CURRENT POSITION

Postdoctoral Researcher
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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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. Low-Intensity Prescribed Fire Has No Impact on Soil Physical Properties and Enzymatic Activity in the Post Oak Savannah Ecoregion. Watson et al. [Finalizing for Vadose Zone Journal]
  2. Mechanistic insight on biochar effect on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties: A Review. Kafle et al. [Submitted: Discover Soil]
  3. Fertilizer Types Impacts Biological Nitrification Inhibition of Sorghum and its Climate-smart Benefits. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  4. Unraveling the Effect of Biological Nitrification Inhibition of Sorghum Under Different Soil Types. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  5. The Biological Nitrification Inhibition Activity of Sorghum Shows a Potential Climate-Smart Solution for Sustainable Agriculture in a Field Condition. [In preparation - PI Reviewing]
  6. 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 (2 articles reviewed)

GRANT APPLICATION

Title: “A Novel Approach for Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emission and Improving Nitrogen Fertilizer Use Efficiency of Sorghum”
Submitted to: Southern Region SARE 2022 Graduate Student Grant Proposal
Amount Requested: $16,226
Status: Not funded

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 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