Vanaja Kankarla

Dr. Vanaja Kankarla is an Assistant Professor of Soil Science in the Department of Marine & Earth Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Fort Myers, Florida. She holds a PhD in Plant and Environmental Science from New Mexico State University (2019), an MS in Plant and Soil Sciences from Tennessee State University (2013), and a BSc in Agriculture from Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, India. Her research integrates agronomy, soil science, and crop-weed nutrient management to address agricultural and environmental challenges, emphasizing decision support tools for sustainable practices.

• Education:
  • PhD: New Mexico State University (Plant and Environmental Science, 2019)
  • MS: Tennessee State University (Plant and Soil Sciences, 2013)
  • BSc: Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (India, 2009)
• Research Interests:
  • Soil salinity management
  • Crop-weed competition dynamics
  • Precision agriculture tools
  • Soil fertility and nutrient cycling

Dr. Kankarla’s work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2022 Postdoctoral Research Award (Texas A&M University) and the 2018 Women Economic Forum’s ‘Young Innovators’ award. She actively contributes to academic governance as a Review Editor for Agrosystems, Geosciences, and Environment and Associate Editor of the Journal of Environmental Quality. Her teaching focuses on introductory courses in soil science, environmental science, and precision agriculture.

• Awards:
  • 2022 Postdoctoral Research Award (Texas A&M)
  • 2019 Dean’s Award of Excellence (NMSU)
  • 2018 ‘Young Innovators’ Award (WEF)
• Grants & Leadership:
  • Travel grants from AGU (2014)
  • Editorial roles in major agronomy journals
  • Committee member, ASA societies

Her research portfolio spans over 20 peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, addressing topics like microplastic impacts, PFAS contamination, and saline irrigation strategies. Dr. Kankarla advocates for women in STEM and mentors students passionate about agricultural innovation.