ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ Nepal Lab

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Genetics

SNP 213, Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory

Oglala Lakota College students Candy DuBray, left, and Charles Bush prepare to do DNA extractions in Associate Professor Madhav Nepal’s lab through the Future Agriculture and Science Taskforce Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship program.
Oglala Lakota College students Candy DuBray, left, and Charles Bush prepare to do DNA extractions in professor Madhav Nepal’s lab through the Future Agriculture and Science Taskforce Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship program.

Researchers in Nepal Lab are interested in understanding plant evolution using approaches in molecular phylogenetics, comparative genomics and ecological genetics. The main research goal is to provide interested students/researchers with cutting-edge research experiences that they can apply to their daily life and future career.

Faculty and Graduate Researchers

  • Madhav P. Nepal, Ph.D.
  • Bibek Adhikari (Ph.D. student)
  • Sanam Parajuli (Ph.D. student)

Recent Lab Alumni

  • Dillon Nelson (2020-2023)
  • Jordan Purintun (2019-2020)
  • Bijaya Pradhan (2019-2021)
  • (Ph.D. 2015-2019), currently postdoctoral scholar, University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida
  • , (Ph.D. 2015-2019), currently assistant professor of biology, Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina
  • , Ph.D., (M.S. 2011-2013), currently postdoctoral scholar at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Achal Neupane (M.S. 2011-2013), currently Ph.D. student at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ
  • (M.S. 2012-2015), currently research associate at Sanford Health Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Sajag Adhikari, Ph.D., (lab assistant, 2011), currently postdoctoral scholar, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Jyotshna Paudel (graduate administrative assistant, fall 2016), currently at the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ
Publications
Publications
  1. Parajuli S., Adhikari B. and *Nepal, M.P. 2025. . Scientific Reports 15, 5297 (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-88880-x).
  2. Adhikari B., Parajuli S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2025. Chloroplast Genome Sequences for Endangered Morus rubra: Chloroplast Phylogenomics supports Morus Monophyly. Scientific Reports.
  3. Vestal, S.S., Burke, R.S., Browning, L.M., Hasselquist, L., Hales, P.D., Miller, M.L., *Nepal, M.P. and White, P.T. 2025. . Education Science 15(1), 85 (DOI: 10.3390/educsci15010085).
  4. Adhikari, B., Pradhan, B., Parajuli, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2024. Genomewide Identification of WRKY Transcription Factors in Amborella Trichopoda, the Basal Flowering Plant Species. .
  5. Stagner K., Weber, A., Nepal, H.P. and *Nepal, M.P. 2024. . Life Science Reports 1(1):1-24 (DOI: 10.62812/FRUE4067).
  6. Johnson, R.M. Nepal, H.P. and *Nepal, M.P. 2024. . Life Science Reports. 1(1): 25-35 (DOI: 10.62812/MGJP4087).
  7. Andersen, E.J., Ali, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2021. . Journal of Plant Pathology 37(2):99-114 (DOI: 10.5423/PPJ.OA.06.2020.0109).
  8. *Nepal, M.P. and Purintun, J.M. 2021. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL., USA.
  9. *Xue, J., Takken, F.L.W., Nepal, M.P., Maekawa, T. and Z. Shao. 2020. Frontiers in Genetics. 1 1:593240. (DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.593240).
  10. Andersen, E.J, Nelson, D. Mermigka, G., Purintun, J.P., Sarris, P.F. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. . Frontiers in Genetics 11: 898. (DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00898).
  11. White, P.T., Browning, L.M., Miller, M.L., Vestal, S.S., Lemke, M. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. Perceptions and Usages of Online Teaching Resources by South Dakota Science and Agriculture Teachers. SDAOS. 99: 117-133.
