Biosystems graduate research assistant earns prestigious FFAR fellowship

Vivian Usha's research into the slow release of phosphorus just got an instant boost.

Usha, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Biosystems Engineering, recently received the Rockey Fellowship from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), which annually provides early career support to graduate students poised to serve on the frontlines of agricultural sustainability — or, in Usha's case, already deep in the trenches.

Through her work in the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts (CBB), Usha is studying a dual-function biochar —  a porous, charcoal-like material produced from plant biomass through thermochemical conversion — that captures excess phosphorus in wastewater and repurposes into a slow-release biofertilizer. The process, a win-win that promises both cleaner water and healthier soil, has recently become a major CBB focus thanks to a $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant issued in 2023.

"I believe I was selected for the fellowship because my research addresses critical challenges at the intersection of environmental sustainability, water quality and agricultural innovation," Usha said. "I’m grateful for the outstanding support and recommendation from my PI, Dr. Sushil Adhikari, and my major advisor, Dr. Hossein Jahromi — their mentorship has been instrumental in this achievement."

Usha hopes to use the fellowship to, ultimately, provide that same sort of support to others

"I look forward to acquiring significant experience, mentorship and networking opportunities that will notably advance my leadership skills, research, and career development in agricultural and biosystems engineering, and environmental sustainability," she said.

She plans to recycle that experience back into the academic ecosystem.

"I desire to pursue a career in academia, where I can guide future engineers and environmental scientists while advancing my research to impact policy and real-world applications," Usha said. "My long-term objective is to effect a significant transformation by promoting the global shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural systems."