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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.