Rajesh Jha, PhD

Principal Investigator

     Curriculum Vitae

Razib Das

(PhD Nutritional Sc. Student)

I completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and MSc in Microbiology from Sylhet Agricultural University Bangladesh in 2009 and in 2012, respectively. After completing my MSc degree, I joined the Government of Bangladesh as a Field Veterinarian. My interest in livestock and poultry farming increased my interest in nutrition field. I found Dr. Rajesh Jha doing significant researches in the field of animal nutrition. The ongoing researches in Dr. Jha’s Lab encouraged me to apply to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I got admission and have become a part of this resourceful Lab and this beautiful campus. My PhD research is focused on evaluation of feed additives for their effects on performance and gut health of poultry.  

Pravin Mishra

(PhD Nutritional Sc. Student)

I completed my DVM degree from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). During my DVM study, I worked as a research assistant in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, BAU, where I got interested in research. In the meantime, I did an internship with Dr. Woo Kyun Kim (University of Georgia), where I worked on poultry nutrition which piqued my interest further in this field.

I believe that hard work and proper guidance will help me achieve my objectives and found Dr. Jha’s lab to quench my thirst for knowledge and do impactful research. I completed my MS in Animal Sciences degree with a research focus on evaluating microalgae and enzyme for their effects on growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens. Now, I am working on my PhD in Nutrition with continued focus on Poultry Nutrition and Gut health.

Suresh Burlakoti

(MS ANSC Student)

I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry degree at Nepal's Agriculture and Forestry University in 2019. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a teacher in Animal Science, gaining valuable experience in both education and the practical application of animal science. My interest in researching animal nutrition and its implications for human health is fueled by my experience in raising cattle and poultry. This passion drives me to study this field further. Pursuing an MS in Animal Science with dedication at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and under the guidance of Dr. Jha will help me fulfill my objectives in animal nutrition. I am working on developing a sustainable grass-fed beef production system.

Bal Krishna Pandey

(MS ANSC Student)

I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc and AH) in 2020 from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I joined a government-affiliated diploma school to teach animal science courses. From my undergraduate studies onward, I became more interested in animal sciences and started reading and working in these areas. Therefore, I find the MS program in Animal Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa a perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge and realize my goals of working in this field. I am working on determining the nutritional and functional value of Breadfruit. I believe the MS degree will help me to gain in-depth knowledge and pave the way for a prosperous career. 

Sachi Katsumata

(Visiting Research Fellow)

I obtained a Ph.D. in Agriculture from Kyoto University, Japan. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor at Okayama University. My research is focused on studying the relationship between stress and productivity in broiler chickens. Now, I am working as a Visiting Research Fellow at Dr. Jha’s lab at UH Manoa. I believe the opportunity to work in Dr. Jha’s lab will help me learn early nutrition programming using the in ovo technique, strengthen my research skills, and broaden my horizons.

Hoshiki Izu

(BS ANSC Student)

I am currently a Junior majoring in Animal Science. I initially applied to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa for marine biology, but my interests soon deviated more into land animals, especially companion pets such as dogs and cats. Within this narrowed field, I found one thing I related to them best: their food. Food is the source that can be the key to stopping many problems even before they start to form.

Dr. Jha’s lab presented many opportunities that compelled me to engage in research. Dr. Jha’s experience in both the veterinary field as well as the nutrition research leads me to believe he would become an incredible mentor along this path of mine.