Pokharel, Kim receive 2025 CANR Early Career Researcher Awards
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EmailRaju Pokharel, Ph.D., and Jongkyoo Kim, Ph.D., will be honored with CANR Early Career Researcher Awards during the CANR Faculty and Staff Awards on May 8
Jongkyoo Kim, Ph.D., and Raju Pokharel, Ph.D., will be honored with CANR Early Career Researcher Awards during the CANR Faculty and Staff Awards Reception on May 8.
The CANR Excellence in Research Award program recognizes the outstanding contributions of CANR researchers to the research mission of Michigan State University (MSU). In particular, the awards focus on the impact that their achievements have had on academic and/or external stakeholder communities. The Early Career Researcher Award recognizes individuals with less than five years of service and research experience at MSU/CANR.
Jongkyoo Kim, Ph.D., has been an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science since 2020. His research bridges animal science and food science to address the critical challenges of livestock productivity and sustainability, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing global environment. Kim investigates the molecular mechanisms behind skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development in livestock species, with a special emphasis on beef cattle. His pioneering work in climate resilience for livestock production is supported by competitive funding, which has enabled the creation of a climate-modifying chamber at the MSU Beef Cattle Teaching and Research Center. This facility allows groundbreaking studies on the effects of temperature on cattle. In addition to advancing climate resilience, Kim’s research focuses on natural growth promotants to improve meat productivity per capita, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the beef industry. By enhancing productivity, fewer animals are needed to meet global demand, leading to significant environmental benefits.
Raju Pokharel, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Forest Resource Economics in the Department of Forestry. His research focuses on forest product supply chains, market models, feedstock availability, resource utilization and forest carbon. His current work includes evaluating market opportunities for mass timber, bioenergy and biochar, and assessing the economic tradeoffs of timber products under carbon management strategies. Pokharel also leads extension and outreach efforts on forest carbon markets and payments and manages the Forest Economics and Resource Management (FERM) Lab. The FERM Lab supports research, teaching and extension activities focused on the socioeconomics of forestry. The lab aims to improve forest product supply chains, advance the circular bioeconomy and address the impacts of human activity and climate change. Pokharel is also known for his mentorship, with many of his students excelling in internships and industry roles, reflecting his commitment to developing the next generation of forest economists and researchers.
