PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Jan. 16, 2026) — At Prairie View A&M University, change often starts in unexpected places, sometimes in a field, collecting soil samples, and sometimes in a student discovering her voice as a scientist.
Melani L. Clark
For senior Melani L. Clark, undergraduate research has been more than a requirement. It has been a three-year journey that sharpened her confidence, clarified her purpose, and positioned her as an emerging changemaker at the intersection of agriculture, environmental science, and animal health.
Clark, an agriculture major and participant in the Research and Innovation Success and Excellence (RISE) program, studies how climate-smart farming practices affect greenhouse gas emissions in crop production. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Fares, her research explores how biochar, a charcoal-like material used to improve soil, and animal waste can reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop productivity. Her research reflects a broader effort to develop sustainable agricultural solutions that balance environmental responsibility with the need to feed a growing population.
That work has taken her well beyond the classroom. From collecting CO₂ samples in the field to running computer analyses and mastering statistical coding, Clark developed both technical expertise and a deeper respect for the environment she studies.
“The highlight of my experience in the Faculty-RISE Program has been seeing the progressive nature of my research over the span of three years and being able to effectively describe its importance to experts and students at conferences,” Clark said. “It’s rewarding when people are interested in what I’m talking about, and I feel like it impacts how they view environmental issues.”
That growing confidence followed her to national stages. Clark presented her findings at the Association of 1890 Research Directors Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Emerging Researchers National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, experiences that strengthened her communication skills and affirmed the relevance of her work.
“Malani has consistently demonstrated an exceptional research work ethic; she is curious, committed and detail oriented,” Dr. Fares said. “From her work on climate-smart practices and soil CO₂ emissions in grain sorghum systems to presenting at national and international conferences, she approached every task with professionalism and determination. Mentoring her has been a rewarding experience; I have watched her grow into a confident researcher whose dedication and passion for science will serve her well.”
While rooted in environmental science, Clark’s research serves as a foundation for her future career in veterinary medicine. She plans to attend Purdue Veterinary College in Fall 2026, where she intends to specialize in livestock animals with a focus on reproduction and nutrition. Her long-term goals include earning a master’s in public health and becoming a veterinary school professor.
“My research gave me a newfound respect for how we treat the environment,” Clark said. “Through RISE, I also gained a well-rounded foundation for pre-veterinary medicine because of my colleagues’ expertise in different areas of environmental science.”
Clark credits both her research experience and her internship in Purdue’s Vet Up program with reinforcing a One Health perspective, the understanding that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected.
Her journey reflects the power of undergraduate research to bridge disciplines, refine career paths, and prepare students for leadership in science and medicine. For Clark, RISE was not simply a program; it was a proving ground for becoming the kind of pioneer equipped to tackle complex, real-world challenges.
The PVAMU Faculty-RISE Program, led by Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Magesh Rajan, empowers students through comprehensive research training, dedicated mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists and innovators to drive transformative discoveries and leadership at Prairie View A&M University and beyond.
A modified version of this story was originally published at pvamu.edu/research.
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