Spring 2024 grad: Jaya Suneja helps rebuild American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers student org
Spring 2024 grad: Jaya Suneja helps rebuild American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers student org ... wisc.edu
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Jaya Suneja: Pursuing Sustainable Development Goals through Biological Systems Engineering
Introduction
Jaya Suneja, a graduating student from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will soon receive her bachelor’s degree in biological systems engineering. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by actively engaging in various activities and pursuing a career focused on water management in water-scarce areas. This report highlights her experiences, academic achievements, and future plans.
Choosing the Right Major
Initially majoring in civil engineering, Jaya realized her true passion lay in environmental engineering. She discovered biological systems engineering (BSE), a field that perfectly aligned with her career goals. BSE addresses pressing human and environmental issues simultaneously, such as sustainable food production and clean water accessibility. Jaya specialized in natural resources and environmental engineering within the BSE track, gaining knowledge and skills to tackle these challenges.
Academic Journey
Jaya’s academic journey included fundamental engineering courses and specialized BSE classes. She studied subjects like conservation and nutrient management engineering, irrigation and drainage, small watershed engineering, and small-scale domestic waste systems. These courses equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of environmental engineering principles and their practical applications.
Involvement in Research and Student Organizations
Jaya actively participated in research and student organizations throughout her undergraduate years. She conducted research on abiotic drivers of damping off disease at the WDNR’s bare root tree nursery. Her dedication earned her a fellowship and the opportunity to mentor another student. Additionally, she was an integral part of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) UW-Madison chapter, serving as secretary, treasurer, and currently as president. Jaya’s involvement in ASABE led to recognition as the WI Section of ASABE Undergraduate Student of the Year. She also played a crucial role in securing funding for hosting the ASABE Midwest Regional Rally in 2025.
Career Plans and Future Goals
Jaya’s short-term plan involves pursuing a graduate degree in agrohydrology within the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. Her research project focuses on micro-irrigation uniformity distribution in almond tree farms in California. She intends to continue her involvement with ASABE during her graduate studies. After completing her graduate degree, Jaya plans to become a licensed water engineer, working on water management projects in states facing water scarcity, such as California.
Valuable College Experiences
Jaya considers her involvement in ASABE as one of the most valuable experiences during her undergraduate years. The organization’s annual Lawn Mower Clinic fundraiser, which refurbishes and delivers lawn mowers and snow blowers to community members, allowed her to connect with the community and gain hands-on skills. She also cherishes the memories of participating in the Homecoming Parade, where she bonded with her officer team and created an impressive float representing the BSE department.
Proud Achievements
Jaya takes pride in the progress made by the ASABE officer team and their preparedness to host the ASABE Midwest Regional Rally. She successfully secured a grant of $8,900 for the chapter, ensuring smooth fundraising for the event. Additionally, she values her personal growth in prioritizing health and well-being during her college years. Working at the Nicholas Recreation Center and obtaining CPR/AED certification highlighted the importance of investing in one’s physical and mental health.
Advice for CALS Students
Jaya advises incoming CALS students to take their time in choosing a major that aligns with their strengths and interests. She encourages thorough research, discussions with students from different majors, and consultations with advisors to determine the most suitable path. Jaya’s own experience of finding the right major in her freshman year allowed her to thrive and feel inspired in her chosen field.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | – |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. | – |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. | – |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. | – |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.
- Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | – |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. | – |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities. | – |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. | – |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.cals.wisc.edu
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