A brick building featuring a sign that reads "Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Laboratory."

BAE graduate research assistants receive Presentation Excellence Award

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Media Contact: Tanner Holubar | Communications Specialist | 405-744-2065 | tanner.holubar@okstate.edu

In early September, two students were selected as recipients of the Presentation Excellence Award at the 2024 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers annual conference. 

Kasra Khodkar, a Ph.D. student in the School of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, working with Dr. Ali Mirchi as a graduate research assistant and Nathaniel Bolujoko, a Ph.D. student studying environmental science who works with Dr. Kiranmayi Mangalgiri as a graduate research assistant in BAE, received the honor over the summer.  

Khodkar is from Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran, with a research focus on water resources management and hydrology.  

A man in a lab coat stands before a computer, symbolizing a commitment to scientific inquiry and technological advancement. — Nathaniel Bolujoko

Bolujoko is from Kwara State, Nigeria, and focuses on understanding the fate of contaminants of emerging concerns such as antibiotics during the process of recovering phosphorus from swine wastewater that becomes a material known as struvite.  

While they weren’t both working directly together on research, Khodkar and Bolujoko both worked together within the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Graduate Student Association. Khodkar was vice president while Bolujoko was the secretary, and Khodkar served as president when Bolujoko was the vice-president. Bolujoko is now president of the organization starting this semester.  

Bolujoko said the two of them have developed a friendship that extends beyond their time on campus.  

“It’s been amazing actually because we can just discuss anything happening,” Bolujoko said. “Not just in the department but outside of the department as well. It’s not just professional. It’s a personal relationship, so it’s been good working with Kasra.” 

Khodkar said he has also made a good friend in the time he has known Bolujoko.  

“I have enjoyed my time working with him. He has been a very good team member,” Khodkar said.  

Presenting at the ASABE conference 

While at the ASABE conference in June, both students presented posters of their research and were awarded the Presentation Excellence Award.  

“In this presentation, I discussed that antibiotic residues in swine wastewater can co-recover with phosphorus product (struvite) recovered from swine wastewater,” Bolujoko said. “In addition, I discussed various factors that contribute to this. The contamination of struvite with antibiotics poses a significant threat to both humans and the environment, as this could lead to the spread of antibiotic resistance.” 

Khodkar’s research focused on watershed scale modeling of water salinity in the Upper Red River Basin.  

"Reoccurring droughts and increasing demand for water draws attention of water resources experts to assess the potential utility of the available saline water resources, particularly for saline water irrigation of salt tolerant crops,” Khodkar said. “However, using saline water resources can interrupt the salinity balance in watersheds and basins, and result in adverse agroecosystems impacts. Thus, modeling and simulation of any saline water usage is required before making any suggestions.” 

Two men are intently working on a laptop in a vibrant field, blending technology with the beauty of nature. — Kasra Khodkar (right) and Dr. Josephus Borsuah, a senior researcher at the Oklahoma Water Resources Center, perform research in the field.

Khodkar said the importance of studying water salinity is integral because of the global necessity of having more usable water. 

 “There are many regions around the world, facing water salinity problems, saltwater/seawater intrusion, and freshwater scarcity, which the modeling framework we are developing can be used for informing the water resources managers,” Khodkar said.  

Bolujoko said studying antibiotic residues in water resources can shed light on their impact on the environment.  

“My research is important in understanding the various ways by which antibiotic residues are reintroduced into the environment, the potential impacts on humans and the environment, and developing ways to minimize the spread of antibiotics, ensuring the protection of humans and the environment,” Bolujoko said.  

The importance of pursuing Ph.D.s 

While Khodkar was an undergraduate student he took a hydrology course where he learned of water-related issues around the world. This led him to pursue water-related research while working to get his master’s degree and Ph.D. 

"When I came across the opportunity of doing water research at Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering department of OSU, I did not hesitate to take it,” Khodkar said. “I was really looking forward for potential professional development and research opportunities at OSU as a land-grant institution, and I can say I found more than what I expected.” 

Bolujoko was inspired by his desire to attend graduate school. He has always been interested in research, especially relating to the environment and human health. He also wants to inspire members of his family by achieving his goal of obtaining his Ph.D.  

"I have a strong desire to earn a Ph.D. and become the first person in my family to achieve this academic distinction, inspiring future generations,” he said.  

Finding mentorship as CEAT students 

Within CEAT, both students have been able to find guidance from a wide variety of mentors. These mentors have provided a well-rounded layer of support for both students.  

Bolujoko said Dr. Kiranmayi Mangalgiri has been a one of his greatest advisors and that he appreciates how she is open to new ideas.  

“In the past few years that I’ve worked with her, I have experienced growth, not only in my personal life, but professionally as well,” Bolujoko said. “I think that what I’ve been able to do and the awards on campus I have been able to win are because of her contributions. Working with her has been an amazing part of my experience.” 

Khodkar said he has received tremendous support, not only in research and coursework, but help with his communication skills, expanding his professional network, helping him acclimate to the academic environment in the U.S. and helping him through some tough times. 

“I am glad I took this opportunity to be a member of the Orange Family,” Khodkar said. “Awards, goals, and even the degree I am seeking are great achievements. However, I think the process, the path we are going through is more educating and in my opinion is more valuable.” 