By Akinlana Sterling, International Programs
PULLMAN, Wash. – A Nepali doctoral student whose finances were threatened following spring earthquakes in his country is on track to complete his dissertation this fall thanks to private aid and Washington State University matching funds.
The WSU Office of International Programs matched the nonprofit Institute of International Education’s grant of $1,243 to Bodh Paudel for summer tuition and living expenses as he completes data analysis and his dissertation.
“I am analyzing data on soil quality indicators and soil microbial community,” he said. His research focuses on soil amendments for biological control of soil borne pathogens, particularly Verticillium wilt of potato and Fusarium root rot of Douglas fir seedlings.
The IIE grant is intended to aid students and scholars in urgent need of financial assistance so they can continue studies at their host university. Paudel was selected based on his high academic achievement.
“I was in good academic standing and doing great in my research and studies,” he said. “After careful evaluation of my application, IIE announced that I was selected for the award based on merit.”