CURRENT POSITION

Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences | University of Florida
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (Summer 2025 – Present)
Project: Soil Nutrient Management: BMP Project

EDUCATION

  1. Ph.D. Agronomy (2020-2025)
    Texas A&M University, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences | GPA: 4.00 [Link]
    Project Title: Investigating the Biological Nitrification Inhibition Activity in Selected Sorghum Genotypes
  2. M.Sc. Horticulture (2018-2020)
    University of Florida, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences | GPA: 4.00 [Link]
    Project Title: Unraveling the effect of advanced horticultural practices on Huanglongbing-affected grapefruit
  3. B.Sc. Agriculture (2012-2016)
    Tribhuvan University, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Nepal | Grade: Distinction [Link]

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Published Articles

  1. Nair, V. D., Phuyal, D., & Vardanyan, L. (2026). Bioavailable phosphorus across Florida’s diverse soil orders: implications for crop productivity and environmental protection [Original Research]. Frontiers in Environmental Science, Volume 14 - 2026.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2026.1748291
  2. Watson, K. L., Gignac, J. E., Navarrete, A. A., Joharzadeh, L., Osei, B., Phuyal, D., . . . Wyatt, B. M. (2026). Low-intensity prescribed fire has no immediate impact on soil physical and chemical properties or enzymatic activity in the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion, Texas, USA. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 9(1), e70315.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.70315
  3. Sapkota, D., & Phuyal, D. (2026). Agricultural Runoff and Waterborne Disease in Primary Care: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Medicine, 1(1), 5.
    https://www.mdpi.com/3042-7681/1/1/5
  4. Phuyal, D., & Nair, V. D. (2025). The Dynamics, Analysis, and Sustainable Management of Phosphorus in Muck Soils: A Review. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 13, 1703620.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1703620
  5. Ghosh, E., Rajan, N., Phuyal, D., Subramanian, N., & Bagavathiannan, M. (2024). High rhizospheric ammonium levels in Sorghum halepense (johnsongrass) suggests nitrification inhibition potential. Agricultural & Environmental Letters, 9(2), e20137.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.20137
  6. Phuyal, D., Nogueira, T. A. R., Jani, A. D., Kadyampakeni, D. M., Morgan, K. T., & Ferrarezi, R. S. (2020). 'Ray Ruby' Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing I. Planting Density and Soil Nutrient Management. HortScience, 55(9), 1411-1419.
    https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15111-20
  7. Phuyal, D., Nogueira, T. A. R., Jani, A. D., Kadyampakeni, D. M., Morgan, K. T., & Ferrarezi, R. S. (2020). 'Ray Ruby' Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing II. Planting Density, Soil, and Foliar Nutrient Management. HortScience, 55(9), 1420-1432.
    https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15255-20

Articles in Preparation

  1. Mechanistic insight on biochar effect on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties: A Review. Kafle et al. [Submitted: Discover Soil]
  2. Fertilizer Types Impacts Biological Nitrification Inhibition of Sorghum and its Climate-smart Benefits. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  3. Unraveling the Effect of Biological Nitrification Inhibition of Sorghum Under Different Soil Types. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  4. The Biological Nitrification Inhibition Activity of Sorghum Shows a Potential Climate-Smart Solution for Sustainable Agriculture in a Field Condition. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  5. Issues With Nitrogen Loss in Crop Production and Environment: Synthetic and Biological Approaches to Resolve It. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]

EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS

  1. Phuyal, D., & Davenport, R. (2022). Science Advocacy and Leadership Opportunities for Graduate Students. CSA News, September.
    [Link]
  2. Phuyal, D., & Ferrarezi, R. (2020). Improved Horticultural Practices for Grapefruit Production in the Indian River District. Indian River Citrus League, Newsletter, September.
    [Link]
  3. Ferrarezi, R., Phuyal, D., Kadyampakeni, D., & Morgan, K. (2020). Effect of Planting Density and Enhanced Nutrition on Grapefruit. EDIS, January.
    [Link]
  4. Biological nitrification inhibition: A climate-smart solution and key for sustainability.
    [In preparation - PI Reviewing]

JOURNALS REVIEWED

  1. Frontiers in Plant Science (1 article reviewed)
  2. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (1 article reviewed)
  3. Hort Science (1 article reviewed)
  4. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment (3 articles reviewed)
  5. Agronomy (7 articles reviewed)
  6. Biology (3 articles reviewed)
  7. Forests (8 articles reviewed)
  8. Nitrogen (3 articles reviewed)

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

24 peer-reviewed conference presentations delivered at international conferences (ASA, CSSA, SSSA Annual Meetings, ASHS, etc.).

