Dr. Amandeep Sharma | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Research Assistant | University of Florida | United States

Amandeep Sahil Sharma is an emerging researcher in agronomy and biotechnology with a passion for addressing global food and energy security challenges. Originating from a rural farming background in Punjab, India, he brings firsthand knowledge of agricultural systems into scientific research. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agronomy at the University of Florida, Sharma is working on the integration of energycane as a bioenergy crop into conventional cropping systems, with a focus on biomass production and ecosystem services. His research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and involves collaboration with institutions like USDA-ARS and Argonne National Laboratory. Sharma has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, presented at prestigious conferences, and authored extension fact sheets that guide growers. He demonstrates strong leadership as the Vice Leader of the Bioenergy Community at the American Society of Agronomy, while also mentoring both undergraduate and international interns. With a balanced blend of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and international collaboration, Sharma exemplifies dedication to sustainable agricultural innovation. His commitment to research, community service, and mentoring makes him a valuable asset to both academia and applied agricultural development initiatives.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Amandeep Sahil Sharma’s academic journey is rooted in agricultural biotechnology and agronomy. He earned his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Biotechnology from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, where he worked on maize drought tolerance through marker-assisted selection. He continued at the same institution to pursue his Master of Science in Biotechnology, completing a thesis focused on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugarcane for enhanced resistance to red rot disease using the endochitinase gene. During this phase, he developed extensive skills in molecular biology and plant tissue culture. He commenced his Ph.D. in Agronomy at the University of Florida, Belle Glade, His dissertation titled “Evaluation of energycane for bioenergy and ecosystem services in Everglades Agricultural Area” exemplifies his multidisciplinary approach, combining agronomy, soil science, plant breeding, and ecosystem assessment. His graduate coursework spans agronomy, plant physiology, soil nutrient dynamics, and sustainable agriculture, equipping him with theoretical and technical depth. This progression from molecular research to ecosystem-level analysis highlights his ability to bridge lab-based research with field applications, preparing him to address contemporary challenges in sustainable agricultural systems on a global scale.

Experience

Amandeep Sahil Sharma brings a wide spectrum of professional experience in research, teaching, and fieldwork. Currently serving as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center, he contributes to a Department of Energy-funded project evaluating energycane for bioenergy potential and environmental benefits. His work involves field trials, data analysis using R Studio, and collaboration with institutions like USDA-ARS, Argonne National Laboratory, and Idaho National Laboratory. Prior to this, during his Master’s program at Punjab Agricultural University, he conducted in-depth molecular work including transformation of sugarcane and validation using PCR and RT-PCR. He also has experience in maize breeding and QTL mapping from his undergraduate internship. Sharma’s professional skill set spans from lab-based plant transformation to large-scale agronomic field trials. He has also served as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate agronomy courses and mentored international interns, showcasing his capacity to educate and guide emerging scholars. His responsibilities extend to preparing extension publications and presenting at professional symposia. His comprehensive research background, complemented by teaching and mentoring roles, reinforces his ability to conduct interdisciplinary projects that benefit both academic and farming communities.

Research Interest

Amandeep Sahil Sharma’s research interests are centered around the interface of bioenergy crops, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. His current Ph.D. research explores the role of energycane (Saccharum spp.) in bioenergy production and ecosystem services within the Everglades Agricultural Area. This includes evaluating biomass yield, soil health, nutrient cycling, and water quality under different cropping systems. Sharma is particularly interested in the integration of bioenergy crops into conventional agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote soil biodiversity, and improve economic returns. His previous work in molecular biotechnology, especially in genetic transformation for disease resistance, laid the foundation for his current ecosystem-scale research. He is deeply invested in advancing climate-resilient agricultural systems through interdisciplinary collaboration, blending genetics, agronomy, soil science, and environmental engineering. His collaborative work with national laboratories on life cycle and techno-economic analyses reflects his systems-level thinking. Sharma’s research vision aligns with the global call for renewable energy alternatives and sustainable land use. Through peer-reviewed publications, extension resources, and active participation in agronomy societies, he continues to contribute to science and policy. His future goals involve enhancing biofuel production strategies and expanding sustainable land management practices globally.

Research Skills

Amandeep Sahil Sharma possesses an extensive suite of research skills spanning molecular biology, agronomy, field trials, and statistical data analysis. In molecular biology, he is proficient in PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and gel electrophoresis. He has hands-on expertise in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, plasmid maintenance, and callus culture techniques. In agronomy, his capabilities include plant morphological and physiological measurements, photosynthesis assessment using LI-COR systems, soil and plant nutrient analysis, and NDVI-based remote sensing. He is well-versed in field operations including planting, harvesting, fertilizer application, and experimental plot management. For data analysis, he utilizes RStudio, SAS, and QTL mapping tools like MapDisto and QTL Cartographer. He also has basic proficiency in bioinformatics tools and databases such as BLAST, Primer3, and GenBank. His familiarity with instrumentation includes spectrophotometers, leaf area meters, Polmeters, CPS, and advanced imaging devices. Beyond technical skills, Sharma excels in research communication, having authored peer-reviewed articles, extension fact sheets, and conference presentations. This multi-disciplinary skill set enables him to lead research initiatives from lab bench to field to publication, demonstrating a rare versatility among emerging agricultural scientists.

Awards and Honors

Amandeep Sahil Sharma has been recognized with multiple awards that underscore his academic excellence and research impact. He received the Graduate Student Travel Award from the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), allowing him to present his findings at their international annual meetings. His oral presentation at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA meeting earned him second in the Bioenergy Community graduate student competition, a testament to the relevance and quality of his research on energycane integration in sustainable agriculture. He has presented at multiple national conferences and was also a finalist in institutional research competitions. His contributions extend to peer-reviewing for leading journals such as Agronomy Journal and participating as a judge at undergraduate scientific sessions. Additionally, Sharma has held leadership positions, such as Vice Leader of the ASA Bioenergy Community and Secretary of the Agronomy Graduate Student Association at the University of Florida. These accolades not only reflect his research accomplishments but also his engagement in the academic and professional communities, strengthening his candidacy for international recognition in science and sustainability.

Publication Top Notes

• Effect of Energycane Integration on Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Biodiversity in a Sugarcane-Sweet Corn Cropping System, Agronomy, 2025

• CP 03-1912: A Sugarcane Cultivar Expanding on Sand Soil in Florida, EDIS, 2024.

Conclusion

Amandeep Sahil Sharma is a promising scholar with a dynamic research portfolio that bridges biotechnology, agronomy, and environmental sustainability. His innovative work on energycane as a bioenergy crop integrates field trials, ecosystem service evaluation, and international collaboration, addressing both local and global challenges in agriculture and energy. With a solid academic background, advanced technical expertise, and multiple peer-reviewed publications, Sharma stands out as a future leader in sustainable agriculture. He has shown consistent leadership through mentoring, teaching, organizing symposia, and participating in professional societies. His collaborations with national laboratories and active involvement in interdisciplinary projects position him at the forefront of climate-resilient agricultural innovation. Sharma’s dedication to empowering communities through science, improving cropping systems, and supporting renewable energy transitions makes him highly deserving of recognition. As he continues to build on his research, Sharma is poised to contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts in food and energy security. His profile reflects the qualities of a committed researcher, an academic leader, and a passionate advocate for sustainable development.