Lab members
The Sapkota Horticultural Breeding & Genetics Lab integrates field-based crop improvement with molecular genetics, genomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. Our team works across greenhouse, field, laboratory, and computational environments to advance fruit and vegetable breeding for nutrition, flavor, and resilience
Principal Investigator
Dr. Manoj Sapkota
Principal Investigator
Manoj leads the Lab with a passion for integrating breeding, genomics, and metabolomics to develop fruits and vegetables that are as nutritious and flavorful as they are resilient. When he’s not in the field or lab, he’s probably optimizing a pipeline or daydreaming about the perfect tomato.
Email: manoj.sapkota@uky.edu
Office: 401B Plant Sciences Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0312
Research Staff
Dr. Marta Nosarzewski
Research Analyst
Marta is a key part of the Sapkota Lab’s research engine, supporting everything from experimental design to hands-on greenhouse and molecular work. She helps coordinate trials, keeps lab workflows organized, and makes sure projects move forward efficiently—bringing strong attention to detail and steady support across the lab’s diverse research activities.
Crop Improvement, Genetics & Molecular Biology Team
Alexandra Taylor
Undergraduate Researcher
Alexandra is an Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology major, minoring in Plant and Soil Sciences and Horticultural Science. With a deep passion for botany and plant conservation, she brings hands-on experience from the native plant nursery and landscaping industry, as well as volunteer work surveying and protecting native plant habitats in both Kentucky and her home state of Wisconsin.
As Vice President of the UK Horticulture Club, Alexandra is eager to explore the genetics behind plant diversity and resilience. She joined the Sapkota Lab to gain experience in plant biotechnology, conservation genetics, and molecular tools for studying horticultural crops.
Ella Shields
Undergraduate Researcher & Lab Assistant Manager
Ella is a senior majoring in Horticulture in the Plant Production and Management track. She brings a blend of practical experience and curiosity-driven enthusiasm to the Sapkota Lab, shaped by years of working in her home garden and interning at the UK Arboretum. She is passionate about controlled-environment agriculture, regenerative cropping systems, and crop nutrition — all with a goal of strengthening her community through horticulture.
In the lab, Ella works on strawberry varietal screening for nutritional quality, contributing to projects focused on flavor chemistry, vitamin and metabolite profiling, and genotype evaluation. She also assists with lab organization, protocol management, and day-to-day operations, making her an essential part of the lab’s workflow. Ella is excited to deepen her skills in plant genetics, breeding, and metabolomics as she explores the biology behind flavor and nutrition in strawberries and tomatoes.
Md Himel Ahamed Joy "Joy"
Undergraduate Researcher
Joy is a freshman majoring in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, with a minor in Plant and Soil Sciences. He is interested in plant genetics and how small genetic changes can lead to meaningful improvements in crop traits. His long-term goal is to develop and improve crop varieties that help address global food insecurity and reduce agricultural waste.
In the Sapkota Lab, Joy is gaining hands-on experience in plant biotechnology, genetics, and crop improvement. He is particularly interested in learning how genetic variation is identified, analyzed, and applied in crop improvement, while developing core laboratory skills essential for future research.
Baris Ali
Undergraduate Researcher
Baris is a freshman at the University of Kentucky majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. He is eager to learn how genetics connects across different fields—from plants to human health—and has a strong long-term goal of becoming a clinical geneticist.
In the Sapkota Lab, Baris is building foundational experience in genetics and lab-based research while exploring how genetic variation can be studied and applied. Outside the lab, he enjoys baking, going to the gym, and growing vegetables at home.
Levin Stacy
Undergraduate Researcher
Levin is majoring in Horticultural Plant Science and is passionate about improving crop systems to better serve people and the environment. He is especially interested in breeding nutritious, high-yielding, and pest- and stress-resistant crops that can contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability.
Originally from Illinois, Levin has called Kentucky home since elementary school. His academic interests include understanding how nutrition, as well as abiotic and biotic stresses, influence plant growth and performance. His long-term goal is to become a Plant Geneticist and contribute to advancing resilient crop improvement. Outside the lab, Levin enjoys film photography, video games, and spending time outdoors.
Samiksha Dahal
Research Volunteer
Samiksha holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. She is passionate about understanding plant growth at the cellular and genetic levels and translating advanced research into practical agricultural solutions. In the Sapkota Lab, she studies cellular traits of tomato seeds while gaining experience in molecular techniques. She is especially interested in the genetic mechanisms underlying seed development and climate resilience, and aims to build expertise in molecular genetics and genome-informed breeding.
