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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Raelin 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. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Natural Resources focusing on forest farming research.
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.
Jeremy Wease
Research Technician - Forestry & Natural Resource Management
Jeremy recently graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with an emphasis in water quality. While at The University of Missouri, he was a member of the Mizzou Soil Judging team and competed in several national soil judging competitions. Jeremy has experience working with soils across the United States. He is interested in anything related to soil and water. Specifically, he is interested in studying the effects of land use and nutrients found within the soil on water quality and species richness found within an aquatic ecosystem.
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
Shreesha was born in the USA and grew up in India. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology engineering from N.M.A.M Institute of Technology, an engineering college in Nitte, Karnataka, India. His main research interest is CRISPR technology in genetics. Currently, Sheesha is working on soil enzyme studies as part of the OREI organic cover cropping project.
Saaruj Khadka
Ph.D. Candidate, Forestry (Geo-spatial) University of Missouri-Columbia
Saaruj Khadka earned his master's degree in Environmental Studies from Kentucky State University where his research investigated landscape diversity, landownership, and ecological productivity using geospatial techniques. In pursuing higher education, he joined the Geospatial and Analysis Laboratory under the School of Natural Resource department at the University of Missouri-Columbia for his doctoral program. Mr. Khadka has a diverse background in natural resource and geospatial modeling where he has expertise in operating small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (sUAV) including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing software. His research interests include identifying white oak mortality spatial patterns, exploring biotic and abiotic factors effects, and impacts of climate change.
Juliana Noi
M.S. Student, Sustainable Agriculture
Lincoln University
Juliana studied at EARTH University, Costa Rica, where she obtained a Licenciatura Degree in Agricultural Science & Natural Resource Management. Juliana has extensive agricultural knowledge as well as an innate interest in plant and animal research. She has worked in the agroforestry, veterinary, and exporting industries to gather data, supervise, and educate smallholder farmers and students on sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas. Juliana is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Sustainable Agriculture at Lincoln University of Missouri with a Graduate Research Assistantship where she is studying the impact of a goat silvopasture system on the forest ecosystem.
