Ferguson College of Agriculture

Sushmita Dey is a graduate student pursuing her master’s at Oklahoma State University. Originally from Bangladesh, Sushmita completed her undergrad from Bangladesh Agricultural University and has been working in the research field for around three years. She has experience working at both the field and molecular levels.

Sushmita is advised by Dr. Liberty Galvin. Her thesis title is: “Competitive Enhancement of Winter Wheat Using Seed Treatment Under Annual Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Infestation.”

Sushmita’s research focuses on improving wheat production by addressing challenges from herbicide-resistant weeds, particularly Italian ryegrass.

“I study how seed treatments can enhance early growth and help wheat compete more effectively during the critical establishment stage,” she said. “Using greenhouse and growth chamber experiments, I evaluate how different levels of ryegrass competition affect wheat growth, as well as how environmental factors like temperature influence weed germination.”

By combining these approaches, Sushmita aims to better understand both crop performance and weed behavior.

“Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to more sustainable and effective weed management strategies that reduce reliance on herbicides while maintaining wheat yield and productivity,” she said.

Sushmita is passionate about her work because it focuses on solving real challenges in agriculture.

“In wheat production, issues like herbicide-resistant weeds can significantly impact yield, and I’m interested in finding practical, sustainable ways to manage them,” she said. “Studying how wheat competes with Italian ryegrass and how factors like seed treatment and environment influence that interaction keeps the work both challenging and meaningful.”

At Oklahoma State University, Sushmita feels that this work is especially relevant. “Wheat is a major crop in Oklahoma, and the university has a strong focus on applied research that directly supports producers,” she said. “Being part of a system where research can translate into real-world impact is what makes my experience here valuable.”

The most rewarding part of graduate school is doing research that connects theory to real problems. “I like having the independence to explore ideas, test approaches, and learn through trial and error,” Sushmita said. “I also value working with faculty and peers at OSU, since their feedback and different perspectives help improve my thinking and make the work more meaningful.”

After completing her master’s degree, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. to deepen her research experience and strengthen her expertise in her field.

“My goal is to move into more advanced, independent research where I can contribute to solving real-world problems,” she said. “Long term, I want to stay in a research-focused career, either in academia or industry, where I can continue developing impactful work and collaborating with other researchers.”

Something that might surprise others about Sushmita is that she really enjoys a mix of creative and calming activities outside of research.

“I like reading, especially when it lets me step away from technical work and think differently,” she said. “I also enjoy cooking, trying new recipes and experimenting a bit in the kitchen. On top of that, I like dancing, it’s a good way for me to relax and reset mentally.”