Student Spotlight: Midhat Tugoo
September 28, 2026
Midhat Tugoo is a doctoral student in soil and crop sciences from Sopore, Kashmir, India. She earned her B.S. from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and M.S. from Kansas State University and now studies pigweeds’ ecology, biology, and herbicide resistance under the guidance of Vipan Kumar at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
I am pursuing Ph.D. in plant science with focus on weed science. My research is focused on Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, two of the most troublesome and economically damaging “pigweeds” in U.S. agriculture. These invasive, herbicide-resistant pigweeds pose significant challenges to production and farm profitability. By studying their ecology, biology, and herbicide resistance evolutionary mechanisms, I develop applied, integrated weed management strategies that farmers can implement in their fields. The broader impact of this work is supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing crop losses, preserving herbicide effectiveness, and helping farmers combat the growing threat of superweeds while enhancing long-term food security.
What are the larger implications of this research?
The broader impact of my research is helping farmers to address the growing challenge of herbicide-resistant pigweeds while promoting sustainable agricultural production. By developing practical, integrated weed management strategies my research helps reduce crop losses, improve farm profitability, and slow the spread of herbicide resistant weeds in the region. Because this research is highly applied, I work closely with farmers to develop solutions that can be implemented directly in the field. Ultimately, effective weed management supports a more resilient food production system, helping ensure long-term agricultural sustainability, protecting the environment, and food security for a growing global population.
What does it mean to you to have received the Travel Enrichment Experience Award from the Weed Science Society of America?
Receiving the Travel Enrichment Experience (TEE) Award from the Weed Science Society of America is an honor and major highlight of my graduate career as only one student is selected from each U.S. region (total four regions). Being chosen to represent the Northeastern region and Cornell is especially meaningful. It is rewarding to have my work acknowledged by a national society and motivates me to continue developing practical solutions that help farmers manage challenging weeds. This TEE opportunity to attend and engage with industry weed scientists and professionals helped me grow as a researcher and future leader in the field.
What is this award allowing you to do that you might not have been able to otherwise?
Receiving this award provided valuable exposure to the herbicide industry that I might not have gained otherwise. Through the opportunity, I visited Corteva Agriscience headquarters and interacted with global lead scientists and professionals addressing weed management challenges similar to those I study at Cornell University. As a graduate student, my experience has primarily focused on applied research and extension in academic settings. This TEE award gave me firsthand insight into how industry develops practical solutions and responds to farmers’ needs in real time. The experience broadened my perspective, strengthened my network, and improved my understanding of industry-academia collaboration in agricultural.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
I enjoy gardening and shopping and have a growing collection of branded handbags. I love cooking and trying new food recipes. As an international student, I’ve realized that talking with my mom while cooking has become one of my favorite hobbies. Growing up, having her around felt normal, so I never thought much about it. But after moving thousands of miles away and living in a different time zone, those conversations gradually became a special part of my routine. It wasn’t something I planned or noticed. Over time, it became one of the moments I look forward to most each day.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I chose Cornell because finding the right program was more important to me than anything else. I wanted to be in a place where I could grow as a graduate student, expand my knowledge, and work on research that I am truly passionate about. Cornell’s Sustainable Weed Management Lab offered exactly that opportunity, providing a strong research environment and the chance to learn from experts in the field. In addition, Cornell’s prestige, legacy, and commitment to excellence make it an incredible place to learn and develop as a researcher. Being part of this community has been both rewarding and inspiring.