Extension
Although Maity’s research program does not have a formal outreach component, the research questions are derived from the relevant large-scale surveys in growers’ fields and the interactive discussions with growers in the extension meetings. The conclusions and solutions coming out of the research projects are translated into extension recommendations through appropriate extension channels and media.
Students & Support Staff
Andrew “Andy” Ahlersmeyer – Ph.D.
Andy is originally from northeast Indiana, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in agribusiness from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Most recently, he graduated with a Master’s in plant science (soil fertility focus) from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Andy is working as a Graduate Research Assistant (PhD) in Dr. Aniruddha Maity’s lab, where he aims to connect soil types throughout Alabama with weed ecology, herbicide resistance evolution, and soil seedbank dynamics. His future goal is to combine his agribusiness, soil fertility, and weed science knowledge to become a research agronomist for a seed or chemical company.
CASIC 352B
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
RAKESH KUMAR GHOSH – Postdoctoral Research Associate
Rakesh comes from West Bengal, India, with a bachelor’s in agriculture from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. He completed his master’s and Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemicals from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He has 12 years of work experience as an ARS Scientist in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research system. He received various fellowships and awards including DST-INSPIRE Fellowship, Govt. of India (2010), ICAR-JawaharLal Nehru Award (2014), and AOAC-International (India Chapter) Young Scientist Award (2023), along with 31 research papers, 4 book chapters, 1 book and 9 Indian patents. He has research experiences in the areas of (1) environmental monitoring and assessment of pesticide residues, (2) development of analytical methods for pesticides and metabolites, (3) extraction of bioactive and functional molecules from plant biomass, (4) waste utilization for synthesis of value-added products like activated carbon for water treatment, microcrystalline cellulose for pharmaceutical applications, water soluble bio-band aid,bioplastics for disposable applications, etc. In Dr. Maity’s lab, Rakesh’s current focus areas arebiochar-herbicide interaction and its impact on weed control efficacies, significance of secondary sources of herbicide on resistance development, and screening of bioactive molecules in dominant weed species of southeastern USA.
CASIC 352N (third floor)
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Nisith Nishank Purohit – Ph.D.
Nisith, originally from Odisha, India, holds a master’s degree from Punjab Agricultural University and completed his undergraduate studies at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh. His master’s research focused on reducing herbicide doses by using tank mix combinations to mitigate herbicide resistance issues. Currently serving as a Ph.D. graduate research assistant in Dr. Aniruddha Maity’s lab, Nisith is eager to explore the untapped territories of weed ecology and herbicide resistance. His ultimate aim is to contribute to the multidimensional aspects of weed science by employing an interdisciplinary approach to benefit the broader research community.
CASIC 352B
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Ravneet Kaur – MS
I Ravneet Kaur, hail from Punjab, India. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. Currently, I am a Graduate Research Assistant (MS) in Dr. Aniruddha Maity’s Weed Bionomics lab. My research focuses on the weed ecology of tropical spiderwort in Alabama’s cropping systems, specifically exploring its resistance screening and management strategies.
I am enthusiastic about expanding my knowledge in UAV-based weed identification and management. My ultimate goal is to integrate my knowledge of weed science with technological advancements to unveil better weed management practices and support the farming community in achieving efficient and cost-effective weed control.
rzk0107@auburn.edu
CASIC 352D
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Wilfried Kayaba Ouedraogo – Ph.D.
Wilfried Kayaba Ouedraogo is originally from Burkina Faso in West Africa. He holds an associate degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural research in Burkina Faso where he conducted extensive research in molecular biology and plant-host resistance. He founded a center that provides agricultural leadership training in his home country. Wilfried began his journey at Auburn University as a Fulbright scholar, where he earned a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences Education and has held several leadership positions, including “1887 Society Graduate Student Ambassador” and “Impact Project Coordinator.” Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Dr. Maity’s Weed Bionomics lab, focusing on innovative weed management techniques. His research activities encompass weed management through cover crops and herbicides, and the utilization of drone imagery for weed identification and management. His ultimate goal is to develop and implement innovative approaches to weed management that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
wko0002@auburn.edu
CASIC 352F
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Mahboobeh Mollaee – PH.D.
I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Science, under the supervision of Dr. Aniruddha Maity. I am originally from Iran; I completed my bachelor’s degree in plant pathology at Bahonar University and my Master’s degree in Weed Science at Shiraz University. During my Master, I worked on the effects of herbicides on soil microorganisms. I also had the opportunity to work as a visiting researcher at The University of Queensland, Australia, where I explored the impact of climate change and environmental factors on weed emergence and ecology.
As a PhD student, my research primarily focuses on the weed-crop competition and relevant weed ecology questions. My future goal is to become a weed ecologist working in academia or industry set up.
mzm0408@auburn.edu
CASIC 352A
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Akashdeep Singh – MS
Akash comes from Punjab, India, with a Bachelor’s in agricultural sciences from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He is working as a Graduate Research Assistant (MS) in Dr. Aniruddha Maity’s lab, where he aims to study the integrated weed management options in soybean-wheat double cropping systems in Alabama. Akash is also working on UAV-based weed identification and management strategies, alongside a multistate weed survey. Akash aspires to become a multi-dimensional weed scientist with advanced skills and techniques.
CASIC 352C
559 Devall Dr.
Auburn Univ, AL 36832
Margaret Ann Snow – MS
Margaret Ann Snow is the co-owner and operator of Snow’s Bend Farm outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She started the farm in 2004 with her partner, David. The farm produces a variety of vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers grown with organic practices. Produce is marketed through a CSA, farmer’s markets, and to restaurants and small grocers. In 2023 Margaret Ann began pursuing a Master of Science in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Studies at Auburn University with Dr. Maity as the major advisor. In her MS research, Margaret Ann is studying the benefits of climate-smart cultivation practices such as use of cover crops and shade cloth for yield increase and weed suppression in high tunnel tomato and lettuce production in Alabama.
Snow’s Bend Farm
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Past Students
Edgar Posadas Galvez - Visiting Scholar
Edgar, originally from south of Guatemala, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from Zamorano University, Honduras. Previously he has worked in the area of crop management and also as a visiting scholar in weed science at NC State University. Currently, he is working as a Visiting Research Scholar in Dr. Maity’s lab, where his primary role is to assist the program in diverse weed science research trials across laboratory, greenhouse, and field settings. Edgar aspires to pursue postgraduate school in weed science and thereby be able to combine his experience in crop management and knowledge in weed science to be able to serve the growers while serving in agricultural companies.
ANKIT YADAV - MS
Ankit comes from Bhiwani district, Haryana, India. Coming from a farming background, Ankit pursued his education in agriculture, earning a Bachelor’s in agricultural sciences from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, Haryana. Ankit is working as a Graduate Research Assistant (MS) in Dr. Aniruddha Maity’s lab, where he is studying the biology/ecology and integrated management options for controlling herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass in Alabama. Additionally, he is involved in multiple state-wide weed surveys to understand the current weed science research needs in the state. Ankit plans to use his weed science skillsets to serve the farming community either through industry or academia engagement in the future.
William Yates - MS
Will comes from Linden, AL, and grew up in an Alabama Cooperative Extension System family. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Biological and Agricultural Technology Management (BATMan). This BATMan degree educated Will on different aspects of Precision Agriculture and has given him the ability to implement them. He is currently working on his MS degree with Dr. Aniruddha Maity. Will’s research focuses on using UAV-based weed identification, assessment of climate change on weed’s evolution, and conducting herbicide screenings on problematic weed species. Will’s future goal is to use the combination of his technological degree and weed science knowledge to serve the farming community in any career capacity.