| Degree | University | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| PhD (Agri.) Agronomy | UAS Bengaluru | Agronomy (water Management) |
| MSc. (Agri.) Agronomy | UAS Bengaluru | Agronomy (Cropping system) |
| National Eligibility Test (NET) | ICAR, New Delhi | Agronomy |
| BSc. (Agri.) Sericulture | UAS Bengaluru | Sericulture |
I am a Professor of Agronomy at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, with over 19 years of experience in teaching, research, and community outreach. My research interests focus on cropping systems, native orchid and fern conservation, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and sustainable tribal development. In recent years, my work has emphasized the restoration and conservation of orchids and ferns in sacred groves, agroforests, and natural ecosystems, with the application of niche modelling as a tool for effective species conservation and habitat suitability assessment. I actively engage tribal communities in forest protection and in developing sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to biodiversity conservation. I have established orchidarium, fernarium, and medicinal plant nursery facilities at the College of Forestry, successfully conserving 75 native orchid species, 20 wild fern species, and 25 medicinal plant species. I have completed 10 research projects and published 37 research papers, including work focused on community-led conservation of orchids and biodiversity sustainability. My international academic engagements include presenting research in countries such as Australia, South Africa, Ecuador, and Thailand. In addition to research, I mentor students in higher education pathways in forestry, agriculture, and climate sciences, and guide them in competitive examinations such as JRF and SRF.