Soil Science
Mona Joshi
Recent Master's Graduate
Tikapur
Summary
Graduate Research Assistant with background in soil science, soil carbon dynamics, and soil physics. Experienced in field and greenhouse research, data analysis, and sustainable crop production systems. Passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture through PhD research in soil-plant-environment interactions.
Overview
9
9
Certificates
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
01.2023 - 05.2026
- MS Thesis on title, “EFFECT OF VARYING RATES OF BIOCHAR APPLICATION ON LABILE AND SOIL ORGANIC CARBON DISTRIBUTION WITH DEPTH IN SILTY LOAM SOIL”
- Conducted literature reviews to support research initiatives and identify gaps in existing studies.
- Analyzed data sets using statistical software to inform research conclusions and recommendations.
- Developed presentations for academic conferences, effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences.
- Managed laboratory inventory and equipment maintenance, ensuring operational efficiency and safety compliance.
- Designed experiments to investigate hypotheses, contributing to innovative solutions in research projects.
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
- Assisted in manuscript preparation, contributing to the publication of influential articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
- Assisted in research project “Comparing Quantity, Quality, and Economics of Tomato Production: In-Ground vs Hydroponic”
- Hands-on experience with high tunnel construction, greenhouse seedling management, and field preparation.
- Assisted in research project “Impact of Organic No-Till Practices on Soil Health and Weed Pressure in Kentucky Agroecosystems”
- Core courses: Introduction to Environmental Studies, Population & Community Ecology, Student Team Project, Experimental Design and Applied Stats, Energy & the Environment
- Elective course: Scientific Research Methodology, Organic Agriculture, Food Microbiology and Safety, Sustainable Agriculture Systems
- Worked on team project “Songbird Diversity and Species Richness Based on Forest Quality Within Forest Trails at Kentucky State University”
Agriculture Instructor
Shree Mahendranagar Secondary School
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Taught Plant Protection, Animal Husbandry, and Extension Education to diploma students.
- Designed lesson plans and implemented practical “learning by doing” approaches.
- Guided students in fieldwork including fertilizer calculation, crop transplantation, and irrigation practices.
Research Assistant (Enumerator)
Forward Nepal, Chitwan
04.2022 - 05.2022
- Conducted household surveys for Ph.D. research on Gender Intersectionality, Social Reproduction, and Agricultural Innovations.
- Collected and reported data using Kobo Toolbox; prepared daily perception reports.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
Research Fellow
National Wheat Research Center
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Conducted undergraduate thesis: “Phenotypic Traits-Based Screening of Resistant Wheat Genotypes Against Spot Blotch of Wheat.”
- Isolated pathogens in laboratory conditions to understand their behavior.
- Identified major wheat diseases such as leaf rust and loose smut, contributing to better understanding of crop health.
- Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous methodologies and data analysis techniques.
- Facilitated strong communication among team members through regular meetings, progress reports, and open channels of dialogue.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps and inform future studies.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Kentucky State University
USA 04.2001 -
B.Sc. - Agriculture
Tribhuvan University
Nepal01-2021
Higher Secondary Education - Science
Radiant Higher Secondary School
Nepal 04.2001 -
Secondary Education - Science
Sunrise Public Higher Secondary School
Nepal01-2014
Skills
Research & Lab: Soil sampling, water stable aggregate analysis, active carbon determination, soil surface area analysis, pathogen isolation, tissue culture, disease identification
Software: R Studio, SPSS, Kobo Toolbox, MWater Surveyor, MS Excel, SWAT plus, Arc GIS pro
Teamwork and collaboration
Analytical thinking
Self-directed and motivated
Affiliations
- American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)
- Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS)
- ASA, CSSA, SSSA, ASF
Interests
Soil carbon dynamics
Soil microbiology
Organic agriculture
Biochar
Hydroponics
Plant Pathology
Molecular Biology
Bioinformatics
Tissue Culture
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Integrated Nutrient & Pest Management
Reference
Maheteme Gebremedhin, Ph.D.
Chair, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Associate Professor, Soil Science
Atwood Research Facility 102A
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Maheteme.gebremedhin@kysu.edu
Work: (502) 597-6830
Suraj Upadhaya, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sustainable Systems
School of Agriculture & Natural Resources
College of Agriculture, Health, & Natural Resources
Kentucky State University
400 E Main St
Frankfort, KY 40601
Office: 114 Hunter Hall
Email: suraj.upadhaya@kysu.edu
Phone: 502-597-6146
Anuj Chiluwal
Assistant Professor (Agronomy)
Atwood Research Building, Office 123, Lab 205B
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
Kentucky State University
400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: anuj.chiluwal@kysu.edu
Tel: 502-597-5993
Certification
Member of Kentucky State University National Alumni
Awards & Scholarships
- Graduate research assistant (GRA)– Kentucky State University (2024-2026)
- Merit Scholarship – B.Sc. Agriculture, Tribhuvan University (2017–2021)
- Delegate member– National Youth Conference, Nepal (2020).
- 75% Scholarship – Radiant Higher Secondary School (2016)
Timeline
Member of Kentucky State University National Alumni
06-2026
Oral Presentation PAWC Conference
11-2025
Oral Presentation- ASA, CSSA, SSSA, ASF Conference
11-2025
Soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) plus training
09-2025
Poster Presenter – ASHS Conference
07-2025
Summer Assistantship Program (SAP) – Kentucky State University
06-2024
Food Handler Permit – Franklin County Health Department
05-2024
Graduate Research Assistant
Kentucky State University
01.2023 - 05.2026
Research Assistant (Enumerator)
Forward Nepal, Chitwan
04.2022 - 05.2022
Agriculture Instructor
Shree Mahendranagar Secondary School
01.2022 - 01.2023
Undergraduate Research Symposium – IAAS
07-2021
Proposal Writing Workshop – IAAS
09-2020
Research Fellow
National Wheat Research Center
01.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
Kentucky State University
04.2001 -
Higher Secondary Education - Science
Radiant Higher Secondary School
04.2001 -
B.Sc. - Agriculture
Tribhuvan University
Secondary Education - Science
Sunrise Public Higher Secondary School