by Ann Y. Robinson
Third-year horticulture and global resource systems student Ella McGrath is bound for a new research adventure in Canada this summer, as part of a 2026 Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program.
The Iowa State University junior will soon begin a project studying the value of hedgerows, strips of native plants planted along field margins. Working with a professor at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, McGrath’s work will focus on understanding hedgerows' benefits and costs, specifically for organic farmers in the area.
“There’s been a lot of research looking into the benefits of hedgerows in conventional agriculture, but not in organic agriculture,” McGrath said. “To do that, we will collaborate with 10 farms and draw information from the university’s educational farm to assess soil health, water quality, pollinator counts and plant health and seek farmers’ opinions.”
Their objective is to develop a decision tool to help farmers decide if hedgerows are worth the investment. The project resonates with McGrath’s passions for research and promoting sustainability and food security.
“It‘s an ambitious project to accomplish over the summer, but I’m excited to work directly with farmers on something that will result in a practical tool they can use – and will potentially promote conservation and support sustainable food production,” she said.
Ambitious projects nothing new
Ambitious projects are nothing new to McGrath. Just getting through all the steps to apply for a prestigious Fulbright internship -- and then be paired with a researcher once she was selected -- testifies to her drive.
Even as an undergraduate, she is building on several years of research experience exploring the genetics of maize. As a first-year honors student, she sought out research opportunities. She found a mentor in Dior Kelley, associate professor of genetics, development and cell biology, and a supportive community among Kelley's graduate students. McGrath has progressed from learning what a pipette is used for, to conducting reverse genetic screens to understanding the functions of little-studied components of genes in corn roots.
“Dr. Kelley encouraged me and got me involved in research right away, even though I had little relevant knowledge,” McGrath said. “As I’ve learned and gained experience, she has given me more leadership opportunities in the lab and encouraged me to take risks that could lead to good things.”
Like applying for a summer undergraduate research fellowship with the American Society of Plant Biologists her freshman year. McGrath was chosen and presented a poster about her research at the organization’s summer conference in Milwaukee in 2025.
“The conference was so valuable,” McGrath said. “That included making a connection with a Canadian scientist who encouraged me to apply for the Fulbright to do research in Canada.”
Earlier this spring, McGrath’s updated poster presentation on reverse genetic screening research won third place in the undergraduate category at the 2026 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Day.
"Ella has a strong love of learning and exhibits a lot of zest,” Kelley said. “She is great at seeking out new opportunities and isn’t afraid to try new things or put herself in a new environment. Ella has been successful in my lab because she always brings true curiosity and a responsible attitude to her research."
Inspired to learn and serve
From Ackley, Iowa, McGrath says growing up helping her grandmother with several community gardens.has been a major influence, along with her middle school and high school science teachers. She also credits a mission trip to a low-income neighborhood in Colorado with changing her future goals from “making a lot of money” to “using what I learn to serve.”
Study abroad trips to Rome, Costa Rica and India have also fueled her sense of purpose.
“I have become a huge advocate for studying abroad,” McGrath said. “It can be intimidating, but you learn you just need to pay attention, listen and see what lessons you can learn from other cultures. Sometimes what you bring back is surprising. For example, international experiences helped me really fall in love with Iowa State and have helped me appreciate how great things are here.”
After becoming an expert on hedgerows in Canada, her next ambitions include a trip to Antarctica to keep learning about other landscapes and cultures. In the meantime, she is already looking at graduate schools where she could pursue research in plant biology and sustainable agriculture, anticipating that she might become the first in her family to earn a doctorate.
"As I look ahead, I'm so appreciative of the amazing experience I'm having here at Iowa State," McGrath said. "The professors are outstanding, and they care about you and what you are interested in. They want to help you succeed."