Research Interns

My name is Dilshan Ekanayaka. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Special) from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, where I specialized in Environmental Soil Management. I'm from Matale, located in the center of Sri Lanka, a beautiful island often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean due to its rich biodiversity and natural resources. My home is near the Knuckles Mountain Range, one of Sri Lanka's most important and scenic highland ecosystems.
I have a deep passion for gaining knowledge, particularly in the area of environmental conservation. In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and Elle, as well as watching movies and TV series.

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My name is Muhammed Lamin Bittaye, a first-generation college student from Essau, Gambia. I lost my father at the age of five, but his legacy as a passionate farmer lives on through a cashew orchard he left behind, which continues to sustain our family. His foresight and commitment to the land inspired me to pursue a career in agriculture and rural development. I graduated from the Gambia college in 2023, and now I am pursuing Business Administration and IT at Western Nebraska Community College to complement my practical farming background and grow my agribusiness, BILROOM with focus on livestock and orchard management.
Throughout my life, I’ve been deeply connected to agriculture: working with the land, raising animals, and managing orchards have always been more than just responsibilities; they are passions that ground me. I enjoy spending time on the farm, practicing vegetative propagation, compost making, and learning new techniques in sustainable farming. Beyond agriculture, I have a love for reading, especially books on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. I also love all kinds of handy works (arts, craft, metal work, woodwork, construction...), playing soccer, and as well engaging in community service, and exploring nature. These hobbies reflect my desire to grow not only as a professional, but as a person dedicated to uplifting others.
I am currently interning at PREEC in the Soil Department, where I’m gaining hands-on experience in soil science and management. My work involves learning about soil composition, fertility, conservation techniques, greenhouse gas regulations, and how soil interacts with water and nutrients to support healthy plant growth. This internship is strengthening my understanding of soil as the foundation of agriculture and equipping me with the knowledge and skills I need to improve farming systems back home, support smallholder farmers, and promote sustainable practices in Gambia

From Sri Lanka to Nebraska:
I grew up in Matara, a beautiful coastal city in southern Sri Lanka, surrounded by nature and inspired by the rhythm of the environment. That connection with nature shaped my life's goal - to find more sustainable ways to do agriculture without harming the ecosystems which support us. Today, my journey has taken me halfway across the world to the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I'm working to improve my knowledge about managing soil inputs and agronomic practices, specifically focusing on nitrogen (N) management in sugar beet farming.

I'm 24 years old and from Brazil. I'm an undergraduate student in Agronomy's Bachelor in Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. I was born in Garibaldi, a small city that is called the City of Sparking Wine because there exist many vineyards and wineries. So, since then I have had contact with the agronomy world. Also, I did a technician course in Agronomy and due to it, I choose this course in the college. As long as my internship lasts, I hope to learn more about the United States agriculture. I want to acquire more knowledge about soil nutrient management because this is the area that I want to specialize in in the future.

I am Misara Bandara, from Colombo, Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation. I am passionate about learning new things and becoming a better version of myself than I was yesterday. During my journey of growth, the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, is where I'm currently engaged in learning.
I specialized in Agri-Environmental resource management during my honors degree from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. This is where I developed a deep passion for environmentally friendly agriculture. I believe in learning from nature and mimicking its systems to overcome the challenges and build sustainability in agriculture. I am here to study and learn more about soil science and nutrient management at the Maharjan Soil Lab, which I find both really important and interesting.
Outside of my academic life, I love to travel and enjoy the beauty and wonder that nature has created. I also love spending time with my family, loved ones, and friends.
"What I believe is: fly high - not only with ambition, but with kindness, courage, purpose, and humility." This is just a small message to brighten your day!

I was born and raised on a farm north of Bridgeport, Nebraska. I am currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and will be a sophomore this fall. I plan to get a bachelor's degree in agronomy with minor in soils.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, art, and water skiing. I was given the opportunity to be a summer intern at the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center in Scottsbluff Nebraska under the direction of Dr. Maharjan. This is my second year being a summer intern here. This opportunity has allowed me to learn more about soil science and has helped me to gain knowledge about soils that I will use in my studies at UNL.