Graduate School Newsletter - December 2023

Student Spotlight

Food is a basic need of all human beings. Sandeep Paudel and Sumi Regmi, Ph.D. students earning their degree in Biological Sciences - Food Sciences are keenly aware of this fact. “Food science allows me to best utilize food resources, develop new products, improve food industry processing methods, reduce food wastage, and connect with people,” shares Sumi. That is exactly what these two students have been doing. Both started their food science journey at Tribhuvan University, Nepal and are now getting to work together on research here at SDSU.

Sandeep and Sumi found that the quality of education and research opportunities at SDSU made it the right fit for them. Sumi shared, “SDSU has a good learning environment and the diversity here is wonderful.” Sandeep and Sumi also shared that their advisor, Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, has been a big factor in continuing their education. They were initially admitted as MS students but have since transitioned to the PhD program. Sumi shares, “I thank my advisor Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy from the depth of my heart for being the greatest support for me and setting me on the path to accomplish my career goals.”

While time in the classroom is important, Sandeep and Sumi stay active on and off campus. They have participated in a handful of presentations for their research. They are also student members of the Institute of Food Technologists and help mentor high school students. Sandeep and Sumi expressed how rewarding it was to watch those they mentor attend regional and national level meetings. Sumi is also involved in Phi Tau Sigma-Honor Society. During Sumi’s free time, she enjoys nature, music, and literature. This is another thing that Sandeep and Sumi have in common as Sandeep enjoys visiting different parks and lakes, especially when able to see the fall colors.

As part of their Ph.D. program in food sciences, Sandeep and Sumi have had the opportunity to get in on exciting research involving biodegradable packaging films. This research is important to help reduce the plastic littering in our environment that contributes to health problems in humans and animals. Sumi noted that she feels her research is, “interesting, valuable, and practical.” Their research is now, “published in an international peer-reviewed journal Food Packaging and Shelf Life,” added Sandeep.

The field of food sciences provides a wide array of research options for students. Both Sandeep and Sumi stated that they are continuing to work on research, writing manuscripts, and reviewing articles. After graduation, both have strong ambitions to join the food industry in the areas of either quality assurance or research and development. “I am assured that the research skills that I have developed joining SDSU and my passion for food science will help me lead innovative projects to address real-world challenges,” Sandeep noted. Without question, Sandeep and Sumi have a strong passion for the work they do in and out of the classroom which is showcased throughout their educational career and will ultimately transition into their professional careers.