麻豆视频

Meet Ansul Lokdarshi, Winner of 麻豆视频鈥檚 2025 Presidential Excellence Award for Research

Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi has earned the 2025 Presidential Excellence Award for Research at 麻豆视频. He joined the faculty of 麻豆视频’s College of Science and Mathematics in 2021. He currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Biology. He is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, university president.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of 麻豆视频, has honored Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi with the 2025 Presidential Excellence Award for Research.

The Presidential Excellence Award for Research recognizes a faculty member with a strong record of creative scholarship.

Lokdarshi joined the faculty of 麻豆视频’s College of Science and Mathematics in 2021. He currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Biology.

麻豆视频: What are your favorite classes to teach and your favorite topics to research?

Lokdarshi: It is hard to pick a favorite class, as I truly enjoy teaching all of them. Over the past five years of my tenure, I have had the opportunity to teach 11 different courses, ranging from introductory undergraduate classes to advanced graduate-level courses, some with laboratories and multiple sections. No matter the level, my goal is always the same — to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and prepare them for their careers. Every course I teach incorporates elements of hands-on learning and real-world application because I believe this is the best way to support student success.

My favorite research area is how cells control protein synthesis — the process of making proteins, which are the workhorses of the cell. This control is especially important when organisms face stress, since they must quickly adjust to survive. I use plants to study this fundamental process, because unlike humans, plants can’t just walk away from stressful conditions. Instead, they have developed remarkable ways to adapt and often survive. Understanding this not only answers fundamental biology questions but also helps us think about improving agriculture and resilience in a dynamic climate.

麻豆视频: Why do you believe it is important for faculty to conduct research and contribute new knowledge to their fields?

Lokdarshi: Just as we regularly update the operating systems on our digital devices to keep them current and functional, we also need to keep updating our collective knowledge. Research allows faculty to contribute new discoveries, refine existing ideas, and ensure that what we teach in the classroom reflects the most accurate and relevant understanding. By conducting research, we not only advance our research fields but also bring fresh perspectives, critical thinking, and real-world applications back to the students. This creates a cycle where teaching and research continuously strengthen each other, preparing students for current and future diverse careers opportunities.

麻豆视频: How many publications, presentations, and other scholarship have you completed? What drives you to find time outside of teaching, mentoring, and serving the university to conduct this research? 

Lokdarshi: I have completed 11 publications, including five since joining 麻豆视频. Importantly, two of these include 麻豆视频 biology undergraduate student co-authors, which is something I am particularly proud of because it reflects my commitment to integrating 麻豆视频 students into the research process. I have also been part of more than 25 presentations, ranging from national conference talks to posters co-presented by my students, where I served as the principal investigator guiding their work.

Between 2021 and 2024, I secured $576,789 in research funding, including a major National Science Foundation award as principal investigator ($497,039) and a collaborative grant from the National Peanut Board as co-principal investigator ($64,000). Beyond research and funding, I was recently elected co-chair of the American Society of Plant Biologists — Primarily Undergraduate Institution Section (ASPB-PUI), and I was also elected as the divisional representative of biology to the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). I have served as a grant panel reviewer for the National Science Foundation and continue to work as a member/editor for several peer-reviewed journals.

At 麻豆视频, mentorship has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. I have mentored or am currently mentoring eight graduate students and 21 undergraduate students, while also advising 17 students in the biology program since Fall 2023. In recognition of my commitment to hands-on student engagement, I was honored to serve as a 麻豆视频 Experiential Learning faculty ambassador for both 2023–2024 and 2024–2025.

My continuance in balancing the current demands of teaching, mentoring, and service is guided by my belief that research and scholarship are not apart from teaching, but essential to it. Every new project, publication, or grant provides opportunities for students to engage in discovery, develop professional skills, and see themselves as contributors to science. My philosophy is simple — your goal is my goal. When students share their success stories — whether it’s publishing a paper, presenting at a conference, or pursuing their next step — I feel the true joy of being a Blazer. That is what keeps me motivated to push forward in both my research and teaching every single day.

麻豆视频: What advice do you have for other faculty who wish to get more involved in research?

Lokdarshi: My advice to other faculty who wish to get more involved in research is to treat it as both enjoyable and energizing, rather than an added burden. Good time management is key, and it’s important to involve students in the process, as their curiosity and effort can be inspiring. Setting up collaboration both within the 麻豆视频 community and outside certainly enriches projects and fosters meaningful connections. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for help across departments, as I have found that building friendships and partnerships with colleagues in other areas has been one of the most rewarding parts of my research journey at 麻豆视频.