  12. Neupane, S., Mathew, F.M., Varenhorst A.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Scientific Data 6:133 (DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0140-4).
  13. Neupane, S.; Purintun, J.; Mathew, F.M.; Varenhorst, A.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. Plants. 8 (10): 374; DOI: 10.3390/plants8100374.
  14. Andersen, E.J., Ali, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . BMC Research Notes 12:471 (DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4517-4).
  15. Neupane, S., Varenhorst, A.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . BMC Research Notes. 12:325 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4372-3.
  16. Neupane, S., +S.E. Schweitzer, A. Neupane, E.J. Andersen, A. Fennell, R. Zhou, *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Plants. 8(2), 28; DOI: 10.3390/plants8020028.
  17. Neupane, S., E.J. Andersen, A. Neupane and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . Genes. 9:384, DOI: 10.3390/genes9080384.
  18. Andersen, E.J., E. Byamukama, S. Ali, Y. Yen and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . Genes. 9(7): 339; DOI: 10.3390/genes9070339.
  19. Neupane, S., E.J. Andersen, Q. Ma, F. Mathew, A. Varenhorst and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . Biochemical Genetics. 56 (4):397-422.
  20. *Nepal, M.P., E.J. Andersen, S. Neupane and B.V. Benson. 2017. . Genes. 8(10): 249; DOI: 10.3390/genes8100249.
  21. Andersen, E.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2017. 10: 8–16.
  22. Nanda-Kafle, G., T. Seale, T. Flint, Nepal, M.P. S.N. Venter and V. S. Brözel. 2017. . Microbes and Environments, 32(3): 226-233.
  23. Andersen E.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2017. Data in Brief. 13: 259-273.
  24. Andersen, E.J., S. Ali, R.N. Reese, Y. Yen, S. Neupane and *Nepal, M.P. 2016. . Evolutionary Bioinformatics. 12:99-108.
  25. *Nepal, M.P. and B.V. Benson. 2015. . Evolutionary Bioinformatics. 11: 49-63.
  26. +Andersen, E.J., +S.R. Shaw and *Nepal, M.P. 2015. Genomewide Identification of Disease Resistance Genes in Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae). Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science. 94:281-295.
  27. *Nepal, M.P., M.H. Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2015. Breeding System and Sex Ratio Variation in Mulberries. Journal of Botanical Institute of Texas. 9(2):383-395.
  28. Benson, B.V., *Nepal, M.P., +L.G. Davison, +P. B. Duwadi and B.G. Moore. 2014. In Silico Analysis of Cis-Regulatory Elements of Disease Resistance Genes across Six Plant Species. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science. 93: 133-144.
  29. Piya, S., *Nepal, M.P., J.L. Butler, G.E. Larson and A. Neupane. 2014. . Biological Invasions 16(10): 2115-2125.
  30. Neupane A., *Nepal, M.P., B.V. Benson, +K.J. MacArthur and S. Piya. 2013. . Plant Signaling and Behavior 8 (11): e27189.
  31. Piya, S., and *Nepal, M.P.. 2013. . American Journal of Plant Science. 4: 590-595.
  32. *Nepal, M.P. and +D.J. Wichern. 2013. Taxonomic Status of Red Mulberry (Morus rubra, Moraceae) at Its Northwestern Boundary. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science. 92: 19-29.
  33. Neupane, A., *Nepal, M.P., S. Piya, S. Subramanian, J.S. Rohila, R.N. Reese and B.V. Benson. 2013. . Evolutionary Bioinformatics. 9: 363-386 (IF = 1.5).
  34. *Nepal, M.P. and C.J. Ferguson. 2012. . Systematic Botany. 37(2): 442-450.
  35. Piya, S., *Nepal, M.P., A. Neupane, G.E. Larson and J.L. Butler. 2012. . Proceedings of South Dakota Academy of Science. 91:113-129.
  36. *Nepal, M.P., M.H. Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2012. . Phytoneuron 26:1-6.
  37. Woods, T.M., S.C. Strakosh, Nepal, M.P., S. Chakrabarti, N.B. Simpson, M.H. Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2005. . SIDA Contributions to Botany 21: 1695-1725.
  38. *Nepal, M.P., V.N.P. Gupta, O.R. Vetaas and R.P. Chaudhary. 1999. Utilization of Plant Resources of Makalu-Barun Buffer zone, Eastern Nepal by the Rais and the Sherpa Communities. Proceedings of Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, pp. 1359-1370.

