Technical assistant at Southern Cross University, Australia
Dr. Manisha Thapa is a PhD candidate at Southern Cross University (SCU), specializing in phytochemistry, agronomy, and genomics. With a strong academic foundation in plant breeding and genetics, she has a master’s degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from UC Davis, USA, and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her doctoral research focuses on the effects of nutrients and grain development on anthocyanin and gamma-oryzanol concentrations in black rice, exploring the intersection of plant compounds and crop health.
Publication Profile
Professional Experience:
Dr. Thapa has hands-on experience working on non-profit organic farms, where she has educated the public on sustainable agriculture. She currently serves as a technical assistant in a TGA-accredited Analytical Research Laboratory, gaining expertise in phytochemistry and client service. Her previous roles include co-managing educational farms and working as a crop apprentice, which honed her practical farming and leadership skills.
Research Contributions:
Dr. Thapa’s research has been published in journals like Agriculture and PLOS ONE, where she explores nitrogen fertilizer effects on black rice anthocyanin and oryzanol synthesis. Her work emphasizes sustainable farming systems and organic agriculture’s impact on human health and food quality.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Thapa’s accolades include the PhD stipend scholarship from the Centre for Organics Research at SCU, two graduate fellowships from UC Davis, and multiple merit-based awards during her undergraduate studies.
Skills and Interests:
Dr. Thapa is proficient in lab techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and RNA extraction, and skilled in R, SAS, and JMP. She is fluent in Nepali, Hindi, and English, with a basic understanding of Spanish. Outside the lab, she enjoys gardening, art, music, and travel.
- Nitrogen Fertiliser Effects on Grain Anthocyanin and γ-Oryzanol Biosynthesis in Black Rice
- Journal: Agriculture
- Publication Date: May 24, 2024
- DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14060817
- Contributors: Manisha Thapa, Lei Liu, Bronwyn J. Barkla, Tobias Kretzschmar, Suzy Y. Rogiers, Terry J. Rose
- Summary: This study investigates how different nitrogen fertilization strategies affect the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and gamma-oryzanol in black rice grains, crucial compounds known for their health benefits.
- Accumulation Patterns of Anthocyanin and γ-Oryzanol During Black Rice Grain Development
- Journal: PLOS ONE
- Publication Date: May 22, 2024
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302745
- Contributors: Manisha Thapa, Muhammad Anwar, Lei Liu, Bronwyn J. Barkla, Tobias Kretzschmar, Suzy Y. Rogiers, Terry J. Rose
- Summary: This research outlines the patterns of accumulation of anthocyanins and gamma-oryzanol during the developmental stages of black rice grains, providing insights into optimal harvesting times for enhancing these beneficial compounds.
- Integrated Soil and Crop Management in Organic Agriculture: A Logical Framework to Ensure Food Quality and Human Health?
- Journal: Agronomy
- Publication Date: December 8, 2021
- DOI: 10.3390/agronomy11122494
- Contributors: Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Barański, Juan Wang, Timothy N. Adams, Kolawole Adebusuyi, Jeremy J. Beckman, Charlotte J. Brockbank, Bradley S. Douglas, Tianer Feng, Jem D. Greenway, et al. (including Manisha Thapa)
- Summary: This article presents a framework for integrated soil and crop management practices in organic agriculture, emphasizing the relationship between agricultural practices, food quality, and public health.
- Effect of Wheat Species (Triticum aestivum vs. T. spelta), Farming System (Organic vs. Conventional), and Flour Type (Wholegrain vs. White) on Composition of Wheat Flour – Results of a Retail Survey in the UK and Germany
- Journal: Food Chemistry: X
- Publication Date: June 2020
- DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2020.100091
- Contributors: Juan Wang, Eleni Chatzidimitriou, Liza Wood, Gultakin Hasanaliyeva, Emilia Markellou, Per Ole Iversen, Chris Seal, Marcin Barański, Vanessa Vigar, Laura Ernst, et al. (including Manisha Thapa)
- Summary: This publication analyzes the differences in the composition of wheat flour based on species, farming systems, and flour types, highlighting the nutritional implications for consumers.