A Ph.D. student in Plant Pathology, Shilu Dahal is interested in sustainable approaches to plant disease control. She is currently working in the Clemencia Rojas lab to identify novel molecules produced by an environmental bacterium that could help treat Bacterial Panicle Blight, a disease that is problematic to global rice production. Her many honors and awards include the 2024 Green Thumb Award from the Department of Plant Pathology.
“Receiving the PSI Heuermann Graduate Award touched my heart in ways I never expected. After ten years of being away from family while pursuing my academic dreams across Nepal, Europe, and now at UNL, this award made it possible to finally reunite with my siblings in Colorado and Texas to celebrate Deepawali, one of our most cherished Nepali festivals. Words cannot fully express what it meant to light the festival lamps with my family again. The award also helped me address a personal health challenge, my plantar fasciitis, which causes chronic heel pain. For the first time, I didn't have to wait for a special occasion or worry about the budget to buy the supportive shoes my doctor recommended for my long hours in the lab. Being able to take care of both my emotional needs through family connection and my physical health has renewed my energy and dedication to my research. I am deeply grateful for this award that has made such a meaningful difference in my life as an international student pursuing her dreams.”