1. Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit
    University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    Assistant Professor
    UMES Extension Program
    fnaveenkumar@umes.edu

Expertise

  1. Dr. Naveen Dixit, an esteemed Associate Professor in the DAFRS, is a dedicated advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, with a particular focus on vegetable and fruit cultivation. With a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology (Hort. Crops) and over a decade of research and teaching experience, Dr. Dixit is at the forefront of promoting inclusive and equitable agricultural practices.
    Dr. Dixit has been instrumental in fostering partnerships with BIPOC farmers, women farmers, veteran farmers, and those starting their agricultural journey. By collaborating closely with these diverse communities, Dr. Dixit has played a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges they face, facilitating access to resources, and promoting sustainable farming techniques that enhance both productivity and environmental stewardship.
    As an educator, Dr. Dixit brings passion and expertise to the classroom, teaching a range of horticulture courses that cover the principles of fruit and vegetable production. Dr. Dixit's pedagogy is rooted in practical application, ensuring that students not only understand the theoretical aspects but also gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming methods.
    Beyond the traditional classroom setting, Dr. Dixit is actively engaged in conducting workshops on fruit and vegetable production. These workshops serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering community among farmers, and promoting innovative, eco-friendly approaches to cultivation.
    Dr. Dixit's commitment to diversity, equity, and sustainability in agriculture exemplifies a holistic approach to teaching, research, and community engagement. Through their work, they continue to inspire the next generation of horticulturists and contribute significantly to the advancement of inclusive agricultural practices., Stress physiology (abiotic and biotic stresses), postharvest physiology, integrated weed management, nano-technological management of insects, plant-pathogen interaction, nutrient management, phosphorus phytoremediation, community horticulture, global climate change (high temperature), produce safety, nanotechnology, fruit and vegetable production, and orchard management, I have deep and multifaceted professional interest that extends across academic, research, and practical realms. At the core of my academic pursuits is a passion for imparting knowledge and cultivating the next generation of horticulturists. Engaged in teaching a spectrum of subjects, from plant propagation techniques to advanced horticultural practices, I strives to instill a comprehensive understanding of plant biology and cultivation methodologies for students.
    Simultaneously, research forms a crucial facet of my professional portfolio. Delving into areas like plant genetics, sustainable agriculture, and innovative cultivation technologies, I contribute to the expanding body of knowledge in horticulture. My investigations often lead to advancements in crop yield, pest resistance, and environmental adaptability, addressing critical challenges in the field.
    Beyond the classroom and laboratory, my interests extend to community outreach and collaboration. I actively engage with local farmers, gardeners, and environmental groups, sharing expertise and promoting sustainable horticultural practices. Through publications, workshops, and public lectures, I contributes to the broader dissemination of horticultural knowledge, fostering a connection between academia and the wider community. In essence, I embodies a holistic dedication to education, research, and community service, playing a pivotal role in advancing the science and practice of horticulture., a. Teaching at UMES, Princess Anne, MD (2016-2023)
    HORT-203 (Credit-3): Introduction to Horticultural Science
    HORT-423 (Credit-3): Horticultural Crops.

Education

  1. PhD, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 2006.
    Major: Plant Physiology
    Supporting Areas of Emphasis: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
    Dissertation Title: Flower bud opening and senescence in rose

Experience

  1. NE SARE PDP Coordinator, USDA NE SARE. (January 1, 2017 - Present).

Awards and Honors

  1. Outstanding Service Award: 2023-2024, UMES-SANS. (May 2024).
  2. The 2023 Excellence in Creative Solutions for Food and Nutrition Security Award for the United States regional network, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health. (October 17, 2023).
  3. The 2023 Nutrition Education Program Impact Award, Society of Nutrition Education and Behavior. (October 17, 2023).
  4. Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Extension Programming, Outstanding Extension Programming. (May 17, 2019).

Professional Memberships

  1. American Society for Horticultural Science. (January 1, 2023 - Present).
  2. American Society for Horticultural Science. (January 1, 2009 - Present).

