Ames, Iowa, USA
September 4, 2024
Sandhya Adhikar, the recipient of The Edda G. Sehgal Fellowship for Graduate Studies in Seed Science is a trailblazing first-generation graduate student from Nepal who dreams of unraveling the secrets of seed pathology to combat disease and ensure food security for a growing global population. Adhikari, who started her graduate career this fall at the Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center, came to Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (Tribhuvan University) where she developed a keen interest in addressing seed-borne diseases, particularly focusing on mycotoxin-producing fungi.
"I chose Iowa State and Dr. Gary Munkvold because of his ongoing research on seed pathogens," Sandhya shares. "His innovative approach to understanding and mitigating seed-borne diseases aligns perfectly with my career goals and inspires me to contribute to advancements in this critical field."
Under Dr. Munkvold’s guidance, Sandhya is gaining hands-on experience that will be instrumental in her pursuit to prevent and manage seed-borne pathogens.
Outside of her academic life, Sandhya enjoys cooking, traveling to new places, and playing badminton. These hobbies help her maintain balance and unwind, allowing her to return to her research with fresh energy.
With her passion for plant pathology and a clear vision for her future, Sandhya is poised to make significant strides in the fight against seed-borne diseases.
Edda G. Sehgal is Co-founder and former trustee of S M Sehgal Foundation in India and the Sehgal Foundation, USA. The vision of the Sehgal foundations is that every person deserves to lead a more secure, prosperous, and dignified life. With that vision in mind, the Foundation’s mission is to strengthen community-led development initiatives to achieve positive social, economic, and environmental change across rural India. The Edda G. Sehgal Fellowship for Graduate Studies in Seed Science is open to graduate students from India, Nepal or Bhutan who are pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the study of plant seed science.
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