Graduate Research Assistant

Ajith Babburu

+1-409-***-**** a j i t h.b a b b u r u@s t u dents.t amuk.edu LinkedIn: Ajith.B

EDUCATION

Texas A&M University Kingsville, TX

Master’s in plant and soil science GPA (3.5/4.0) Aug. 2023 – May 2025 Agricultural College Bapatla, AP

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture GPA (3.4/4.0) Aug. 2013 – May 2017 EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant Dec 2023 – Present

Texas A&M University Kingsville, TX

• Conducting comprehensive research on the impact of micronutrients and antioxidants in mitigating Huanglongbing

(HLB) disease in citrus trees.

• Led project initiatives to optimize disease management strategies, contributing to the control of HLB disease in Texas.

• Performed molecular biology techniques such as Conventional PCR, Quantitative PCR, and gel electrophoresis to analyze plant samples and detect the presence of HLB pathogens. Also experienced in conducting melt curve analysis to evaluate the specificity of qPCR.

Leaf Agronomist Aug 2019 – Sep 2022

Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) Kurnool, India

• Collaborated with 4,000+ farmers of 60 villages to implement sustainable farming practices, resulting in a 15% increase in crop yield and a 20% reduction in input costs.

• Successfully implemented crop protection and IPM practices to control pests and diseases efficiently

• Spearheaded the execution of comprehensive Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for local farmers. Guided farmers in adopting advanced cultivation techniques, fostering improved crop quality and resource management.

• Conducted 600+ farm meetings and extension training programs for the farmers to achieve optimal outputs.

• Conducted field trials along with R&D team to control Tobacco mosaic virus and Phytophthora in Flue-cured tobacco.

• Knowledge of various Indian tobacco production systems covering KFC, Flue-cured, Burley, Rustica, and Talmari. Export Manager July 2017 – July 2019

Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) Guntur, India

- Managed end-to-end processes of purchasing, grading, processing, and international export of agricultural goods.

- Forged strong relationships with global manufacturers like PMI, JTI, ITG, AOI, and Universal Tobacco.

- Elevated customer satisfaction through enhanced service delivery, fostering long-term client loyalty.

- Developed specialized growing programs, optimizing product quality and meeting unique customer demands. TECHNICAL SKILLS

Project management, Hands-on experience in handling agricultural projects. Field Trial Design & Statistical Data Analysis

Tissue Culture Techniques & Greenhouse Management

Molecular Biology Techniques: Proficient in DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, qPCR, and melt curve analysis. Environmental Data Analysis using metro data loggers. PROJECTS &INTERNSHIP

- Rural Awareness Work Experience Program - Acted as liaison between State extension agencies and farmers.

- Internship with ITC Pvt. Limited-Guntur, Ap, India - Conducted comprehensive surveys to assess the facilities like drinking water, streetlights, and roads to turn into smart village upgrades. Course work

Crop protection ·Biotechnology ·Plant pathology ·Horticulture · Environmental Science ·Statistics ·Crop Production Additional information: I have a full driving license valid in the USA and India.