  39. Chaudhary, R.P., Nepal, M.P., V.N.P. Gupta and O.R. Vetaas. 2002. Traditional Use of Plants by the Indigenous Peoples of Makalu-Barun Buffer Zone, Eastern Nepal. In: Chaudhary, R.P., B.P Subedi, O.R. Vetaas and T.H. Aase (eds). Vegetation and Society: Their Interaction in the Himalayas. Tribhuvan University, Nepal and Bergen University, Norway. pp. 83-97.

    Teaching Modules

  40. Chang, J., Ritter, B., Feller, D. and Nepal, M.P. 2024. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. Volume 6 (1): 156-165 (DOI: 10.62812/FQNL2254).
  41. Chang, J., Ritter, B., Feller, D. and Nepal, M.P. 2024. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. Volume 6 (1): 146-155 (DOI: 10.62812/LONN8629).
  42. Little Eagle, M., Janis, M. and Nepal, M.P. 2023. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 5(1): 136-145 9 (DOI: 10.62812/AUHQ9154).
  43. Janis, M., Little Eagle, M. and Nepal, M.P. 2023. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 5(1): 126-135 (DOI: 10.62812/AUHQ9154).
  44. Roy, S., Abrahamson, M., Nepal, M.P. and Butzin, N.C. 2022. . ILEARN Teaching Resources 4(2):95-105 (DOI: 10.62812/CNZE8705).
  45. Nelson, L.S., Roy, S., Bohnet, B.J., Chase, T., LaBelle, B., Nepal, M.P. and Butzin, N.C. 2022. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 4 (1):81-94 (DOI: 10.62812/JQXC9436).
  46. Kovash, I., Hossain, T., Mitchell, M., Roy, S., Nepal, M.P. and Butzin, N.C. 2022. ILEARN Teaching Resources. 4 (2): 106-125 (DOI: 10.62812/YAWI7062).
  47. Pourier, A., Pomarleau, W., Nelson, D., Cutler, K. and Nepal, M.P. 2022. .ILEARN Teaching Resources. 4 (1):69-80 (DOI:10.62812/DRXM4549).
  48. Pourier, A., Pomarleau, W., Nelson, D., Cutler, K. and Nepal, M.P. 2022. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 4 (1):61-68 (DOI: 10.62812/LLZJ8456).
  49. Scott, C.W. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 3 (1):49-60 (DOI: 10.62812/YNIH9807).
  50. Burwitz, S, Roe, K.M. and *Nepal, M.P., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L. and White, P.T. 2019. Recycling Aluminum. ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2(3):43-48 (DOI: 10.62812/VYZX7433).
  51. Chang, J. and Nepal, M.P. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2 (2):38-42 (DOI: 10.62812/KMPN5367).
  52. Colombe, S., McLaughlin, J., Nepal, M.P., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L. and White, P.T. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2:34-37 (DOI: 10.62812/QPEI8943).
  53. *Nepal, M.P. and E.J. Andersen. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2:23-33 (DOI: 10.62812/LYVA3709).
  54. Mueller, J. M., Edwards, L., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., White, P.T. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2:18-22 (DOI: 10.62812/VPML1616).
  55. Hoover, A., Blaha, B., Englin, J., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., White, P.T. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 2:10-17 (DOI: 10.62812/ETGU8239).
  56. Kruse, T., Forcier, L., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., White, P.T. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 1:5-9 (DOI: 10.62812/VDQW3503).
  57. Colombe, S., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., White, P.T. and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . ILEARN Teaching Resources. 1:1-4 (DOI: 10.62812/BTCH7525).

  58. Carter, A., White, P.T., Hasselquist, L., *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . Curriculum Resources (more than 2,900 downloads since 2018).

