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Three graduate students from Dalhousie University’s Sustainable Nanoengineering Lab at the Faculty of Agriculture have been selected to attend the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, taking place in Niagara Falls November 23–25, 2025.

Representing Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture are Swedha Madhu, Joshita P.S. Kumar, and Subhiksha Jayakumar—three emerging researchers whose work bridges nanotechnology, plant science and sustainable agriculture.

The conference provides a platform for students, researchers, and industry professionals to share experiences, learn from leaders and build networks that strengthen gender equity in agriculture.

“These students are examples of how interdisciplinary research can drive real-world impact,” says Dr. Gurpreet Singh Selopal, supervisor of the Sustainable Nanoengineering Lab. “Their selection for AWC reflects both their scientific excellence and their dedication to advancing women in science.”

Swedha Madhu: Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable Future

From a young age, Swedha Madhu was fascinated by the complexity of biological systems—a curiosity that led her to pursue a bachelor’s in biotechnology from Bannari Amman Institute of Technology in Tamil Nadu, India. Her early academic achievements include the isolation of nine novel bacterial genomes submitted to GenBank, USA, and eight international peer-reviewed publications.

Swedha’s research journey has taken her from India to Canada, where she completed a MITACS Globalink Research Internship at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Quebec. There, she worked on quantum dots for hydrogen evolution, deepening her expertise in nanomaterials and clean energy.

Now pursuing her master’s in agriculture at Dalhousie, Swedha is applying nanotechnology to solve environmental challenges in farming. Through her research on nanomaterials for pesticide degradation and water remediation, she has been working toward advancing sustainable practices that support both environmental health and agricultural productivity.

 “This conference will allow me to connect my interdisciplinary research with real-world agricultural innovators and gain insights from women leaders who are shaping the future of the industry.”

Joshita P.S. Kumar: Harnessing Light for Smarter Greenhouses

For Joshita P.S. Kumar, agriculture is both a science and a mission. A graduate of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), she brings a strong foundation in crop production, soil science and plant protection to her master’s research at Dalhousie.

Joshita is developing nanomaterial-based greenhouse tarps that can control light spectra to enhance photosynthesis and crop productivity—an innovation that could redefine efficiency in controlled-environment agriculture.

Beyond her research, Joshita is a Nova Scotia Graduate Scholar and serves as Vice President of the Dalhousie Agriculture Association of Graduate Students. She has also earned national recognition for her achievements, including a Top 5 per cent national ranking in the Organic Farming Certification course.

“I strive to contribute to sustainable innovations in agriculture and support the advancement of women in the field,” Joshita says. “By being in a place where I am surrounded by other women in the industry, can help inspire me to become a better leader myself.”

Subhiksha Jayakumar: Bridging Plant Science and Nanotechnology

With a bachelor’s degree in plant science (Honours) and a passion for sustainability, Subhiksha Jayakumar is driven to improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impact. Her undergraduate thesis on industrial hemp earned her second place in her defense and strengthened her expertise in plant physiology, data analysis, and greenhouse management.

Currently pursuing a master’s in engineering (Agriculture) at Dalhousie, Subhiksha’s research focuses on developing nanofertilizers produced from marine waste for potato crops. Her goal is to boost potato production yields in Atlantic Canada while minimizing nutrient leaching and soil degradation.

Subhiksha has also worked as a research assistant in the Macromolecules Lab at Dalhousie, studying the antibrowning activity of wheat germ peptides, and has actively volunteered through the Dalhousie Rotaract Club and community events on campus.

“I hope to learn and connect with women leaders who are shaping the agricultural field through innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship.”