Ishrat Zahan
Program
Why did you choose to complete your graduate studies in your program at the University of Guelph?
The University of Guelph was a perfect fit for me for several reasons. First, I discovered a truly fascinating research project that sparked my interest and aligned perfectly with my academic goals. Second, securing full funding for the PhD was a huge plus, allowing me to fully focus on my studies. Third, having the opportunity to work with a respected supervisor who is a leader in the field is incredibly valuable. Beyond the academics, the University of Guelph's reputation for excellence in various fields, along with its beautiful campus and supportive environment, made it an incredibly attractive choice. Finally, having my family in Guelph provided a strong sense of community and support during my graduate studies. All these factors combined made the University of Guelph the ideal place for me to pursue my graduate education.
Tell us about how you got here...
I completed my undergraduate studies at Bangladesh Agricultural University, where my academic career started. Drawn to a deeper understanding of the field, I went to Europe for my master’s degree in Germany. During that time, the desire to explore a new continent sparked within me, and Canada, with its reputation for excellence in research, was always at the top of my list. That's what led me here! After completing my Master's, I returned to Bangladesh to contribute to my home country's agricultural sector. I spent nearly two and a half years as a breeder at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and then at the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute. This combined experience in academic research, rice breeding, and sugarcrop breeding has given me a well-rounded perspective on agriculture. I'm excited to see where this path takes me next!
A bit about the work you are doing here at Guelph...
My PhD research at the University of Guelph focuses on creating a high-throughput screening method for superior wheat root traits, utilizing novel bio-stimulants, AI modelling, RNA sequencing, technique to identify genes responsible for lateral root growth. A current challenge for plant breeding is the limited ability to phenotype and select for desirable root characteristics due to their underground location, and my research can contribute to root ideotype based breeding. Sequestering carbon in the soil can be a significant contributor to reducing climate change. Novel Bio-stimulants can optimize carbon allocation and the root system architecture of wheat. My research will quantify the amount of carbon the plant will sequestrate with the help of machine learning models in the long run without growing them to maturity and will identify the most effective bio-stimulant. RNA-Seq analysis will help to investigate the gene regulation underlying lateral root initiation in wheat subjected to bio-stimulants treatment. What truly excites me about my research is its potential to tackle climate change. My work can efficiently identify cultivars with enhanced soil-based carbon sequestration capabilities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation while reducing both costs and time, as well as helping the breeders select genotypes with root architecture adapted to the conditions of the target environment.
How do you think your research can potentially improve life?
My research has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive impacts, from mitigating climate change to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations. I am still in the initial stage of my research, so I have not had the opportunity to share my research results with farmers yet. The main focus is on finding novel bio-stimulants that will assist in superior soil-based carbon sequestration in wheat root. These "carbon champion" crops would efficiently capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. This acts as a natural way to reduce greenhouse gas levels, mitigating the effects of climate change. Improved root architecture in wheat varieties, selected through this research, can lead to more efficient nutrient and water uptake. This can translate to healthier crops that require fewer resources, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By developing hardier wheat varieties with enhanced root systems, this research can contribute to increased crop yields. This, in turn, can contribute to global food security by ensuring a stable food supply for a growing population. The high-throughput screening method being developed promises to be faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods. This can benefit breeders by reducing breeding times and the costs associated with developing new wheat varieties.
How is your academic relationship with your advisor?
My advisor, Dr. Eric Lyons, provides me with the autonomy to conduct my research while offering guidance when needed. I have a professional relationship with Dr. Lyons, and I value his insights into my research. I am fortunate to have a very supportive advisor like him. My advisor fosters a collaborative research environment, which has allowed me to learn and grow alongside other researchers in the lab. I truly appreciate Dr. Lyons' willingness to challenge my thinking and push me to excel in my research.
What do you plan to do after graduation? How has U of G helped you reach that goal?
After graduation, my sights are set firmly on a research career, whether in academia or the agricultural industry. The University of Guelph's strong foundation in plant sciences has been instrumental in preparing me for this pursuit. The University of Guelph's reputation for excellence in plant sciences, combined with the strong mentorship from my advisor and the opportunity to work on a cutting-edge project, will provide me with the skills and experience necessary to be competitive for research positions. The high-impact research I am conducting could also strengthen my candidacy for academic jobs.
What's it like to be a grad student at Guelph?
Being a graduate student at Guelph is a rewarding experience that combines academic rigor with a supportive environment. It's a place where anyone can delve deep into their research interests, make lifelong connections, and contribute to meaningful advancements in agriculture.
Tell us something about you, beyond being a grad student.
At home, I'm a proud new mother to my delightful 3-month-old daughter. While textbooks surround me, I also cherish the moments spent tending to the garden. Beyond my own studies, I find fulfilment in giving back. I manage a Facebook group that provides higher education resources in agriculture specifically for aspiring Bangladeshi students. It's rewarding to empower others to pursue their academic dreams. As an animal lover, I find joy in the company of furry friends. To unwind, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, immersing myself in music, or appreciating the beauty of classical dance.