    Extension Articles

  59. Mathew, F., Okello, P., Kleinjan, J., Osborne, S., *Nepal, M.P., Varenhorst, A. and Byamukama, E. 2017. . South Dakota Soybean Leader, May-June 2019.
  60. *Nepal, M.P. and Benson, B.V. 2014. . Growing South Dakota iGrow (formerly), South Dakota Extension Magazine.

  61. *Nepal, M.P. 2006. Tallgrass Gazette, spring 2006: 1-2.

    Book Chapter/Lab Manuals

  62. *Nepal, M.P. and Purintun, J. 2021. Systematics of the Genus Morus L. (Moraceae): Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Potential Responses to Climate Variability. In Genetic Improvement of Mulberry in Context of Climate Change (M.K. Razdan and T. Dennis Thomas, Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
  63. Chaudhary, R.P., Nepal, M.P., Gupta, V.N.P. and Vetaas, O.R. 2002. Traditional Use of Plants by the Indigenous Peoples of Makalu-Barun Buffer Zone, Eastern Nepal. In: Chaudhary, R.P., B.P Subedi, O.R. Vetaas and T.H. Aase (eds). Vegetation and Society: Their Interaction in the Himalayas. Tribhuvan University, Nepal and Bergen University, Norway. pp. 83-97.
  64. *Nepal, M.P. 2021. General Botany Laboratory Manual, Pandemic Edition. ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. 75 p.
  65. *Nepal, M.P. and Wake, C.M. 2017. General Botany Laboratory Manual, 3rd Ed. ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. 112 p.
Preprints
  1. White, P.T., Browning, L.M., Miller, M.L., Vestal, S.S., Lemke, M. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. Perceptions and Usages of Online Teaching Resources by South Dakota Science and Agriculture Teachers; EdArXiv DOI: 10.35542/osf.io/wy9dj.
  2. Neupane, S., A. Varenhorst and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. . BioRxiv DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.25.221275.
  3. Andersen, E.J, Lindsey L.E and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. . BioRxiv DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.18.210286.
  4. *Nepal, M.P. and V.S. Berg. 2019. . bioRxiv685727; DOI: 10.1101/685727.
  5. Andersen, E.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. bioRxiv 695148; DOI: 10.1101/695148.
  6. Neupane, S., Purintun, J., Mathew, F. M., Varenhorst, A. J. and Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Preprints 201906.0282. DOI: 10.20944/preprints201906.0282.v1.
Conference Presentations

