Thabu Mugala

Thabu Mugala is a Ph.D. candidate in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, where she studies sustainable pest management using natural enemies such as parasitic nematodes and ground beetles to control agricultural pests like slugs in conservation ag systems in Dr. Michael Crossley's lab. Her work is driven by a passion for developing environmentally friendly solutions that support farmers while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Before beginning her doctoral studies, Thabu gained her master's degree in Entomology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where she investigated the ecology and biocontrol options of the potato leaf miner, and a bachelor's degree in agriculture engineering and Natural Resource Management at EARTH University in Costa Rica, where she studied entomopathogenic fungi and Bt-biopesticides efficacy for fall armyworm control.

While in her PhD program, Thabu has contributed towards peer-reviewed publications, with 3 more in preparation and presented her work at more than 30 conferences, symposiums, extension and outreach events and workshops across the US. Through her Ph.D. research, Thabu has been recognized with multiple distinctions, including three first-place placements, four second-place finishes and three audience-choice honors in student presentations and poster competitions and further contributed to securing her research funding.

Across her work, she is committed not only to advancing sustainable agriculture but also to mentoring students and engaging broader communities in conversations about science and food systems. She aims to build a career that bridges research, extension, and global collaboration in integrated pest management.

Harkirat Mashiana

Coming from Punjab, India, Mashiana grew up with agriculture all around; it was only natural that it became her passion. That love for plants and science led her to pursue my master's in plant science at the University of Delaware. She credits her advisor, Dr. Meng, for guiding her research and shaped the way she thinks, works, and communicates as a scientist. With his support, Mashiana also had the opportunity to present her research at the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Conference, where she won two awards for my presentations, and was also recognized at our college's Three Minute Thesis competition.

Outside the lab, Mashiana servies as president of the Indian Graduate Student Association, she gives gave her a chance to give back to her community. She enjoys every bit of her graduate program, including the research, coursework,  writing, and presenting. Her labmates made her research journey smoother; wonderful friends made along the way made UD feel like home. And through it all, her family back in India cheers her on from thousands of miles away. Mashiana is extremely grateful to all these wonderful people; she isexcited to continue this journey as a Ph.D. student under Dr. Meng's mentorship.