Doctoral graduate in Crop Sciences helps improve crops that feed the world

Sandhu studying whear
As a doctoral student, Sandhu used a near-Infrared camera to measure spectral and vegetative traits of wheat plants at WSU’s Spillman Farm.

A new doctoral graduate of WSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Karansher Sandhu is engaged in work that improves crops and products that are global food staples.

“I grew up on a farm,” in India’s northwestern state of Punjab, “and being a farm boy drove my interest to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.”

Sandhu majored in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Punjab Agricultural University, India, and made his way to WSU to continue his education, coming to WSU in the fall of 2017 to start on his doctorate directly after earning his undergraduate degree.

Karansher Sandhu
Karansher Sandhu

Sandhu’s academic work helped improve grain yields and nutritional quality in wheat, benefiting farmers and, ultimately, wheat-eating consumers.
Starting in 2022, Sandhu continues his work of discovery as a soybean product development scientist with Bayer Crop Sciences.

“With this, I will be taking the first step towards my early career development,” said Sandhu, who advises fellow students: “Always have a hunger to learn new things on your own, and from friends and professors.”