Krishna R Acharya, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow at North Dakota State University with a strong interdisciplinary academic background and diverse research experience. He has expertise in natural resource management, environment protection, forests management, and biodiversity conservation. Acharya has worked with international, regional, bilateral, and national organizations and has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Acharya obtained his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, with a specialization in Plant Pathology, from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, graduating with a 3.98/4.00 GPA. He then pursued a Master's degree in Plant Sciences (Plant Pathology) at South Dakota State University, where he graduated with a perfect 4.00/4.00 GPA. During his master's, he focused his research on the soybean cyst nematode, investigating its distribution and characterization in South Dakota.
Acharya subsequently earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Pathology/Phytopathology, with a specialization in Nematology, from North Dakota State University. His doctoral research focused on the management of plant-parasitic nematodes, specifically the role of cover crops in reducing soybean cyst nematode populations and identifying novel resistance sources.
Acharya has held various academic and research positions throughout his career. Before obtaining his Ph.D., he worked as a graduate research assistant at both South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University, where he developed research projects, assisted in grant writing, and conducted experiments to manage plant diseases and parasitic nematodes.
From June 2022 to the present, Acharya has been a postdoctoral research fellow at North Dakota State University, working with a team of scientists to study the resistance and susceptibility of wheat to bacterial leaf streak disease. He has also been involved in developing reliable screening methods and identifying genetic resistance.
Acharya has authored or co-authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals, including:
Acharya has received various awards and recognition throughout his academic and professional career. He was awarded the Mahendra BIddhya Bhusan (Gold Model) for scoring the highest marks in his Bachelor's degree. Additionally, he received merit scholarships during his undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University. He has also been active in various organizations and associations, such as the American Phytopathological Society and the Nepalese Student Association-Chautaree at NDSU.