Teaching Innovation

  1. Curricular Development. Hort-203. January 29, 2024 - May 17, 2024.
    Pre- and Post-Class Evaluation Tool: In addition to these hands-on experiences, there's a robust assessment system in place, designed to gauge student learning before and after each class session. This system consists of fifty thoughtfully designed questions that cover a wide range of areas, including what students have learned, how engaged they are, their proficiency with equipment, their involvement in the community, their goals for the future, and the obstacles they anticipate facing. This thorough evaluation tool acts as a measure of how students are advancing, allowing instructors to continuously improve their teaching methods to achieve the best possible results. By analyzing the feedback provided by this assessment framework, educators can fine-tune their approach, ensuring that each student's learning experience is optimized. This emphasis on evaluation underscores a commitment to ongoing improvement, guaranteeing that the educational process remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of students.
    In essence, the pedagogical paradigm underpinning these courses transcends traditional boundaries, embodying a symbiotic fusion of theoretical acumen and practical application, thereby equipping students with the requisite tools to navigate the complexities of horticultural sciences with confidence and efficacy.
  2. Curricular Development. Hort-203. January 29, 2024 - May 17, 2024.
    Community Interaction: Outside of traditional classroom settings, students have the chance to immerse themselves in their local community, connecting with leaders and farmers to understand real-world issues and brainstorm solutions. Dr. Naveen Dixit, thanks to the support of the Robert Wood Johnson grant, has organized trips to the Fruitland community orchard. These outings aren't just educational excursions; they're hands-on experiences where students join community members in tasks like pruning trees. These interactions aren't confined to adults; students also engage with younger peers, sparking an interest in agricultural sciences. By fostering this interest early on, we're not just educating students for today; we're nurturing the next generation of experts and professionals who will continue to tackle challenges in agriculture and beyond. These experiences go beyond textbooks, instilling a sense of civic duty and practical skills that will serve students well into the future.
  3. Curricular Development. Hort-203. January 29, 2024 - May 17, 2024.
    SARE Farmer Grant Writing: Integral to the curriculum is the cultivation of grant writing prowess through the SARE Farmer Grant Writing initiative, where students collaboratively conceive and articulate research proposals, honing their ability to navigate the intricacies of grant procurement. By actively participating in the SARE Farmer Grant Writing initiative, students collaboratively delve into the process of conceptualizing and presenting research proposals. This practical involvement serves as a platform for refining their abilities in securing grants and navigating the intricate landscape of funding acquisition. Beyond merely honing their grant procurement skills, this immersive experience enriches their comprehension of the multifaceted challenges inherent in obtaining financial support for agricultural projects. Through the SARE Farmer Grant Writing initiative, students not only acquire practical skills but also gain a deeper insight into the real-world dynamics of agricultural research funding, equipping them with invaluable competencies for their academic and professional trajectories.
  4. Curricular Development. Hort-203. January 29, 2024 - May 17, 2024.
    Hands-On Practice: A diverse range of cutting-edge teaching techniques is employed to facilitate comprehensive understanding and long-term engagement among students. The emphasis lies on practical application, where students immerse themselves in hands-on experiences within UMES's expansive multi-fruit orchard and vineyard. Here, they not only learn about but also actively engage with season extension technologies, gaining firsthand insights into their intricacies. These practical activities are supplemented by active involvement in ongoing research projects conducted in the laboratory. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment, students delve deeper into theoretical concepts, enriching their learning experience. Recently, they've embarked on the journey of vegetative propagation, honing their skills in nurturing pomegranate and grape cuttings. This tangible application of their acquired knowledge serves as a testament to their growth and proficiency in the field, highlighting the impactful nature of their educational journey.

Publications

  1. Dixit, Naveen Kumar. “Differential Oxidative Stress Management in Industrial Hemp (IH: Cannabis Sativa L.) for Fiber Under Saline Regimes.” Metabolite, vol. 14, no. Metabolites 2024, 14(8), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14080420, MDPI, 2024, p. 16.
  2. Dixit, Naveen Kumar. “Salinity Induced Antioxidant Defense in Roots of Industrial Hemp (IH: Cannabis Sativa L.) for Fiber During Seed Germination.” Antioxidants, vol. Antioxidants 11 (2): 244. (Impact Factor 7.675)., MDPI, Jan. 2022.
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