Ferguson College of Agriculture

For Amna Dar, science has always been a significant part of her life. With her mother as a science teacher and many of her family members researchers in their own respective fields, pursuing a career in science was a “no-brainer.”

 

Dar moved from Dallas to Stillwater, earning her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State University in plant biology. During her last two years as an undergrad, Dar worked at ARS (Agricultural Research Services) in the Peanut Breeding Program. 

 

“I worked on many small greenhouse projects, but during my last summer there, I decided to keep studying plant science but from a more agricultural standpoint, which then led me to this amazing department and master’s program!” she said.

 

Dar is advised by Dr. Liberty Galvin and Dr. Swati Shrestha here at OSU. Her research project is focused on understanding potential herbicide resistance spread in Oklahoma wheat fields. 

 

“There’s been many firsthand reports of growers spraying the right herbicides on weeds, but the treatments having zero effect on the target,” she said. 

 

Dar said this is concerning since weed infestations—both grass and broadleaf—severely decrease yields.

 

“The goal is to first evaluate where herbicide resistance has spread (across counties in Oklahoma), and then second, create a screening program to lab-confirm which herbicide modes of action these plants are resistant to,” Dar said.

 

She narrowed her research project down to Annual Italian Ryegrass, which is one of the most troublesome weeds found in wheat. 

 

“In Summer 2024, with the collaboration from many amazing growers and county extension agents, I surveyed for plants from about 33 counties across Oklahoma—and from multiple wheat fields in each county!” she said. “It’s exciting because we still have growers sending in various weed seed samples.”

 

The long-term goal is to establish an herbicide screening program for growers to get lab confirmations of all the herbicide MOA resistances.

 

Dar said she chose to attend Oklahoma State University after touring many universities, as OSU easily stood out for its warmest, most home-like feeling. 

 

“Maybe it was the small-town vibe since I grew up in central DFW, which is a very busy city area, but I just loved the atmosphere!” she said.

 

She said she is passionate about the work she does at OSU because it will ultimately help growers in Oklahoma.

 

“Even being a small part of the agricultural backbone here means a lot to me,” Dar said. “OSU has many long-held traditions, a strong school spirit—especially during football season—and special events and activities, showing that this university really cares about its student body.”

 

Dar’s favorite part of graduate school is the experience can be as collaborative or as self-guided you want it to be. 

 

“I love being able to reach out to my fellow grad friends, and everyone is always willing to help or talk about common problems,” she said.

 

After graduating, Dar plans to take a break from school and ideally return to a research program with an agency similar to the ARS. Eventually, she said she will go back to graduate school to earn a doctorate.

 

Outside of university, Dar is a huge Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan. 

“I host a marathon viewing party at least once a year,” she said.