Graduate Student Spotlight: Munmun Basak

The Department of Forest Biomaterials is so excited to welcome the graduate students joining us this spring. This week’s spotlight will be on Munmun Basak.

Munmun Basak is from Naogaon, Bangladesh, and graduated from the University of Dhaka in 2016 with a degree in applied chemistry and chemical engineering. Since then, she has worked at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), a government-owned research organization. She is now in her first year of graduate school pursuing a Ph.D. in forest biomaterials and will be working with Dr. Lokendra Pal. We recently had the chance to catch up with Munmun and ask her about some of her experiences here at NC State.

FB: Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree in forest biomaterials?

MB: My research aim is to find an effective solution for industrial application ensuring environmental sustainability. I found the perfect blend of chemistry, environmental science and engineering in the graduate program of forest biomaterials.

FB: What is your favorite thing about the Department of Forest Biomaterials and/or the College of Natural Resources?

MB: I really like the diversified community in this department. I am surrounded by some fantastic people who are willing to help each other and work together.

FB: What is your favorite thing about NC State?

MB: My favorite thing about NC state is that I can access the best of the best research facilities at any time.

FB: What advice would you give to an incoming graduate student?

MB: My advice would be to get involved with research as soon as possible. I would suggest creating a balance between work and personal life and never leave any work for tomorrow.

FB: What has been your biggest challenge as a graduate student?

MB: I think for me the biggest challenge as a graduate student is to balance the research work with the course work. At the same time being an international student, it’s also challenging to interact with people with different accents.

FB: Outside of your studies, what do you enjoy doing?

MB: I love to cook and spend time with my friends.