Columbus, OH - Suraksha Baral, a doctoral student in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics and president of the Graduate Student Association, has been selected to receive The Ohio State University’s 2026 Graduate Associate Leadership Award.
The award recognizes graduate students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service on and off campus. Dr. Abdoul Sam, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in AEDE, said Baral exemplifies leadership through impact at the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“Suraksha empowers others by strengthening professional development, advancing student success, and translating research into meaningful community outcomes,” Abdoul said.
Baral’s leadership includes improving qualifying exam preparation for first-year doctoral students, restructuring the Graduate Student Association to clarify roles and responsibilities, and contributing to the Can Fairy Program.
###