(Regional/national only) teaching related

Teaching Related
  1. Vestal, S., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., Nepal, M.P., White, P.T. and A. Jensen. . 2020 Noyce Summit. Washington, D.C.
  2. *Nepal, M.P., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L. and P.T. White, 2020. . Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Virtual.
  3. *Nepal, M.P., Bott-Knutson, R.C., Mathew, F., Janaswamy, S. and P.T. White. 2020. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Virtual.
  4. *Nepal, M.P. 2019.. Paper presented at Upper Midwest Honors Conference, April 4-6, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA.
  5. *Nepal, M.P., Bott-Knutson, R., Mathew, F., Janaswamy, R. and P.T. white. 2019. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  6. *Nepal, M.P., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., White, P.T. and J.M. Purintun. 2019. . Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  7. White, P.T., A. Carter, L. Hasselquist and Nepal, M.P. 2019. Application of Cognitive Load Theory to Interactive Notebook Design. Poster presented at the National Conference of American Association for Agricultural Education National Conference. May 21-24, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
  8. White, P.T., M. Lemke and Nepal, M.P. 2018. Analysis of Online Educational Resource Preferences of State Agricultural and Science Educators. Paper presented at the North Central Region Conference of the American Association for Agricultural Education. Oct. 4-5, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
  9. *Nepal, M.P., L.B. Browning, L. Edwards, M.L. Miller and P.T. White. 2018. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  10. *Nepal, M.P. 2018. . Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  11. *Nepal, M.P. and D. York. 2018. Medicinal Plants for College Freshmen’s Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  12. Vestal, S., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., Nepal, M.P., White, P.T. and A. Jensen. Presentation. Using a Professional Learning Community to Retain STEM Teachers. 2017 Noyce Summit. Washington, D.C., USA.
  13. *Nepal, M.P.,M. Orth and D. York. 2017. Honors in Herbarium: Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences for Freshman Biology Students. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2017, June 24-28. Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
  14. Vestal, S., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., Nepal, M.P., White, P.T. and A. Jensen. Paper Presentation: Using a Professional Learning Community to Retain STEM Teachers. 2017 Midwest Noyce conference. St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
  15. *Nepal, M.P., M. Miller and L.B. Browning. 2016. Integrative Lesson Plans Centered on Vertical Hydroponic System: Immersive Professional Development Workshops for Science Teachers in a Rural Setting. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2016, July 30–Aug. 3. Savannah, Georgia, USA.
  16. Vestal, S., Browning, L.B., Miller, M.L., Nepal, M.P., White, P.T., Morton, I. and B. Burke. Poster: Recruitment and Retention of Rural STEM teachers. 2016 Noyce Summit (National Science Foundation). Washington, D.C., USA.
  17. Nepal, M.P. 2016. Scopes and Challenges of Incorporating Active Learning in a Large Section Introductory Botany Course. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2016, July 30-Aug. 3. Savannah, Georgia, USA.
  18. Vestal S., L.B. Browning, M. Miller, Nepal, M.P. and P. White. Factors that Influence Recruitment and Retention of STEM Teachers in Rural Areas. Poster presented at the 2016 Noyce Summit (National Science Foundation). July 20-22, 2016. Washington D.C., USA.
  19. *Nepal, M.P., R. Turner and P.A. Shea. 2015. Helping Transfer Students: Drafting Passport Learning Outcomes and Proficiency Criteria for Natural Science General Education Courses. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2015, July 25 -29. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
  20. *Nepal, M.P., M. Miller and L.B. Browning. 2015. From Plant Press to Bioinformatics: Professional Development Workshops for Science Teachers in a Rural Setting. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2015, July 25-29. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
  21. Browning, L.B., M. Miller, Nepal, M.P. and *S. Vestal. 2015. REMAST Phase II: Studying Our Phase I Project. Paper presented at the Midwest Regional Noyce Conference. Oct. 29-30, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
  22. *Nepal, M.P. 2014. Collaborative Reading, Writing and Sharing When Combined with Project-Based Learning and Write Like a Scientist Assignments Improved Student Learning Experience in Evolution Course. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2014, July 27-30. Boise, Idaho, USA.
  23. *Nepal, M.P. 2014. Traditional Notetaking Integrated with Instructional Technology Enhanced Student Learning in a Large Section Botany Course. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2014, July 27-30. Boise, Idaho, USA.
  24. Vestal S., L.B. Browning, M. Miller, Nepal, M.P. and P. White. Poster: REMAST Phase 1: Building a Community. 2014 Midwest Noyce Conference. Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
  25. *Nepal, M.P. 2013. Effectiveness of Multiple Instructional Delivery Methods in a Large-Section Botany Course. 2013. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2013, July 27-31. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  26. *Nepal, M. P. and C. Wake.2012. Student Engagement and Assessment Tools for Large-Section Botany Course. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2012, July 7-11, 2012. Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  27. *Nepal, M.P. and L. Browning. 2014. Quadrat to Query Plants and Prairies. Paper presented at the 22nd annual Joint Conference of South Dakota Science Teachers Association/Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Feb. 2-8, 2014. Huron, South Dakota.
