Unishma Ghimire, who is pursuing a master’s degree in food and agricultural sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is the recipient of the Emerson Morgan Graduate Scholarship. The $3,000 award is the largest among $23,500 awarded to a dozen college students by the Delmarva Chicken Association.
“By supporting these students, DCA is nurturing in the next generation of leaders in our chicken community,” said Holly Porter, DCA’s executive director in a May 28 announcement. “These young people are determined to put their learning and skills to good use in the chicken community.”
Ghimire has been involved in hands-on research in the lab and field on heat mitigation strategies to improve poultry welfare and performance under the guidance of UMES poultry researcher Dr. Jennifer Timmons over the past year. Upon her arrival from Nepal last summer, she delved into Timmons’ Trial-2 stage. The team is currently in Trial 3.
“While most poultry in the Delmarva region are raised conventionally, there is a growing demand for pasture-raised chicken,” Ghimire wrote in an essay to apply for the scholarship. “However, pasture-raised birds face more challenges, especially heat stress, which affects their health and productivity. Our research evaluates ways to help these birds handle heat stress through early temperature exposure and nutritional supplements.”
The student researcher is halfway through her studies at UMES. She aims to build her knowledge base, lab acumen and research experience to contribute to the region’s economically vital poultry industry.
Her work focuses on feed safety and quality, vital components of the production chain effecting bird health, growth, immunity and meat safety. The project also looks at how Salmonella spreads in chicken manure and carcasses, to aid farmers in adopting improved control methods.
“Overall, this work aims to support Delmarva farmers in improving bird welfare and food safety while helping them stay competitive and meet consumer demand,” Ghimire said.
The budding poultry scientist holds an undergraduate degree in veterinary science and animal husbandry from the Agriculture and Forestry University of Nepal.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
