Hello everyone! My name is Ankita Poudel, and I’m excited to join the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science group as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticultural Science. I’ll be working with Dr. Dominic Petrella on research focused on turfgrass shade stress physiology, with the goal of improving our understanding of shade responses and contributing to the development of shade tolerant turfgrass cultivars.
I’m originally from Nepal and recently earned my M.S. in Agronomy from Purdue University. I completed my bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Purbanchal University. During my master's research at Purdue, I studied nutrient stress physiology and evaluated the effects of micro-carbon organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on crop growth, nutrient uptake, and yield through both greenhouse and field experiments. These experiences enhanced my interest in plant stress physiology and inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in this field. Although my previous research was focused on agronomic crops, I’m excited to apply my background and expand my knowledge in turfgrass science.
I’m looking forward to this new chapter, contributing to research that helps to improve turfgrass breeding and learning from everyone in the Turfgrass Science group.