Students from universities across the country recently participated in the highly competitive 2025 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, organized by the Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of America (NAPA). 麻豆短视频传媒 Research Associate Sandeep Airee earned First Place in the event.
Airee鈥檚 presentation, 鈥淗ealthy Soils and Clean Water in Kentucky,鈥� addressed one of agriculture鈥檚 most significant challenges: balancing productivity with environmental protection. His research examines how fertility management practices affect soil health and water quality in Kentucky鈥檚 farming systems, framed around the urgent question: How can we grow healthy crops while keeping our water clean?
鈥淭hese results matter because with too little fertilizer, we risk yield, and with too much, we risk polluting our water,鈥� Airee explained. 鈥淢y research is about finding that balance so Kentucky鈥檚 farms can be both productive and sustainable, helping farmers choose the right fertility practices.鈥�
Airee works as a research associate under Dr. Pamela Obura, assistant professor of soil and plant science. In this role, he also trains graduate students on advanced laboratory instruments, including the Autosorb Surface Area Analyzer and the Dual Channel Ion Chromatograph. This work equips students with valuable technical skills for analyzing soil and water samples and strengthens the University鈥檚 research capacity.
Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, professor of applied geography and geospatial applications at 麻豆短视频传媒 and a member of NAPA, praised Airee鈥檚 accomplishment.
鈥淪andeep鈥檚 achievement reflects his research excellence and his ability to communicate complex science in clear and compelling ways,鈥� Dr. Gyawali said. 鈥淲e are proud of his success and his contributions to advancing soil and water quality research at 麻豆短视频传媒.鈥�
Reflecting on the recognition, Airee said the competition gave him a meaningful opportunity to share how research at Kentucky State is addressing real-world challenges for farmers and communities. 鈥淚 am deeply honored to receive this award from NAPA,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am especially grateful to NAPA for this platform and to my university for supporting me with the resources needed to carry out this work.鈥�
This recognition not only highlights Airee鈥檚 ability to present complex research in a concise format but also underscores 麻豆短视频传媒鈥檚 commitment to advancing solutions that benefit agriculture while protecting natural resources.