BABU RAM PANTHI
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Florida
14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL-33598
(813) 633-7482 (O),
EDUCATION
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
M. S. in Entomology and Nematology 05/2015
Thesis: “Biology and population dynamics of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in cucurbits”
Tribhuvan University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
B.S. in Agriculture (Major - Entomology) 07/2011
EXPERIENCES
Graduate Research Assistant, Entomology Department, University of Florida 08/2016-present
- Working with chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) in Florida berry crops. My research is focused on determining the spatial and temporal distribution of chilli thrips in strawberry and blueberry plants of Florida.
Research Assistant, Entomology Department, University of Florida 10/2015-07/2016
- Worked with research projects associated with monitoring, sampling and control of different insect pests (flower thrips, two spotted spider mite, drosophila, whitefly, diamond back moth etc.) in berry crops and vegetables.
Research Assistant, Department of Agronomy, University of Florida 05/2015-10/2015
- Worked with wheat and oat breeding, yield trials, planting and crop maintenance, data collection, harvesting and seed processing.
Graduate Research Assistant, Entomology Department, University of Florida 05/2013-05/2015
- Determined seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. in cucurbits, and also determined within-plant distribution, host preference and growth response level of melonworm on four types of cucurbits.
Research Assistant, Entomology Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal 10/2012-02/2013
- Conducted bioassays on botanical products used against storage grain pests.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Experience in handling and rearing of different stages of insects (melonworm, chilli thrips, aphids, leaf miner etc.), maintenance of insect colony, and preparation of artificial insect diet.
Conducted bioassays for insecticide efficacy test against several insects.
Experience working with most laboratory equipment including microscope, micrometer, leaf area meter etc. and can safely work with chemicals and glassware.
Experience with and interest in conducting greenhouse, controlled environment chamber, and/or field trials with experimental chemicals.
Field crop production experience with good acquaintances with field layout, farm equipment, planting, crop maintenance and harvesting.
Worked with optical microscopy using digital microscope.
Proficient in collection, organization and analysis of data using Microsoft Office Suite, statistical software (R, SAS, JMP) and can work with Windows, Mac and Linux environment.
Ability to work individually or as the effective team member in the team.
PUBLICATIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS
Panthi, B.R., D.R. Seal, J.L. Capinera, G. S. Nuessly, and C.G. Martin 2016. Host selection, growth, and survival of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on four cucurbit crops under laboratory conditions. Environ. Entomol. 45(4): 945-951
Panthi, B.R., D.R. Seal, G. S. Nuessly, and J.L. Capinera. Seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on yellow squash in southern Florida. Florida Entomol. (Submitted)
Panthi, B.R., D.R. Seal, G. S. Nuessly, and J.L. Capinera. In prep. Host preference and within-plant distribution of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinataL. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on four cucurbit cultivars.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Travel grant offered by Florida Entomological Society for FES meeting in Puerto Rico 2017
UF/IFAS TREC Graduate Student of the Year Award, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida 2015
Dade County AgriCouncil Seymour Goldweber Scholarship award, Homestead, Florida 2014
Merit Scholarship for entire duration of B.Sc. Agriculture, Tribhuvan University, Nepal 2007-2011
ACADEMIC PRESENTATION
Presented a talk on “Chilli thrips, movement among potted strawberry plants” in 100th annual meeting of Florida Entomological Society in San Juan, Puerto Rico 2017
Presented a poster on “Host Selection, growth, and survival of melonworm (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on four cucurbit crops under laboratory conditions” in ESA Southeastern Branch Annual Meeting, Raleigh, NC 2016
Presented a talk on “Seasonal abundance and distribution of melonworm Diaphania hyalinata L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in cucurbits” in 97th Annual Meeting of Florida Entomological Society in Jupiter, Florida 2014
Presented a talk on “Growth response of melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to 4 cultivars of cucurbit grown in South Florida” in 127th Annual Meeting of Florida State Horticultural Society in Clearwater Beach, Florida 2014
TRAININGS/SEMINAR/TOURS
Training on IPM program under snap bean and summer squash conducted by Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal in collaboration with FAO
Training on project concept note (PCN) writing and research methodology organized by Mid-Western Students Family, Rampur Campus, Chitwan, Nepal
Attended various workshops and seminars organized by UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center and Miami-Dade county extension
Various tours and seminars under the wide array of themes on Irrigation, Soil science, Sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, livestock, Eco-development (IAAS, Chitwan, Nepal)
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Acted as Editor in the Editor's Committee for publication of Graduate's Profile 2011 published by IAAS, Tribhuvan University, Nepal 2012
Coordinator, a research on “Performance of different rice varieties under direct seeded rice technique at inner terai region of Nepal” conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal 2011
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Entomological Society of America 2012
Florida Entomological Society 2014
Society of Overseas Nepalese Entomologists 2014