Laura Fischer, Ph.D., assistant professor of agricultural communications in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, was not born and raised in the Lone Star State like many students might expect.
“I grew up mainly in Virginia, but we moved around quite a bit,” Fischer said. “We actually lived abroad in Paris and rural England when I was very young.”
Fischer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, but she did not begin pursuing agricultural communications until later in her academic career.
“I fell into communications after realizing that studying vet sciences was not the right fit for me,” said Fischer. “I found my niche after taking one agricultural communications course.”
She returned to the University of Florida for her master’s degree in agricultural education and communications.
“I loved talking with people, seeing what drives them, and learning how people think and make their decisions, so I decided to pursue my Ph.D.,” Fischer said. “The faculty at Texas Tech convinced me to leave Florida.”
After receiving her Ph.D., Fischer accepted a faculty position at the University of Kentucky, where she worked for three years before returning to Texas Tech. Fischer is now a key member of the research and teaching faculty in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
Courtney Gibson, Ph.D., assistant professor in agricultural communications, said Fischer has done a great job finding her niche within the program.
“Our department was really needing the research expertise that Dr. Fischer provides,” said Gibson. “I really believe that she is going to provide our students with the tools and knowledge that will enhance our program’s reputation in the world of academic research.”
Fischer said she is looking forward to her future within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.