By HEIDI KNAKE
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – University of Nebraska at Kearney alumna Sunanda Rajput has been named the 2026 recipient of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools/ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award in biological and life sciences.
She’s the first UNK student to earn this recognition.
“I couldn’t believe my thesis received such a prestigious award,” Rajput said. “I truly believe receiving this award highlights and represents the core strength of the UNK biology program and the mentorship it offers for students.”
The Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools is an affiliate of the Council of Graduate Schools and consists of more than 130 colleges and universities across the Midwest, including many large research institutions from conferences such as the Big Ten and Big 12.
“We are incredibly proud of Sunanda and the work she accomplished during her time as a biology student at UNK,” said Megan Adkins, interim dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation. “Her success reflects the strength of our students and demonstrates that UNK graduates can compete at the highest levels of research.”
An international student from India, Rajput earned a master’s degree in biology from UNK in spring 2024.
She completed her thesis under the direction of associate professor Joe Dolence, with a focus on immune responses to peanut allergies in mice, specifically examining how sex hormones influence allergic reactions.
“When I saw her data suggesting two immune cells might be communicating in way we hadn’t seen before, I knew she was onto something really special,” Dolence noted.
Her research helps explain why females are more likely to develop a peanut allergy and can help create a more personalized approach to treatment.
Graduate student research is supported at UNK through grant opportunities, direct faculty mentorship and state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Both online and in-person graduate students conduct research alongside a team of faculty mentors who help the student pursue their research questions and passions, which can create real results in their communities.
“UNK is a gem in central Nebraska,” Dolence said. “Our ability to support the kinds of projects that win awards is pretty neat and a testament to how truly wonderful it is to pursue graduate education at UNK.”
Rajput built an impressive research portfolio at UNK. She published her work in academic journals and presented at local and national conferences, including UNK Student Research Day. The annual event showcases student research and scholarly work across disciplines, helping participants strengthen their presentation skills and resumes.
Rajput earned multiple honors during Student Research Day, including the Graduate Writing Award, Graduate Poster Presentation Award for natural and physical sciences and Best Thesis Award in natural sciences.
During the 2024 event, Rajput learned she had been accepted into the College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
“I remember that day as if it was yesterday,” she said. “I still can’t explain the depth of what getting into medical school and being a physician means to me.”
Now a second-year medical student, Rajput hopes to bridge the gap between patient education and scientific research. She credits the knowledge and research opportunities gained during her time at UNK for providing the foundation to pursue her passion.
“The faculty and professors at UNK want you to succeed in your goals,” she said. “You can grow both academically and personally through the program.”
