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Dr. Zeng, Jiayu Dong, Kamal Chhetri, and the 2026 Summer Interns

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Kamal Chhetri

Ph.D. candidate (2023.8 - present)

I was born and raised in the western part of Nepal. My passion for plants and agriculture developed early in my childhood while growing up on a family-owned farm. This upbringing fueled my curiosity and ultimately led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University. After completing my Master of Science in Biotechnology at West Virginia State University in 2023, I started my Ph.D. journey under the guidance of Dr. Zeng at Virginia Tech. My research interests lie in exploring innovative solutions to crop disease and sustainability. I find solace in the great outdoors. I love camping, exploring new places, and immersing myself in various genres of music. 

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Jiayu Dong

Ph.D. student (2024.8 - present)

I was born and grew up in Hebei Province, which is in the north of China. I pursued my undergraduate degree in the plant protection major at China Agricultural University. After graduation, I chose to continue my study in plant pathology at the same school and gained my master's degree. In August 2024, I started my Ph.D. program at Virginia Tech, with a focus on tobacco target spot in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. Beyond academic pursuits, I enjoy traveling, reading, and also derive pleasure from cooking and baking and enjoying delicious cuisine.

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Lab Alumni
Undergraduate Research Assistants

Nia Stewart, Virginia Tech, Summer 2026

Claire Ruscello, Virginia Tech, Summer 2026

John Chung, Virginia Tech, Summer 2026

Aryan Srivastava, Virginia Tech, Summer 2025

Paige Bilski, Virginia Tech, Summer 2025

Sophia Gavasheli, Virginia Tech, Summer 2025

Matthew Gastkins, James Madison University, Summer 2025

Samatha Ferrer, Hollins University, Summer 2024

Liv Erickson, Virginia Tech, Summer 2024

Denis Sarisoy, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Summer 2024

Caroline Taylor, Virginia Tech, Summer 2023
Sarah Hingst, Virginia Tech, Summer 2023
Xueming Xu, Virginia Tech, Summer & Fall 2023

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Other Alumni
Aoran Diao, Graduate student (2026.1-2026.8)
Md Mostafa Masud, Graduate student (2023.5-2024.5)
Priyanka Gangwar, Postdoc Researcher (2023.4-2025.11)
Ayodeji Bello, Presidential Postdoc Fellow (2023.9-2025.8)
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