Shikhadri Mahanta, hailing from Nagaon Fouzdaripatty and currently pursuing studies at the University of Texas, has attained the esteemed Dr Brock Faulkner 2004 fellowship for ‘Biological and Agricultural Engineering Spring 2024’. This recognition comes in acknowledgment of her commendable contributions to research and academic excellence.
Mahanta, a dedicated student in the Department of Biology and Agricultural Engineering, has been deeply engaged in sustainable agriculture, focusing on areas such as post-harvest losses, cotton processing, and air quality. Her outstanding academic journey includes active participation in the 68th annual COALS convocation organised by the Agricultural and Natural Resources Internship Programme (ANRP), where she was honoured with both a CIRTL Practitioner Certificate (2023) and a Scholar Certificate (2024).
Established in 1990, ANRP has been instrumental in providing students within the college of agriculture and life sciences with invaluable opportunities in private policy development at various levels, spanning from local to international spheres. Mahanta’s involvement with ANRP afforded her a firsthand experience in international agricultural policy, including an enriching internship at the Committee of World Food Security at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations during the summer of 2023.
Furthermore, Mahanta’s dedication to advancing teaching methodologies is evident through her selection for prestigious awards like the CIRTL Practitioner Certificate (2023) and the CIRTL Scholar Certificate (2024). Her innovative approach to classroom activities and collaborative efforts with faculty members underscores her commitment to enhancing undergraduate engineering education.
In a press statement, Mahanta expressed her enthusiasm for her research endeavors in undergraduate engineering education, showcasing her passion for academic exploration and pedagogical advancement.