Our Team Members
Biswanath Dari
Principal Investigator| Assistant Professor and Natural Resource Specialist
Dr. Dari is a specialist in climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, with expertise in soil health, natural resource management, and precision farming. He develops research-based strategies to optimize farm inputs, improve crop productivity, and protect environmental quality. His interdisciplinary work integrates research, extension, and community engagement to build resilient cropping systems across diverse regions. Through USDA- and NRCS-supported initiatives, he promotes practical, science-driven soil health practices that enhance sustainability, strengthen rural economies, and advance equitable, organic agricultural systems.
Fun fact: I have fear of heights, but I did 11,000 ft skydiving once with my partner.
Uzair Ahmad
post doctoral research Associate
Dr. Uzair Ahmad has completed his PhD in crop modeling from Italy. He later analyzed the projected climate for cash crops, row crops and cover crops to understand how their growth and yield behave under different water regimes. He is currently working on soil organic carbon, and soil extracted water to understand how the yield of corn and soybeans will be affected until 2050 under different climate conditions in North Carolina.
Fun fact: I spend more time predicting crop yields in 2050 than deciding what to eat today.
Celine Richard
Graduate Research Assistant- Phd
Celine Richard is an extension horticulture agent in Forsyth County providing research-based support for small farms, urban agriculture, and local food systems. She works primarily in edible and specialty crops for both farms and home gardens. She finds loves helping people succeed along their growing journeys via technical problem solving and fostering resource connections.
Fun fact: My favorite herb is Rosemary! Love the smell, taste, adorable tiny purple flowers, and how resilient it is in gardens and landscapes!
Manoj Kumar Reddy Sangireddy
Graduate Research Assistant- Phd
Manoj Kumar Reddy Sangireddy is a Ph.D. student in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences focusing on Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) for carbon sequestration and soil health improvement. His research integrates basalt, biochar, and compost applications to develop climate-smart, sustainable agricultural systems. He combines field experimentation, soil biogeochemistry, and quantitative data analysis to evaluate soil fertility, crop performance, and environmental resilience. His research interests include soil–plant–microbe interactions, climate-smart agriculture, carbon sequestration, and modeling.
Fun fact: Research is my job, but figuring out how things work is my hobby.
Samuel Oshikoya
Graduate Research Assistant- Phd
Samuel Oshikoya is a Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant in Precision
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University. His research
focuses on geospatial applications, remote sensing, and data-driven solutions for climate-resilient
and sustainable agriculture. He holds a master’s degree in environmental studies from Kentucky
State University and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension. He is
passionate about applying science to support farmers and advance sustainable land use and
environmental decision-making.
Fun fact: I haven't had Soda (Drink) for years now
Sri Yogitha Relangi
Graduate Research Assistant- Master's
Yogitha focuses on cover crop management to enhance soil health in southeastern U.S. systems. Her work integrates field experiments with analyses of Natural Resources Conservation Service programs (CSP and EQIP) to connect field-scale outcomes with policy impact and understand conservation practice adoption. Her interest lies in advancing data-driven, sustainable agricultural practices to improve soil health, soil–microbe–plant interactions and agroecosystem sustainablility.
Fun fact: My quick nap usually has a main character energy.
Jonathan Wall
Extension Associate and Field trial coordinatorPlasticulture Rental Program Coordinator.
John coordinates, manages, and implements our cross-disciplinary collaborations, ensuring that our research remains rigorous and impactful. His role connects soil research and demonstration projects to on-farm trial locations across the state. Additionally, his role assists with on-going Plasticulture Rental Program implementation, including statewide plasticulture equipment rental program, and provides recommendations for program revisions based on data and evolving needs of the audiences served.
Heather Berger
Extension and Research Technician-
Heather coordinates our cover crops and soil health research projects, ensuring that our research remains rigorous and impactful. She facilitates the integration of ecological theory with practical agricultural solutions. She helps in carrying out smooth field operations, giving her expertise and managing our projects.
Janajah Hardison
Janajah is passionate about medicinal plant research and sustainable agriculture. Her interests center on learning how sustainable growing practices can support healthier communities and future innovation.
Fun Fact: I’ve watched more than 1,000 episodes of One Piece.
Research Assistant
Nick Mangili
Research Assistant
Nick joins Dr Dari's team as a research assistant focusing on agroforestry adoption and implementation as a way for landowners and farmers to increase biodiversity, store more carbon, and enhance the productivity of their land. In working toward becoming a NC Board registered forester, my goal is to consult with landowners on accessible land management strategies that blend the arts of forestry and agronomy, helping individuals produce a diverse suite of sustainable products while stewarding the natural ecological function of their land for generations to come.
Fun fact: My favorites tree is the persimmon tree. Also, I have played ice hockey since I was in kindergarten, I am a big Carolina Hurricanes fan. Let's go Canes!
Expertise & Leadership
Soil Science
Sustainable Systems
Interdisciplinary
Field Science
Deep expertise in soil microbiology, organic matter dynamics, and nutrient cycling to restore degraded ecosystems.
Integrating regenerative practices with high-tech precision agriculture to maximize yield while preserving soil integrity.
Bridging the gap between biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop holistic solutions for global food security.
Translating laboratory findings into actionable field protocols for farmers and policymakers worldwide.