Resham Thapa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Resham Thapa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Wyoming | United States

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Resham Thapa's academic journey is a testament to his interdisciplinary prowess and commitment to scientific inquiry. Beginning with a Bachelor's in Business Studies (B.B.S.) in 2001 from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he specialized in Financial Management. His academic evolution included a Master in Business Studies (M.B.S.) in 2005 with a focus on Investment and Financial Analysis, where he investigated the financial performance of commercial banks in Nepal. Dr. Thapa's trajectory shifted to international grounds when he pursued an M.A. in NGO Studies in 2010 at Ajou University, South Korea, leveraging an International Student Scholarship. The culmination of his educational endeavors occurred at the University of Wyoming (UW), USA, where he earned an M.S. in Agricultural Economics (2020), delving into the economic feasibility of coal char in agriculture, and a Ph.D. in Soil Sciences (2023) with a dissertation on the impacts of coal char on plant growth and soil properties.

🌟 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Thapa has cultivated a career enriched with research, teaching, and professional collaborations. As a Research Professional at UW's School of Energy Resources (2023–present), he focuses on enhancing soil health and sustainable crop production through innovative soil amendments like coal char and biochar. His role involves designing field experiments, conducting lab analyses, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Previously, as a Graduate Research Assistant at UW (2015–2023), he spearheaded collaborative projects to address soil nutrient issues and crop yield optimization. His contributions ranged from experimental designs to statistical data analysis using R programming. Earlier in Nepal, he served as a Lecturer in management studies and a Social Mobilization Expert for renewable energy projects, showcasing his adaptability across disciplines.

🌍 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Thapa’s research centers on soil health and sustainable agriculture, particularly through the use of coal-derived soil amendments. His groundbreaking work has explored the effects of coal char and biochar on plant growth, soil water retention, and crop yield, making significant strides in agroecology. His skills span soil microbial analysis, field research, and economic risk analysis, positioning him as a thought leader in soil amendment innovation. He also contributed to earlier projects like Municipal Solid Waste Management (2005–2007), blending environmental science and statistical sampling to optimize waste management systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Thapa has garnered numerous awards for his contributions to science and academia. Notable achievements include:

  • 1st Place in the Wyoming Energy Future Symposium Poster Competition (2022).
  • Travel grants to present his research at prestigious international conferences.
  • Academic scholarships from Ajou University and Tribhuvan University for exceptional performance.

He was also awarded the Eldon and Josephine Johnston Family Graduate Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to agricultural research.

🌾 Impact and Influence

Dr. Thapa’s work has profound implications for global agricultural sustainability. His research on coal char and biochar as soil amendments addresses critical challenges in soil degradation, water retention, and crop productivity, especially in semi-arid regions. His publications in reputable journals and conference presentations have advanced the scientific discourse, influencing both academic and agricultural communities. Moreover, his teaching experience in Nepal has inspired future generations, while his collaborative research endeavors at UW have strengthened ties between academia and industry.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in soil amendment research, Dr. Thapa's legacy lies in his multidisciplinary approach and dedication to practical solutions for agricultural challenges. His provisional patent on coal char for soil health and crop yield enhancement exemplifies his innovative mindset. Looking forward, Dr. Thapa aims to expand his research to address global food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture. His efforts will continue to inspire scientists and policymakers alike, fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

 

Publications


  • 📜 Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Budhathoki, S.; Shilpakar, S.; Panday, D.; Alsunuse, B.; Tang, S.X; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Soils
    Year: 2024

  • 📜 Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculum Potential in Crop Rotation Soil With Different Levels of Irrigation
    Authors: Bouzeriba T. B. Alsunuse, Nasruddeen Al-Awwal, Samir Budhathoki, Resham B. Thapa, Michael Baidoo, Faraj Zaid & Peter D. Stahl
    Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science (JAS)
    Year: 2023

  • 📜 Use of Stratified Cluster Sampling for Efficient Estimation of Solid Waste Generation at Household Level
    Authors: Mohan B. Dangi, Michael A. Urynowicz, Kenneth G. Gerow, and Resham B. Thapa
    Journal: Waste Management & Research
    Year: 2008

