Linus Tiwari

I am a researcher (Molecular and Cellular Biology; Ph.D. Candidate) working in environmental biology and plant biology, specializing in the biology of algae/cyanobacteria and molecular biology methods. I graduated from Ohio University with a Master of Science in Environmental and Plant Biology in August 2020. Before that, in 2017, I graduated from SANN International College (Purbanchal University, Nepal) with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology. My time in academia has involved me in studying algae/cyanobacteria.

I worked as a Field Research Investigation Officer in Nepal after the Great Earthquake of 2015 to evaluate the water quality and research the population's resiliency. My research on Chlorella sp., a freshwater microalga, and the measurement of biomolecule changes during several growth phases was published in Applied Food Biotechnology. I have a research background in algal phylogenetics as well, where my work on the diversity in the Sheathia arcuata morphospecies (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) was published in Algae.

I have presented posters and findings from my research at conferences like the International Photosynthesis Congress and the Phycological Society of America Annual Meeting. In addition to my research, working as a graduate teaching assistant at Ohio University and Arizona State University has given me valuable teaching experience. I have taught and supervised undergraduate and graduate students to provide them with a foundation in the biological sciences and biotechnology disciplines.

Among other awards, I have the SOLS Completion Fellowship, the International Society of Photosynthesis Research-Department of Energy award, the Michael A. Cichan Award Scholarship, and the Original Work Grant from the Graduate Student Senate at Ohio University. I have participated in outreach and service projects in addition to my academic endeavours. I have served as the president, vice president and program director of the Nepalese Student Association (NSA) at Arizona State University and Ohio University, respectively. I have also held leadership positions in other student groups. Additionally, I have participated in conferences, scientific fairs, and STEM initiatives where I have mentored youngsters and offered my knowledge.

I am a member of several professional organizations, such as the Biotechnology Society of Nepal, the Phycological Society of America, and the International Society of Photosynthesis Research.