September 6, 2023
Vaishali Sharda to present Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Seminar
Submitted by Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Vaishali Sharda, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering at Kansas State University, will be the featured speaker for this week’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Seminar. Sharda will present “Climate Smart Agroecosystem Modeling – The Path Forward” at 4 p.m. today in 120 Ackert Hall.
More and more decisions in today’s food production systems are left to machine learning models and supporting sensor networks that provide a wide range of heterogeneous data at multiple scales. However, current models and techniques cannot easily capture the breadth of scales, environmental factors and regional differences. We lack integration of scientific and engineering knowledge, management scenario evaluation and resilience metrics to improve climate change adaptation and sustainable intensification of our shared natural resources. Sharda's goal is to integrate her research and teaching through systematic investigations of agroecosystems with environmental concerns.
Sharda studies the connections between spatial-temporal scales and physical conditions that have impeded understanding and effective application of smart management practices to attain the enhancement of food production while focusing on climate mitigation, building resilience and promoting environmental sustainability.
Sharda and her research group use a systems approach to assess the effects of changing climate on agroecosystems by investigating an integrated modeling framework approach that connects field observations with satellite and remote sensing data at varying spatial and temporal scales to understand the productivity of agroecosystems under different climate and management scenarios. This modeling framework is helping create knowledge that informs the quantification of future resilience metrics, which will guide the prioritization of management measures under future climate stressors. Some of the current and forthcoming projects include the development of a biodegradable polymer for water, nutrient and agrochemical management as well as the development of a climate vulnerability index for our region.