreme heat exposure of host plants indirectly reduces solitary bee fecundity and survival, Jenna Walters, McKenna Barlassac, Robin Fisher and Rufus Isaacs, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 291, 2025, 2024, 1-12, https://doi.org/10.1098.rspb.2024.0714
• Pest Quest: A Game of Strategy, Uncertainty, and Sticky Traps, Maxwell S Helmberger, Timothy P Lampasona, Amanda R Lorenz, Matthew J Grieshop, Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 13, 1, 2022, 23, https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmac019
• Soil Invertebrates Generate Microplastics From Polystyrene Foam Debris, Maxwell S Helmberger, Jessica R Miesel, Lisa K Tiemann, Matthew J Grieshop, Journal of Insect Science, 22, 1, 2022, 21, https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieac005
• Composting susceptible fruit wastes reduces Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) reproductive habitat, Hooper H, Grieshop MJ, Pest Manag Sci, 77, 1, 2021, 202-207, https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6008
• Postharvest Burial of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Infested Fruit Waste Reduces Adult Emergence, Holly Hooper, Matthew J Grieshop, Environmental Entomology, 49, 1, 2020, 59-65, https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvz147
• Exploring the Insecticidal Potential of Gaseous and Aqueous Ozone to Control Spotted-Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Benjamin A Savage, Susan Masten, Henry Chung, Matthew Grieshop, Journal of Economic Entomology, 115, 4, 2022, 1203-1212, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac091

• Field Research Volunteer, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 10/2018, 10/2022, I assisted in mark and recapture study at field sites collecting Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus), taking detailed measurements of tail lengths and snouts to vent lengths, and placing and maintaining hobo loggers at each site.
• Wildlife Rescue Volunteer, Nottingham Nature Nook, Lansing, MI, 04/2021, 05/2021, Provided compassionate care to rescued animals, ensuring their comfort and safety during their rehabilitation.

• Jenna Walter, PhD Graduate Assistant, (248) 462-3665, walte309@msu.edu
• Rufus Isaacs, Distinguished Professor, (517) 355-6619, isaacsr@msu.edu
• Lauren Goldstein, Lab Manager, (517) 353-1397, golds153@msu.edu

I grow a large variety of crops every year in my greenhouse at home starting with seeds all the way through maturity.