Ermias Assefa is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant at South Dakota State University. Ermias earned their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Ethiopia. Their research focuses on quantitative genetics in maize and sorghum, aiming to improve genetic traits for better crop performance and sustainability.

Komal Mahajan joined South Dakota State University in June 2024 as a master’s student under Dr. Melanie Caffe. Their master’s research focuses on oat biomass estimation using UAV imagery and machine learning tools — an entirely new area for Komal to explore, and they are finding it fascinating.

Komal is from Punjab, India, and completed their bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University, Punjab, India. Besides academics, Komal enjoys reading self-help and suspense-related books. Komal loves playing badminton in their leisure time, and they also played volleyball at the university level during their undergraduate studies. Komal is enthusiastic about traveling and meeting new people.

Shalma Maman is a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University, working in the Mural Agriomics Lab under Dr. Ravi V. Mural.  Her research focuses on phenotypic plasticity in kernel compositional traits in maize, with expertise in quantitative genetics and genomics across multiple crops, including maize, wheat, sorghum, and dry bean. She holds an M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India. Shalma has received numerous accolades, including the ICAR National Talent Scholarship and the Manihar Best PG Thesis Award in Maize. She is an active member of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). Passionate about scientific engagement, she regularly presents her research at conferences, participating in student speaker and poster sessions. With a strong foundation in molecular breeding, quantitative genetics, statistical genomics, and crop improvement strategies, Shalma is committed to developing climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties across diverse cropping systems.

Prajwal Ramenahalli Shashishekhar is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant at South Dakota State University in the MURAL Lab. Prajwal earned their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in India. Their research focuses on quantitative genetics in chickpea and sorghum, aiming to improve genetic traits for enhanced crop performance and sustainability.

Sophia Schmidt is a senior at Iowa State University studying horticulture and genetics. She works under Dr. Suzanne Slack and Dr. Xiaochen Yuan in the Integrated Fruit Health Lab and enjoys working in research that has a tangible impact for growers. After graduating, she will pursue a PhD in plant breeding at the University of Florida. 

Pratik comes from a farming family in India, where horticulture is the primary operation and source of income. Growing up in this environment, Pratik developed a deep-rooted passion for plants and sustainable agriculture.

They completed their undergraduate studies at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, in 2020. After gaining two years of work experience in India, followed by an internship in the USA, they realized the importance of advanced research in plant science. Witnessing the rapid changes in agricultural practices and the growing need for innovation to enhance yield and quality, Pratik decided to pursue a master's degree to expand their knowledge and expertise.

In 2023, Pratik begein their master’s program at North Dakota State University (NDSU), working in the Horticulture Department under Dr. Todd West. Pratik’s research focuses on developing improved woody ornamental plants for cold climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 3 and 4. Through plant breeding and chromosome doubling techniques, they aim to create resilient cultivars that thrive in North Dakota and other similar regions.

Beyond academics, Pratik is an active member of various organizations at NDSU and deeply involved in endurance sports. They compete in marathons and triathlons, where they have learned the value of consistency, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that they apply to both their research and personal life.

In their free time, they enjoy cooking and content creation, finding joy in sharing their experiences and knowledge with others. Pratik believes in living life to the fullest, continuously challenging themself, and contributing to the advancement of horticultural science for a better and more sustainable future.