View All Conference Presentations →

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP

Years Role / Organization
2022-2023 Vice President: Soil and Crop Sciences Graduate Organization
2021-2022 International Student Association (External Programs Committee)
2019-Present Soil Science Society of America
2019-Present Crop Science Society of America
2019-Present American Society of Agronomy
2020-2021 NAPA Career and Outreach Committee
2018-2020 UF Treasure Coast Graduate Student Organization
2018-2020 Florida State Horticultural Society
2018-2020 American Society for Horticultural Science

FELLOWSHIP AND AWARDS

Years Award Details
2022-23 Encompass Scholar (ASA-CSSA-SSSA): Participated in a professional development workshop.
2022 ASA-CSSA-SSSA SEED Ambassador: Advocacy training to connect scientists with members of Congress.
2022-23 Future Leaders in Science: Participated in 2022 Virtual Congressional Visits Day. Visited offices of Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Jake Ellzey, Rep. Roger Williams, and Rep. Henry Cuellar.
2019 Yara North America Crop Innovation Scholarship: Awarded for outstanding academic and research record at University of Florida.
2019 Center for Stress Resilient Agriculture, UF: Participated in innovative root course.
2018 LI-COR Biosciences Training Travel Award: Participated in LICOR 6400 photosynthesis equipment training.
2012-2016 Tribhuvan University Scholarship: Awarded for outstanding academic performance across all semesters.
2012 Tribhuvan University Merit Admission Scholarship: Awarded for high score in admission exam.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Management Laboratory (SCSC 432)

Texas A&M University, United States
Fall 2024
Assist with the laboratory component for fourteen undergraduate students, focusing on methods used in soil testing, fertilizer recommendations, and the chemical/physical properties of soils. Guide analysis of soil characteristics and support students in applying these techniques.

Teaching Assistant, Soil Science (SCSC 301)

Texas A&M University, United States
Spring 2022
Supported virtual and in-person instruction for fifty students. Facilitated laboratory sessions on soil physical/chemical/biological analysis. Guided interpretation of results and proctored exams.

Teaching Assistant, World Food and Fiber Crops (SCSC 105)

Texas A&M University, United States
Fall 2021
Assisted twenty-four undergraduates in plant data collection, statistical analysis, and report presentation. Focused on technological aspects of agricultural practices and food production.

Agriculture Instructor, Galkot Higher Secondary School

Baglung, Nepal
2016 - 2017
Led introductory course on entomology and vegetable production for thirty high school students, fostering foundational agricultural knowledge.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Date Activity Details
November 2025 CANVAS Meeting:Oral presentation Judge Served as a Judge for eight graduate oral competitions on the Soil Carbon & Greenhouse Gas Emissions Community.
November 2025 CANVAS Meeting:PosterJudge Served as a Judge for five graduate poster competitions on the ASA Nutrients and Environmental Quality Community.
November 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting: Poster Judge Served as judge for five undergraduate poster competitions related to Soil Nutrition and Plant Physiology.
March 2023 Student Research Week, Texas A&M University Graded and scored six posters from undergraduate and graduate students.
January 2022 Student Research Week, Texas A&M University Judged and scored eight posters from undergraduate students.
January 2018 & 2019 Florida Citrus Show
  • Assisted at registration desk
  • Managed A/V equipment for 30+ presenters
  • Served 800+ attendees
January 2018 Agricultural Workers Training
  • Interacted with growers
  • Managed seminar setup/teardown
  • Served 300+ attendees
August 2019 Citrus Expo Prepared and presented two grower-focused posters:
  • Tree Density and Micronutrient Application on Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing
  • Application of Soil Moisture Sensors

ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES

Congressional Meetings 2022

  • Selected among 14 SEED Ambassadors nationwide by ASA
  • Communicated with offices of Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Jake Ellzey, Rep. Roger Williams, and Rep. Henry Cuellar
  • Advocated for USDA research funding

CERTIFICATION

📜 FAA Part 107 UAV Pilot License [Link]
📜 An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching [Link]

TRAVEL GRANTS

Date Grant Details
2022 The Lloyd and Maxine Rooney Fellowship Endowment Presented research at an international conference
2021 The Lloyd and Maxine Rooney Fellowship Endowment
  • International Travel scholarship (unused due to conference postponement)
  • Graduate Student Leadership Conference participation
2019 American Society for Horticultural Science Travel Grant
  • Presented research at ASHS international conference
  • Gradient Student Council Travel Award