Three graduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are advancing research in microplastics, sustainable crop systems, and muscle aging with support from the college’s Office of Research and Innovation Graduate Research Scholarship, according to an April 29 announcement. The annual award provides doctoral students pursuing research-based degrees with tuition coverage for a semester, allowing them to focus fully on their dissertation projects.
The scholarship aims to reduce teaching and financial obligations so recipients can make progress on independent research. This support is designed to foster leadership and knowledge through practical applications in line with the college’s land-grant mission, according to the official website.
Carrie Carpenter, a doctoral student in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences advised by David Schmale, studies how microorganisms interact with microplastics found in soil, water, and air. Her recent work described how microbes living on microplastics can trigger ice formation in clouds. “This has been the first semester I had flexibility with my time, where I could focus on my work without running around,” Carpenter said. She used her scholarship period to develop a new technique for using bacteria that fluoresce so they can be visualized on plastic particles: “This lets us see how they’re arranged on microplastic surfaces, giving us insight into their spatial organization and surface interactions.”
Buddhika Abeyrathne is a graduate student in biological systems engineering working under Natasha Bell. His research focuses on developing water-cleaning systems that use sand as a filter—known as sandponics—to recycle nutrients instead of removing them. He also explores ecological approaches like using mushrooms’ mycelia to remove harmful bacteria from water systems. “Writing proposals and running around teaching is hectic,” he said. “I’ve had more time to focus on evaluating data from sand, fish, and microbial status.”
Niloufar Amiri researches age-related muscle loss as part of her studies in human nutrition under Joshua Drake’s supervision. She investigates why older muscle cells lose efficiency at clearing out damaged mitochondria after exercise—a process vital for maintaining healthy muscles: “The scholarship allowed for greater flexibility to focus on high-impact aspects of my work… rather than dividing my time across multiple responsibilities,” Amiri said.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences serves as Virginia Tech’s land-grant college according to its official website. It contributes to community development by nurturing future leaders through innovations spanning agriculture, food, health initiatives worldwide according to its official website. The college includes over 350 scientists; maintains 107 local extension offices; operates eleven agricultural research centers such as Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research Center; Alson H Smith Jr Agricultural Research Center; Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research Center; plus six educational centers focused on youth development according to its official website.
Looking ahead, these scholars’ projects highlight ongoing efforts within the college not only addressing immediate scientific questions but also contributing solutions at both local communities’ level—and globally—through applied science.
