I began my journey with the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in July 2023 as an assistant professor and Extension Plant Pathologist located at the Central Region Agricultural Extension and UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Nashville, TN. Prior to this role, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Kansas State University in the Plant Biosecurity lab, where my research revolved around screening, molecular diagnosis and genotyping of a select agent bacterial pathogen, Rathayibacter toxicus, in a BSL-3 biocontainment environment. I received my Ph.D. in plant pathology at Kansas State University where I focused on characterization and phylogenetic analysis of wheat RNA viruses using high-throughput Nanopore sequencing. Further, I also worked on host-resistant varietal screening nurseries of viral and fungal pathogens.

My master’s degree from Montana State University delved into the impact of agronomic practices on disease incidence and severity of soil-borne and foliar fungal pathogens as well as mite-virus complexes in the Montana cropping system. The major project there focused on how the presence of alternative hosts and daily mean temperature influence the wheat streak mosaic virus infection and its Eriophyid mite vector infestation.  Furthermore, I hold a master’s degree in Agriculture in Tropics and sub-tropics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany where I explore the suitability of pollen as an alternative food for predatory mites a biocontrol agent of small arthropods such as spider mites and thrips of high-value ornamental crops. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Throughout my academic journey, I have always enjoyed interacting with growers, understanding their challenges and sharing knowledge.

My research and extension efforts have primarily focused on developing educational programs and applied research in the area of sustainable plant disease management. This is achieved through early and accurate disease diagnosis and understanding the interactions of host-pathogen-vector with their environment. The main priority of my program is to support the ornamental plants, nursery plants and turf growers in the State of Tennessee through collaborative research and extension activities. I am committed to encouraging young scientists in STEM and to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.