Dr Prasad received the Research Innovation Excellence Award and was also named 2025 Research Innovator of the Year at the FNU Research and Innovation Excellence Awards.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Dr Prasad says the recognition is the result of years of hard work, perseverance and the support of the people around her.
She says her current research focuses on improving access to clean cooking energy for households by working with communities, women's groups, non-government organisations, the private sector and fellow researchers to develop practical solutions that improve people's lives.
Dr Prasad says her passion for community-based research began during her PhD after her supervisor encouraged her to ensure her work gave back to society.
Insert: Prasad on challenges
She says one of the biggest challenges has been balancing research, teaching and family responsibilities.
Dr Prasad says her mother has played a vital role by caring for her children while she attended workshops and carried out fieldwork, while her husband has supported her by reviewing her research before it was published.
She also acknowledged the support of her supervisors, colleagues and the FNU Research Office, saying research is never an individual effort but the result of teamwork and collaboration.
Dr Prasad hopes her journey will inspire more women and young researchers to pursue research that makes a real difference in people's lives and communities.
