Ph.D. Student, Graduate Research Assistant, Sidhu Lab
I am Ashish, a Ph.D. student in the Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University, with a multidisciplinary background spanning agriculture, aquaculture, and computer science. My research focuses on integrating data analytics, machine learning, and biological insights to enhance crop resilience and agricultural sustainability.
I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Technology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I developed predictive models, built dashboards, and taught database systems as a Graduate Assistant. I also earned an MS in Aquaculture and a BS in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, which laid the foundation for my interest in food systems, environmental adaptation, and interdisciplinary research.
Before joining SDSU, I served as a Data Analyst Intern at AtliQ Technologies, where I led dashboard design and data pipeline optimization using SQL and Power BI. At the Backwardness Eradication Society (BES) Nepal, I contributed to livelihood programs supporting communities impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. I also gained teaching experience in agriculture and mathematics and conducted early research on crop diseases and productivity with CIMMYT Nepal.
With technical expertise in Python, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and data science frameworks, I aim to leverage data-driven insights to improve crop performance under stress. My work bridges computational tools and real-world agricultural challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and practical impact.
I’ve co-authored multiple publications on topics including probiotics in aquaculture, sustainable farming practices, and food safety. At Sidhu Lab, I am excited to contribute to root trait-based phenotyping and AI-integrated agricultural research that supports future-ready crop systems.