MONROE, LA – ULM Biology undergraduate Subash Sapkota was awarded a research grant from the Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) National Biological Honor Society. Sapkota is a double major in Biology and Mathematics at ULM and is a native of Nepal.
The title of the proposal funded is – “Use of Machine Learning in the identification of Invasive Aquatic Species and Harmful Algae in the Water Bodies of Northeast Louisiana.” Sapkota will be conducting this research working in the Plant Ecology Laboratory, under the guidance of Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, who serves both as the Faculty Advisor for the Nu-Gamma Chapter at ULM and Sapkota’s research mentor. Sapkota will receive over $1,100 to help complete this project.
“Through this research, I hope to gain knowledge and skills to continue higher education upon graduating from ULM. The funds provided will help me conduct my research and help solidify my base for higher education. I hope to inspire other undergraduate students to reach out for assistance to conduct their own research”, said Sapkota.
“This is a great source of encouragement for all undergraduates and an example of the various opportunities that are available as they pursue their academic goals. As the advisor for the honor society, I feel humbled and rewarded to be leading a group of excellent students who call ULM their home”, said Bhattacharjee.
"The members of the Nu-Gamma chapter of Tri-Beta wish to congratulate Subash on his grant award. This award exemplifies the merit and intellectual capabilities of the members of Tri-Beta here at ULM", said Niles Majeste, the President of the Nu-Gamma Chapter of Tri-beta.
“This award is characteristic of Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee’s support and mentoring of undergraduate students and their research.” says Dr. Anne Case-Hanks, the Director of the School of Sciences.
Each year, the national office of the Beta Beta Beta awards research grants for meritorious undergraduate research proposals. These grants support undergraduate research and are designed to introduce undergraduate students to the basic process of research and research funding.