Outside the lab, Samiksha enjoys exploring local food systems and believes impactful research should connect modern technology with the needs of farmers and communities.
Metabolomics & Human Health Team
Jan Wilson
Graduate Researcher
Jan Wilson is a graduate student studying toxicology at the University of Kentucky. Her undergraduate work consisted of biological sciences, studying heat shock proteins and their role against environmental stressors. Jan's work experience ranges from the classroom to being a first responder. Her most recent work is within the field of forensic science. As part of Dr. Sapkota's team, she will be studying metabolomics and helping develop different techniques for compound identification. From this, she is looking to expand collaborative research across multiple learning disciplines.
When she is not working, you can catch her watching LOTS of Professional Wrestling.
Aaditya Risal
Undergraduate Researcher
Aaditya is a UK student majoring in Neuroscience as well as Kinesiology. He is interested in the intersection of plant science and human physiology, specifically how horticultural advancements influence neurological health and physical performance. In the Sapkota Lab, Aaditya is applying his background to learn which metabolites from tomatoes influence neural function. He is motivated by the opportunity to improve human health by modifying crops to enhance their nutritional content. Outside the lab, Aaditya enjoys working out, cooking, and watching soccer.
Trik Pal
Undergraduate Researcher
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Team
Jason Sun
Undergraduate Researcher (Computational Biology & Bioinformatics)
Jason is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Computer Science at the University of Kentucky. He is passionate about applying computational approaches beyond traditional computer science domains, with a strong interest in bioinformatics across both plant and human systems. He is particularly excited about leveraging research infrastructure such as high-performance computing and developing software tools with meaningful scientific impact.
Jason bridges computational and biological research, gaining experience in both dry-lab (data analysis, bioinformatics, and software development) and wet-lab workflows. He is motivated by the opportunity to support collaborative research, learn across disciplines, and contribute to projects that advance crop improvement and global food systems.
Jared Winburn
Undergraduate Researcher (Computational Biology & Bioinformatics)
Jared is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Computer Science. Born and raised in Nicholasville, he is proud to call Kentucky home and excited to contribute to research at UK.
He is interested in embedded systems and software integration for real-world applications. In the Sapkota Lab, Jared is eager to bridge computational and biological sciences, applying his programming skills to support bioinformatics research and the study of genetic variation. He is motivated by the opportunity to make his field directly useful in advancing scientific discovery and crop improvement.
Manoj Neupane
Undergraduate Researcher (Computational Biology & Bioinformatics)
Manoj is an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky majoring in Computer Science. He is interested in applying computational tools, data analysis, and programming to real-world scientific challenges. His academic background includes coursework in data structures, algorithms, and systems programming.
In the Sapkota Lab, Manoj is excited to apply his software development skills to bioinformatics and genomics research supporting crop breeding and nutrition studies. He looks forward to integrating computational approaches with hands-on biological research while exploring how genetics influences important traits such as flavor and crop performance.
🐾 Lab Mascots & Companions
Behind every breeding program is a small but mighty support team — providing morale boosts, outdoor inspiration, and occasional quality control supervision.
Sanu-maya (Maya)
Lab Mascot & Chief Morale Officer
Sanumaya brings joy, chaos, and the occasional stick to the lab. She has no formal training in plant breeding but excels in: Fetch-based stress relief, mandatory walk breaks and emotional support during data disasters. Her interests include squirrels, snacks, and quality control of lunch leftovers.
You can contact Sanumaya on Instagram: @sanumaya_thegolden
Corvin
Equine Companion & Field Assistant (in spirit)
Corvin is a 2013 Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) born and raised in Lexington. He and Alexandra have been a team since 2021, sharing adventures both in and out of the arena. When not training for eventing, Corvin enjoys long naps, treats, and reminding everyone that Kentucky’s finest thoroughbreds aren’t just for racing—they’re also excellent morale boosters.
Nova & Astra
Feline Interns (Remote)
Nova (sleeping in the box) and Astra (sleeping outside) are five-year-old littermates who have been faithfully supervising Ella through countless study sessions. Originally from Louisville, they now proudly cheer for UK. Their research specialties include quality assurance of all cardboard containers, overseeing keyboard activity, providing emotional support during finals, and consuming treats with high enthusiasm. Both are deeply committed to sleep, pets, and people — in that order.