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

University of Wyoming | United States

Author Profile

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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