Member Spotlight: Mala Ganiger, Student and ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Member

 

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?

One of the projects that I am currently working on is, “GWAS Study of Common Buckwheat Seed Coat Color”. The goal of this project is to identify the genomic regions responsible for the seed coat color in common buckwheat using hyperspectral imaging and plant genotyping. This project is particularly exciting to me because it has the potential to provide valuable insights into the genetic makeup of varieties with different seed color and also how environmental conditions can influence the seed coat color. This research can be incredibly useful for plant breeders and farmers alike.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Some of the best career advice that I have received is to find something that I am passionate about and pursue it with dedication and hard work. While doing so, I always take time to evaluate and review my progress periodically. This can be beneficial for setting new goals and pushing myself to the next level. At the same time, it is also important to remember to prioritize self-care, as this can help keep myself motivated and be productive. Last but not the least, it is important to remember to have patience and trust that things will eventually work out. It may not happen immediately, but it is important to stay focused on my goals and be persistent. Always remember to take breaks and not burn out, celebrate small wins, and enjoy the journey.

Do you have a mentor that has helped you in your professional career? How have they helped you?

Yes, I have had the privilege of having mentors in my professional career. Dr. Richard Horsley, who is a barley breeder and head of the department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University is my major advisor and a mentor. I also seek a lot of advice from my husband, Dr. Ashok Chanda, who is a Sugarbeet Pathologist in Plant Pathology Department at University of Minnesota. They have provided me with invaluable guidance and advice on how to best reach my goals. They have helped me push myself to learn new skills and knowledge related to my industry, improve my communication skills, stay organized, and stay motivated to reach my potential. They have also assisted me in setting achievable goals, helped me develop strategic plans to meet these goals, and provided me with opportunities to build and strengthen my professional network. Lastly, my mentors have always been there to provide me with emotional support and guidance when I needed it most. They have truly been a blessing in my professional career.

As a woman, what is a challenge/obstacle you have faced in your career?

As a woman, I think my challenges/obstacles are no different than other women. The challenges that I have faced in my career include dealing with sexism, narrow-minded views, and stereotypes. It is important to understand these dynamics and take the necessary steps to overcome them. Additionally, standing up for what is right and speaking out against injustices can help fight gender inequality in the workplace. I have learned to be resilient in the face of adversity and not let any negative comments or experiences deter me from reaching my goals.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? How does it fall into the context of your industry?

I think Women’s history month is very important and a great opportunity to celebrate and honor all the inspiring women who have come before us, sacrificed so much, and paved the way for the future generation. It is a great way to recognize the incredible progress that has been made over the years, raise awareness about the gender inequalities still present in society, and the power that can be brought by women in leadership in an organization. It is a great reminder to keep fighting for more inclusion and equity in the workplace. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to empower, uplift, and support women throughout their lives and careers. Me being a mom of two beautiful kids, full-time employee, and a PhD student, I also have had to navigate the delicate balance between career and family responsibilities. To do this, I have learned how to set boundaries and prioritize tasks so that I can be successful at both. Learning how to find a work-life balance is essential to succeed in any career.