  • 📜 An Assessment of Plant Growth and Soil Properties Using Coal Char and Biochar as a Soil Amendment
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Coupal, R.H.; Dangi, M.B.; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Agronomy
    Year: 2024

  • 📜 Initial Greenhouse Observations on Use of Coal Char as a Soil Amendment: Influences on Plant Growth and Soil Water Holding Capacity
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Tang, S.X.; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Journal of Dryland Agriculture (JODA)
    Year: 2023

 

Sunil Bista | Environmental Science | Most Commended Article Award

Mr. Sunil Bista | Environmental Science | Most Commended Article Award

Jackson State University | United States

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Sunil Bista's academic journey began with a solid foundation in civil engineering, having earned his Bachelor’s degree from Pokhara University, Nepal in 2015. He continued his pursuit of expertise in hydropower engineering, obtaining a Master's degree from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, in 2021. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Jackson State University, USA, where his focus is on water resources and hydropower engineering. His early education at V.S. Niketan College and Kalika Higher Secondary School further nurtured his scientific and engineering acumen.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Mr. Bista has developed an impressive range of technical skills and knowledge through years of professional development. His proficiency spans across tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS), Python, Matlab, AutoCAD, and advanced hydrological modeling systems like SWAT and HEC-RAS. He has also taken up pivotal roles in training, imparting knowledge on hydrological modeling and water resource management to participants across various institutions. His work has also encompassed hands-on training in earthquake resilience, retrofitting techniques, and hydropower management.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Bista's research focuses on hydrologic modeling, water resource management, and climate change impacts on hydropower potential. His contributions to the scientific community are evident through numerous publications in esteemed journals such as Scientific Reports and the Journal of Hydrology. His projects often integrate remote sensing technologies with hydrological modeling to address critical environmental issues, such as flood risk and heatwave exposure. Through collaborative research, he has significantly advanced understanding in areas like satellite-based precipitation estimates and climate impact assessments.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Bista's excellence in the field has been recognized with various prestigious awards, including travel grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). These accolades reflect his international recognition and commitment to attending global forums that tackle climate change, hydropower challenges, and water resource management. His academic and research achievements are further complemented by scholarships and assistantships at Jackson State University.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Mr. Bista has played an active role in disseminating knowledge through conferences and training programs. His presentations at conferences like the AGU Fall Meeting and the ASCE EWRI Congress demonstrate his ability to address large-scale environmental challenges. As a resource person, he has trained government officials, students, and professionals in hydrologic modeling, fostering a broader understanding of water resource management. His influence extends to Nepal, where he has contributed to national projects on hydropower and disaster management.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

With an expanding body of research and recognition in hydrological and environmental fields, Mr. Bista is positioned to leave a lasting legacy in hydropower engineering and climate resilience. His research and leadership continue to shape approaches to sustainable water management and disaster risk reduction. As he advances in his Ph.D. program, Mr. Bista is poised to make further contributions that will not only impact academic circles but also influence policy and infrastructure development in hydropower and water resource sectors. His future endeavors will likely address pressing environmental issues on both local and global scales, driving innovation and resilience in these critical areas.

 

Publications


📄Hydrologic applicability of satellite-based precipitation estimates for irrigation water management in the data-scarce region
Authors: Bista, S., Baniya, R., Sharma, S., Raj Thapa, B., Talchabhadel, R.
Journal: Journal of Hydrology
Year: 2024


📄Spatiotemporal characterization of heatwave exposure across historically vulnerable communities
Authors: Bhattarai, S., Bista, S., Sharma, S., Amini, F., Talchabhadel, R.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2024


📄Integrated modeling for assessing climate change impacts on water resources and hydropower potential in the Himalayas
Authors: Baniya, R., Regmi, R.K., Talchabhadel, R., Pradhan, A.M.S., Tamrakar, J.
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Climatology
Year: 2024