Shabnam Shabnam

“ Shabnam Shabnam is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She conducts her doctoral research in the Advanced Irrigation Lab under the mentorship of Dr. André Daccache.

Her Ph.D. work focuses on plant physiological responses to the unique microclimatic conditions created by agrivoltaic systems, with a particular emphasis on improving water and nutrient use efficiency in tomato cultivation in California. Through this research, Shabnam aims to contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of crop performance under solar-integrated farming systems and to support the development of more sustainable, resource-efficient agricultural practices.

Shabnam earned her M.S. in Horticulture and Agronomy from University of California, Davis in 2025. Her master’s thesis examined the effects of nitrogen and potassium fertigation frequency on almond tree growth and key physiological traits, providing insights that support improved nutrient management and long-term orchard sustainability.

Her broader research interests include precision irrigation, sustainable nutrient management, crop physiological responses to altered environments, and the integration of renewable energy technologies within agricultural systems. She is committed to advancing climate-resilient agriculture that promotes water conservation, nutrient efficiency, and the sustainable production of high-value crops.”