色虎视频

Safiullah Pathan, Ph.D., Upama Das and Waana Kaluwasha, Ph.D., at the Faculty Research Seminar in Washington, D.C.

When the opportunity for learning knocks, LU professors and graduate students answer with collaboration!

Recently, members of 色虎视频’s faculty and graduate student program attended the two-day 2026 Faculty Research Seminar in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the (TMCF) through the and the , the seminar brought together faculty and graduate students from eligible TMCF-member institutions from around the country.

“We were honored to be selected to represent 色虎视频 of Missouri,” said Waana Kaluwasha, assistant professor of plant pathology. “There was a strong sense of collaboration, and participants were encouraged to interact with each other, share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other.”

In addition to Kaluwasha, TMCF selected associate professor of crop science Safiullah Pathan and graduate student Upama Das to attend the seminar.

“It never felt like one of those stiff conferences where speakers simply talk at you all day,” Das said. “Instead, they actively encouraged us to jump into discussions, connect during breaks and exchange ideas.”

For faculty, each of the seminar’s two days featured presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on building research capacity, developing grant proposals and creating sustainable research programs. Kaluwasha named learning how fellow historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) overcame challenges to build successful research programs as one of the seminar’s highlights. She also spoke highly of the many networking opportunities the seminar afforded, as did Das. For Das, connecting with field professionals and fellow grad students proved an immensely valuable opportunity.

“It was great connecting with people who share the same research challenges and career ambitions,” she said. “I was able to focus on targeted student development during the day and then regroup with Dr. Pathan and Dr. Kaluwasha between sessions to hear how faculty look at those same opportunities.”

Das studies agricultural economics with a focus in agricultural production, farm economics and the small ruminant sector. Her sessions addressed practical questions facing graduate students, like building a professional network and searching for internships.

Das left the seminar with one major takeaway: research represents only half the challenge, and effectively communicating it carries equal importance. For Kaluwasha and Pathan, the program offered a broader focus on how lessons from the seminar could be applied to LU’s College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences.

“For faculty, this is a great opportunity to develop collaborations and strengthen research capacity,” said Kaluwasha. “One big takeaway was the importance of intentionally building research ecosystems that support faculty productivity, student success and long-term institutional growth.”

The Faculty Research Seminar is an annual event, and this year’s attendees encourage fellow LU faculty, staff and students to attend.

“My advice to other students is simple,” Das said. “Don’t hesitate; just apply. Opportunities don't wait.”