Martin Egan

Martin Egan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Arkansas, with additional roles as Director of the Experiment Station (DREX) and affiliated with ENPL (Entomology & Plant Pathology). He holds a BSc (First-Class Honours) and PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from the University of Exeter, UK.

His research focuses on cellular mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenesis, particularly in Magnaporthe oryzae (rice blast fungus). Key areas include septin dynamics, microtubule organizing centers, autophagy, and organelle transport. His work integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and advanced imaging to understand how fungal pathogens invade plants.

Egan has secured significant funding, including a NSF CAREER Award ($943,941) and NIH/NIGMS grants ($426,985). He also serves as an Associate Editor for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions and has reviewed for journals such as Cell Reports and The Journal of Cell Biology. His research has been highlighted in Nature and Science.