Jasia Jannat

In her own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA/CAES?
I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am a Ph.D. student in Crop and Soil Sciences Department. I have been inspired to apply for this program especially because the University of Georgia has a long history of research on the field of agriculture and also various research works focusing on my intended research topic are run by the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences where new technologies are implied. The department provides research opportunities in most of the sectors of Agronomy, Crop, and Soil Science not only in the well-equipped laboratories but also in the real experimental fields. Besides, the extensive research works conducted by its renowned faculties have been the other motivating forces for me to choose to study at UGA.

What is your major/degree program, and what department?
Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences (Major: Soil Science) and the department is Crop and Soil Sciences.

Why did you choose your major?
I have been inspired to choose for this program especially because UGA has a long history of research in the field of agriculture and also various research works focusing on my intended research topic are run by the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences where new technologies are implied. The department provides research opportunities in most of the sectors of Agronomy and Soil Science not only in the well-equipped laboratories but also in the real experimental fields. Besides, the extensive research works conducted by its renowned faculties have been the other motivating forces for me to choose for the aforementioned program.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
Advance Precision Agriculture

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Dr. Vasileios Liakos and Dr. George Vellidis

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
I am learning different aspects of crop and soil sciences every day and gaining experience in different research studies. Here I want to mention that I attended the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) workshop at the UGA Griffin campus for one week which has been one of the best experiences I have had so far. Because I came to know about a crop modeling software which I am applying on my Ph.D. research and discussed about it with the research team of DSSAT directly.

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I believe that this particular program has educated and trained me properly both theoretically and practically and also prepared me to find out solutions for environmental issues which will create positive impacts not only at the national level but also for the whole world.

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
When I came to UGA, I was a lonely girl who just left his country and family to chase her dream. After coming here, I met a lot of new people. They were so nice to me. They helped me to realize different meanings of life. Also, the student-faculty relationship is worth mentioning here. All the instructors, supervisors, and faculties are very friendly and willing to help all the time. The research experience I am gaining from UGA will be a lifetime achievement for me. I have got the opportunity to work with world-renowned research here which has introduced to me a new world of research and encouraged me more to fulfill my goal. 

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
I came from an agricultural country named Bangladesh. Agriculture is one of the important sectors for the economy of our country. Different types of cultural festivities of Bangladesh depend on the production of seasonal crops. I can easily say agriculture means life to me. That is why my goal is to apply my expertise which I will gain from the Ph.D. program at UGA to solve the agricultural problems faced by farmers in my country as well as the whole world and introduce them to the new era of technology.

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I love traveling a lot. I like to explore new places and to learn about new cultures.