
Forestry & Natural Resource Management Laboratory
Lab Members

Dr. Sougata Bardhan
Assistant Professor
Natural Resource Management
Dr. Bardhan has extensive experience in interdisciplinary research including agroforestry research such as alley cropping, forest farming, and riparian management. At Lincoln University Dr. Bardhan is developing an agroforestry program suitable for small and marginal farm stakeholders as a demonstration and for the development of best management practices. Bardhan has been instrumental in forming multidisciplinary international collaborations for successful research proposals (over ~$44 million total; ~$3 million as PI) spanning over four continents and more than 10 countries.

Raelin Kronenberg
Research Specialist - Agroforestry
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Ph.D. Student, Forestry
University of Missouri-Columbia
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Ms. Kronenberg earned her master's degree in natural resources with an agroforestry emphasis from the University of Missouri where she explored landowner perceptions of agroforestry practices for conservation and production. She has a diverse interdisciplinary background in both the social and natural sciences which she applies to support the research activities of the Forest Management Lab. In addition to her role in research projects, Kronenberg assists with outreach and education events on agroforestry practices.

Kurt Birchenough
M.S Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
As an undergraduate at Boston University, Mr. Birchenough studied Biology with a Specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology. After graduation, he worked in areas of wildlife and natural resource management including pheasant farming in Rhode Island, ornithological field work in Hawai’i, and ecotourism development in Mexico through the Peace Corps. After several years of working at the South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Birchenough obtained a Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Technology from the University of Miami. He has now joined Lincoln to support the investigation of the patterns of white oak mortality in the Ozark Highlands using GIS and remote sensing.

Arindam Mandal
M.S. Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
Mr. Arindam Mandal recently completed his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture with an Agronomy emphasis from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Arindam is pursuing his Master's degree in Sustainable Agriculture at Lincoln University of Missouri with a Graduate Research Assistantship. He also has Rural Agriculture Work Experience and intends to gain knowledge in machine learning, GIS software, and other digital agriculture development projects.

Dr. Erayya
Post-Docotoral Researcher
Dr. Erayya is presently working as Post Doctoral Scientist in the Forestry and Natural Resource Management Laboratory. Before joining Lincoln, he worked as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the Department of Plant Pathology, Bihar Agricultural University. He completed his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture in India. Dr. Erayya has taught many undergraduate and graduate courses and is actively involved in teaching, research, and extension work. His research interests include biological control of plant diseases, plant disease management, and molecular aspects of plant diseases.

Bani Kumar Biswas
M.S. Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
Bani Kumar Biswas is a graduate research assistant working on biochar/climate smart commodities research. In 2022, he obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture Honors from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, where he specialized in the field of plant pathology. Currently, Bani Kumar is enrolled in the M.Sc. in Sustainable Agriculture program at Lincoln University, to advance his expertise in sustainable farming practices. His academic pursuits underscore his unwavering commitment to the realms of plant health and agricultural sustainability.

Tobiloba Ogundiji
M.S. Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
Tobiloba Ogundiji earned her Bachelor's degree in Agriculture with a specialization in Animal Science from Osun State University, Nigeria. Presently, she is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture at Lincoln University, with the aim of further enhancing her knowledge and skills in sustainable farming practices. Ogundiji's academic endeavors reflect her steadfast dedication to the fields of Animal Health and Agricultural Sustainability.

Gursewak Singh
M.S. Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
Gursewak Singh is a seasoned professional with a robust background in agriculture marketing, encompassing both Agri inputs and outputs. Singh holds an MBA in Agribusiness Management from Punjab Agricultural University, India. His expertise lies in developing strategic marketing approaches for various agricultural products. Singh is further enhancing his knowledge and skill set by pursuing a master's degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology where he is focusing on integrating data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into agricultural practices for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Shreesha Padyana
Soil Science and Natural Resources Intern
Lincoln University
Bio forthcoming

Saaruj Khadka
Ph.D. Candidate, Forestry (Geo-spatial) University of Missouri-Columbia
Bio forthcoming

Joseph Emanuel
Ph.D. Student
University of Missouri -Columbia
Bio forthcoming
