Postdoctoral Fellow / April, 2021 — Present

My postdoctoral research focuses on optimizing phosphorus use efficiency and improving abiotic stress tolerance in chickpea, which has strengthened my expertise in managing nutrient limitations and plant resilience—key factors in sustainable agriculture. By working with interspecific chickpea seeds and implementing a hydroponic system, I’ve developed advanced skills in plant-soilless culture techniques, which are useful for indoor farming and controlled environment agriculture. My work with various pathogens, such as screening for ascochyta blight and blossom blight resistance, has given me a solid foundation in plant pathology and disease management. This experience is critical when developing resilient crop varieties, a skill that I believe will benefit students in practical and theoretical plant biology courses.

PhD student/Graduate Research Assistant / May, 2014 — December, 2020

During Ph.D. research I have covered several critical areas including nutritional enhancement through iron fortification: I worked on iron (Fe) fortification and biofortification in chickpea, addressing micronutrient deficiencies. This research is highly relevant for improving the nutritional profile of staple crops, contributing to food security and addressing iron deficiency, which is a common issue globally. Through these projects, I developed expertise in both food fortification and biofortification, which are significant fields within plant science and food security. This combination aligns with current goals in agricultural research to produce healthier and more resilient crops.

Sessional Lecturer / January, 2024 — April, 2024

In my role as a sessional lecturer in Post-Harvest Management of Horticultural Crops, I likely covered key topics such as the physiology of harvested crops, handling and storage techniques, quality assessment, and strategies to minimize post-harvest losses. This position would involve teaching students the principles of maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other perishable crops through efficient management practices. I have also emphasized sustainable approaches to reduce food waste and improve supply chain efficiency, bridging the gap between production and consumption in horticulture.

Guest Lecturer / September, 2015 — Present

As a guest lecturer in Tropical Crops of the World, I have contributed insights into the unique growth requirements, economic importance, and challenges related to cultivating tropical crops, covering crops like jute, coffee, tea, and spice crops among others. This role likely involved discussing sustainable practices, climate adaptability, and the socio-economic impact of tropical agriculture globally. In Applied Plant Biotechnology, I have covered advanced biotechnological tools and techniques for crop improvement, including association analysis, marker assisted selection, etc. This role required knowledge of how biotechnology can address agricultural issues such as pest resistance, nutrient enhancement, and crop yield improvement, providing students with a foundation for practical applications in crop science.

Teaching Assistant / September, 2016 — December, 2020

As a Teaching Assistant for Tropical Crops of the World, Global Plant Genetic Resources, and Plant Physiology, I guided students through complex topics, provided practical insights, and supported lab sessions or discussion groups. In Tropical Crops of the World, I have introduced students to the diversity, significance, and cultivation of tropical crops, focusing on their roles in global food systems. In Global Plant Genetic Resources, I helped students understand the importance of conserving and managing genetic resources for food security and biodiversity. Meanwhile, in Plant Physiology, I supported students’ understanding of essential plant functions, from photosynthesis to nutrient uptake, reinforcing foundational concepts in plant science.

Judge / November, 2021 — March, 2024

As a judge at the SURE Fall 2021 Research Symposium, I evaluated posters on topics such as plant-based diets and breakfast consumption, highlighting my knowledge of nutritional sciences. My role at the Soils and Crops Conference, where I assessed posters in soils and plant sciences, emphasized my expertise in soil-plant interactions and crop sciences. Additionally, judging at the Plant Science Graduate Student Symposium in categories like plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology allowed me to contribute to advancing innovation in plant research through critical evaluation and feedback.