The Graduate School has selected Tuba Yasmin Lubna as its October 2024 GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.
Yasmin Lubna completed her Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Patuakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, where she is from. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she decided to pursue a master’s in agriscience here at Illinois State University. Outside of her studies, she is passionate about traveling, exploring new cultures, meeting new people, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
What is your favorite part of your program?
I consider myself lucky to have been accepted into this program. One of the most rewarding aspects of my research is the cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health Sciences, and the School of Biological Sciences. This collaboration allows me to work in a multidisciplinary environment, as combining expertise from diverse fields ensures more comprehensive approaches to solving issues on climate change, energy security, and the transition to sustainable agriculture.
Do you work with a specific faculty/staff member to help with your research? What has your experience been like working with them?
I am fortunate to have the mentorship of several outstanding faculty members from both Department of Agriculture and Department of Health Sciences. My research is guided by Dr. Liangcheng Yang, Dr. Rob Rhykerd, Dr. Nicholas Heller, and Dr. David Kopsell, all of whom serve on my thesis committee. I had a wonderful experience with my research because of their ability to provide direction and constructive feedback. They have provided me with outstanding guidance and firm support, which has significantly improved my research.
Can you explain your research and its importance within your field?
My research focuses on converting cover crop biomass into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, particularly on winter cover crops. Cover crops have numerous environmental benefits, such as improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the size of the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. They may also be used to produce renewable fuels.
The anaerobic digestion process, which breaks down biodegradable materials in the absence of oxygen, results in the production of biogas and volatile fatty acids. Biogas can be converted as a renewable energy source, while volatile fatty acids are valuable for producing biofuel, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics, and other bio-based products. After digestion, the residual materials can be applied as nutrient-rich fertilizers, completing a sustainable cycle.
Why do you enjoy researching this topic, and what more do you hope to learn?
Since I was young, I have been motivated to help find answers for combating climate change. My desire to contribute to global solutions has motivated me since I’m from the southern coastal region of Bangladesh, where climate change significantly influences climatic hazards. For this reason, I’m determined to help discover a solution.
One of the leading causes of environmental deterioration is the combustion of fossil fuels, and my research focuses on producing renewable energy. I find my work quite satisfying, and I am eager to acquire further knowledge on how these technologies might be scaled up to assist farmers and communities across the globe. My ultimate goal is to assist in connecting academic findings with real-world applications.
What do you hope further research on this topic will do to benefit society?
I believe there is a significant opportunity for further study in this area. The next crucial step is exploring more cost-effective and commercially viable technologies for producing renewable energy from plants using anaerobic digestion. I dream that in the near future, farmers will not only grow crops but also create renewable energy, thus diversifying their sources of income and contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture.
My research aligns with sustainable development goals for reducing the reliance on fossil fuels to ensure more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all and decreasing carbon footprints to combat climate change. By integrating cover crops into existing agricultural systems, we can diversify farmer income, support sustainable practices, and create new renewable energy sources. Through this research, my goal is to convert cover crop biomass, residues, and other waste into energy to contribute to sustainability and improve energy security.
Would you like to highlight anything else about your research or promote any specific initiatives you are involved in?
I sincerely thank the GradBird Scholar committee for providing this platform to share my research journey. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentors, whose guidance has been crucial in forming my research and helping me along the journey. I am grateful for their advice and support and am eager to continue working on this fascinating project to improve sustainable energy.
