07/12/2026

Ashmita Sapkota, Auburn University – Alain VanRycheghem Scholarship Recipient

"I aim to advance safer public health practices, especially in lower-income communities."

A single industry article sparked Ashmita Sapkota's journey into urban entomology.

While preparing for her master's research, Ashmita became fascinated by an important question: How can pest management become safer, smarter, and more sustainable? Today, as a graduate student at Auburn University, she is researching the biology and behavior of cockroaches to help improve control strategies used by pest management professionals.

Her work examines how different cockroach species respond to control products and explores the biological traits that influence their behavior. She has also contributed to research on product performance and insecticide resistance, helping identify practical approaches that support more effective and sustainable pest management.

Beyond the laboratory, Ashmita is an active participant in the professional community, presenting her research at scientific meetings and building relationships with industry leaders. She hopes to continue advancing public health through research while developing innovative solutions that benefit both pest management professionals and the communities they serve.