Eva Colláková: A Fulbright journey in Israel
An associate professor's research assignment provides unique insights into climate change and food security, fostering international collaborations.
Eva Colláková examines fruit on almond trees at the Lavi Model Irrigation Farm in northern Israel. This orchard is a experimental farm that investigates the effects of different watering regimes on almond tree physiology and yield using precise irrigation technology. Photo courtesy of Eva Colláková.
A transformative experience in Israel connected Eva Colláková, an associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with experts in food science to collaborate on innovative research and engage with diverse local communities.
Made possible through the Fulbright Distinguished Professor Fellowship, Colláková’s four-month visit to the Gilat Volcani Institute for Arid and Semi-Arid Agriculture was centered on critical research examining the intersection of climate change and food security.
“Participating in the Fulbright program has significantly broadened my research capabilities,” Colláková said. “It has also allowed me to bring new perspectives back to Virginia Tech, enhancing our institution’s research competitiveness.”
Colláková had clear objectives for her research assignment, including enhancing her knowledge and skill set in plant stress physiology and metabolism, fostering international collaborations with local researchers, immersing herself in Israeli culture and agricultural practices, contributing to community projects, and engaging with local communities throughout her experience.
Research focus and methodology
During her time at the Gilat Volcani Institute, Colláková collaborated closely with two prominent researchers: Zipora Tietel, a food scientist specializing in nutritional quality, and Or Sperling, a stress physiologist focusing on nutrient stresses in fruit trees. Together, they investigated the metabolic responses and nutritional quality of tomato plants under short-term environmental stressors, such as heat and drought that have intensified due to climate change.
Colláková's research utilized advanced techniques in plant metabolomics, allowing her to analyze how environmental stresses affect plant physiology.
“By understanding these responses, we can develop strategies to improve crop resilience and nutritional quality, which is critical for food security,” Colláková said.
Chen Omer, lab manager for Or Sperling, investigating the water status in almond trees subjected to different irrigation regimes. Photo courtesy of Eva Colláková.
Community engagement and cultural exchange
Throughout her research, Colláková engaged in numerous activities that connected her with local communities. At an olive oil tasting event, she interacted with industry partners and learned about the grading process for olive oil based on aroma and taste. This hands-on experience provided her with insights into the agricultural practices that sustain local economies.
In addition, Colláková participated in an event at the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Be’er Sheva, where she served as a poster judge. She engaged with undergraduate students, including Bedouin women, discussing their research and the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Colláková shared information about Virginia Tech’s graduate programs in Translational Plant Sciences and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, fostering potential collaborations with emerging researchers.
Eva Colláková engaging with Bedouin women in STEM at a poster judging competition at the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Be’er Sheva. Photo courtesy of Zipora Tietel.
Her exploration of Israel extended to visits to traditional kibbutz communities, including Hatzerim and Sde Boker. Hatzerim is renowned for its pioneering work in drip irrigation technology, which revolutionized agricultural practices in arid regions. In Sde Boker, Colláková learned about wine production and tourism initiatives that integrate agricultural practices with local culture.
“I found Israel to be a highly multicultural and exotic country where different cultures coexist harmoniously,” Colláková said. “The experiences I had there have deepened my appreciation for diversity, which will enhance my teaching and outreach efforts at Virginia Tech.”
Addressing research challenges
Colláková was forced to adapt her research study due to the excessive heat in Be'er Sheva, with temperatures ranging from 90 to 110°F during the day.
Despite these hurdles, Colláková was able to obtain valuable insights from her tomato plant research.
“I gathered important data on how plants respond to combinations of environmental stresses, showing that one type of stress can override specific molecular changes caused by other stresses,” Colláková said. “This is not always the case as a combination of several stresses usually leads to more severe, synergistic problems to plants than individual stresses alone.”
Emilly Mademaga, an international student from Uganda who is studying at the Ben Gurion University in Sde Boker, toasts sesame seeds at the Tietel lab at the Gilat Volcani Institute in the Negev desert for her food science research project focusing on the aroma and taste compounds in sesame seeds. Photo courtesy of Eva Colláková.
Outcomes and institutional impact
The outcomes of Colláková's research assignment extend beyond her personal academic growth. By bringing back new methodologies and perspectives, she contributes to Virginia Tech’s commitment to global engagement and research excellence. The university fosters cross-cultural experiences for faculty, and Colláková’s experience aligns seamlessly with these initiatives.
“This project not only enhances my reputation in the international research community but also increases our department’s capacity for innovative research,” Colláková said. “It’s about building a network that can lead to future funding opportunities and collaborative projects.”
Colláková’s Fulbright journey to Israel has enriched her research, broadened her cultural perspectives, and strengthened her commitment to engaging with local communities. Her work underscores the essential role of collaboration and adaptability in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and food security.
Eva Colláková grinds dried tomato leaves from plants grown under different combinations of drought, heat, and high salinity stresses for small molecule analyses. Photo courtesy of Zipora Tietel.
For advice and resources on applying for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program, visit Virginia Tech’s Fulbright Fellowships webpage.
The Global Education Office provides support and resources for incoming Fulbright scholars and the departments that host them.
