CAHNRS > Animal Sciences > Graduate Student Spotlight > Priunka Bhowmik

Priunka Bhowmik

Priunka Bhowmik

Priunka Bhowmik
PhD Student
Advisor: Dr. Zhihua Jiang

Animal Icons
Where are you from?

I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

What inspired you to pursue graduate studies in Animal Sciences at Washington State University?

As a veterinary graduate with a master’s degree in animal and poultry nutrition from Bangladesh, I was looking for a PhD program in the United States that would allow me to engage in applied research across animal genetics, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, and disease. The WSU Department of Animal Sciences stood out to me because of its strong research programs, experienced faculty, and collaborative academic environment. Furthermore, as an international PhD student, I also needed to consider financial support, including research funding, tuition, health insurance, and living expenses. WSU Animal Sciences offers strong opportunities for funded graduate research, which made the program especially attractive and practical for me. Overall, the combination of research depth, faculty expertise, and graduate student support made WSU Animal Sciences the right place for me to grow as a researcher and prepare for my future goal of contributing to animal health, productivity, and sustainable livestock production.

What is your primary area of study or research focus?

My primary research is on alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites determination and how they varied between healthy and sick (endometritis) organic dairy cows in the USA. I am investigating DNA and RNA variants associated with endometritis in organically raised dairy cows.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being part of the Animal Sciences community?

The best thing about joining the Animal Sciences community has been the strong sense of connection, support, and belonging. The faculty, students, and staff are friendly, understanding, and always ready to help each other with anything, whether it’s schoolwork, research, lab work, or personal issues. This supportive environment has made me feel like a valuable member of the community and has helped me improve in both my personal and professional life.

Have you received any awards, nominations, or special recognition?

I got several scholarships from 2024 till spring, 2026:

  1. Iris Kay Lloyd scholarship from the Department of Animal Sciences during 2024 and 2026.
  2. Fred W. Frazier Memorial Scholarship from the Department of Animal Sciences during 2025.
  3. Ralph and Poy Erb Graduate Fellowship from George Erb and Mavis Amundson during 2026.

Have you published any peer-reviewed manuscripts or key research findings?

I didn’t publish any paper yet, but I am planning to submit my review paper on “Comparative aspects of organic and conventional dairy farming”.