Student Spotlight: Israt Jahan

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Major: Aquatic Ecology Doctoral program at School of Natural Resources
Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2025

Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln? I decided to come to UNL because of the quality of education the School of Natural Resources offers in my field, it is one of the most innovative programs in the states.

What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln? Inclusiveness and a sense of community is my favorite thing at UNL. The compassionate and empathetic culture of my work environment and my lab groups.

What about diversity and inclusion? Is it necessary to you when you think about your CASNR experience? Diversity and inclusion are essential components of any institution. CASNR is a diverse group of scientists and practices inclusivity.

Exposure to cultural differences is a huge part of college. What activity have you recently participated in that is different from what you are used to in your culture? This could be something you read, listened to, watched, or otherwise took part in. What did you learn from this activity? This summer, we visited Arbor Day farm and enjoyed the tree adventures and truck rides.

What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why? Quantitative Fisheries Management at UNL, Micro technique at Eastern Illinois University and Aquatic Ecology at University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. All these three classes have some common things, such as an active learning environment, relearning and asking questions.

What are your plans post-graduation? I am a Fish Conservation Biologist in training. I want to pursue my career in more in-depth research related to fish conservation and teach the younger generation.

What's life like outside of school? I live here in Lincoln with my four-year-old kid Ishmam and partner Manirul, PhD candidate in Food Science at UNL. We love outdoor activities as a family. Our all-time favorites are Pioneer Park prairie, Branched Oak Lake, Lake Pawnee and Holmes Lake.

What scholarships, if any, have you received? Othmer Fellowship