Shubha Malla Awarded P.E.O International Peace Scholarship

The Graduate College is pleased to announce that Shubha Malla, doctoral student in the materials science, engineering, and commercialization (MSEC) program, has received the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS). The IPS provides up to $12,500 for women from other countries to study at the graduate level in the United States and Canada. Members of P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding.
Shubha is from Nepal, where she is the only woman from her village to pursue a graduate degree. She received her master’s degree from Texas State University in biochemistry and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Charleston, also in biochemistry. She received the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition at Texas State. She was also awarded the Robert M. Seese International Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Education in 2016 and the Graduate College Thesis Research Support Fellowship in 2015.

Due to her family history of diabetes and cancer, Shubha was driven to learn about the human body and the biochemical mechanisms that regulate it. In addition, being aware of her family’s suffering from diabetes and cancer has motivated her to work towards discovering the solution to such complex diseases. Shubha’s goal is to develop new technologies and innovative techniques for treatment and preventative measures for life-threatening diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Receiving this award has given her more strength, encouragement, and confidence to continue her education, and she hopes to set an example by motivating young women and empowering their advancement in science and engineering. She says, “My dream is not limited to myself; I aim to make the world a better place.”

After completing her Ph.D., Shubha’s career goal is to improve women’s health by establishing non-profit clinical health facilities in her home country of Nepal for women of low economic backgrounds. Shubha encourages students to seek help and follow the guidance offered by external funding coordinator, Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz. She says, “It is not only about winning the award; this entire application process has helped me greatly on my personal development.”