Junior environmental science student Jannat Bahanni at the 2025–26 Regal Scholars ceremony. Photo courtesy of UT Knoxville.

Junior environmental science major Jannat Bahanni was recognized as a member of the 2025–26 Regal Scholars cohort. Bahanni was one of twenty University of Tennessee students to receive this honor from Regal, earning a $10,000 scholarship to apply toward her education.

A Knoxville native, Bahanni always loved the outdoors, taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the “lush greenery” of her own backyard or the Great Smoky Mountains. “As I grew, much like the flowers in my garden, I developed an increasing interest in the environment around me, which led to my decision to major in environmental science,” Bahanni says.

Regarded as “brilliant” by professors in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, it is no surprise Bahanni was nominated for the Regal scholarship. Some of her recent work involved assisting Professor Joe Zhuang on literature/data-based analysis in the area of circular bioeconomy to address current status, challenges, and opportunities of agricultural waste conversion and reuse on small farms.

Bahanni hopes to apply what she learns during her time in the Herbert College of Agriculture to make the world better for future generations and “to preserve what we have left.” She says, “This scholarship, personal to me, is a sign to keep going, for I know that in the end, it will all be worth it. I hope to one day work in sustainability, and maybe look back on the time I spent in college, and those who cheered me on, and think of how grateful I am.”

Bahanni credits the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science for providing the experiences that led to this scholarship. “I believe that my time working under the BESS department has truly prepared me for this opportunity by teaching me diligence, responsibility, and drive.”

She specifically names Zhuang as a faculty mentor, providing her with valuable experiential learning opportunities such as helping to write scientific papers and compiling a book on circular bioeconomy to be published by spring 2026. “He’s been helping me out so much, and I’m grateful that I’m able to learn so much from him,” she says.

If her accomplishments as a student are any indication, Bahanni has a bright future ahead. Her recipe for success? “Let your passions guide you to do what you love.”