  28. *Nepal, M.P. and L. Browning. 2014. Plant Press Make and Take. Paper presented at the 22nd annual Joint Conference of South Dakota Science Teachers Association/Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Feb. 2-8, 2014. Huron, South Dakota.
  29. *Nepal, M.P. and L. Browning. 2014. Bioinformatics in South Dakota High School Classrooms. Paper presented at the 22nd annual Joint Conference of South Dakota Science Teachers Association/Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Feb. 2-8, 2014. Huron, South Dakota.
  30. *Nepal, M. P., +R. Stecher and +A. Perry. Pre-and-Post-Chapter Tests as an Instructional Assessment Tool for Teachers. Poster presented at the American Society of Plant Biologists Midwestern Section Meeting 2012, March 24-25. Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. (Also presented at the Faculty Showcase, Faculty Excellence Day).
Research Related
  1. *Nepal, M.P., Adhikari, B. and S. Parajuli. 2023. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Ecological Society of America . August 6-11, Portland, Oregon, USA.
  2. Adhikari, B., Parajuli, S. and Nepal, M.P. 2023. Chloroplast Phylogenomics of the Genus Morus (Moraceae). Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 22-26, Boise, Idaho, USA.
  3. Perkins, L., Boe, A., Latvis, M., Ehlert, K., Leffler, A. J., May, C., Nepal, M.P. and L. Xu. 2022. The Native Plant Initiative at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 24-27, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
  4. Neupane, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2021. Characterization of GmWRKYs involved in a Three-Way Interaction of Soybean, Soybean-Aphid and Soybean-Cyst-Nematode. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 18-23, virtual.
  5. Pradhan, B., Hunter, C. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, virtual.
  6. Nelson, D. and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. Developing Genetic Resources for Lakota Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Lightning talk presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, virtual.
  7. Pradhan, B., and *Nepal, M.P. 2020. Evolutionary Trends of WRKY Transcription Factors in Higher Plants. Lightning talk presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, virtual.
  8. +Bush,C., Nepal, M.P. and *F.M. Mathew. 2019. . Lightning talk presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  9. +DuBray, C. , +Bush, C, Purintun, J.M. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Lightning talk presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  10. Neupane, S., +Schweitzer, S., +Kaluwahandi, S., +Bush, C., +DuBray, C. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  11. Purintun, J.M., Andersen, E., Neupane, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. July 27-31, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
  12. +Schweitzer, S and *Nepal, M.P. 2019. Poster presented at Upper Midwest Honors Conference, April 4-6, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA.
  13. Andersen, E., S. Ali, E. Byamukama, Y. Yen, S. Neupane, *Nepal, M.P. 2018. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  14. Neupane, S. and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  15. +Schweitzer, S., S. Neupane, E.J. Andersen, R. Zhou, A. Fennell and *Nepal, M.P. 2018. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2018, June 21-25. Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  16. Andersen, E. J. and Nepal, M.P. 2017. Diversification and Maintenance of Disease Resistant Genes in The Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genome. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (vol. 96, p. 197).
  17. +Lindsey, L. E., Andersen, E. J. and Nepal, M.P. 2017. Do Native Plants Deploy More Rapidly Evolving Genes Than Their Cultivated Relatives Do? Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (vol. 96, p. 198).
  18. Andersen, E.J. and *Nepal, M.P. 2017. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2017, June 24-28. Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
  19. Andersen, E.J., *Nepal, M.P., S. Ali, Y. Yen and S. Neupane. 2017. ). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2017, June 24-28. Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
  20. Neupane, S., *Nepal, M.P., Q. Ma, F. Mathew and A. Varenhorst. 2017. . Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2017, June 24-28. Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
  21. Andersen, E.J., *Nepal, M.P., S. Ali, Y. Yen, R.N. Reese, S. Neupane. 2016. . Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2016, July 30-Aug. 3. Savannah, Georgia, USA.
  22. Andersen, E., *Nepal, M.P., R. N. Reese, S. Ali, S. Neupane. 2016. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2016, July 30-Aug. 3. Savannah, Georgia, USA.
  23. *Nepal, M.P., S. Neupane, F. Mathew, Q. Ma, A. Varenhorst, E.J Andersen, R.N. Reese. 2016. . Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2016, July 30-August 3. Savannah, Georgia, USA.
  24. Hummel, M.J. and *Nepal, M.P.. 2016. Assessing Phylogenetic Relationships among Anseriformes Based on Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA Sequences. Paper presented at the 101st annual Meeting of South Dakota Academy of Sciences. April 8-9, University of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA.
  25. *Nepal, M.P., +S.R. Shaw, E.J. Andersen. 2015. Tracking Disease Resistance in Wheat through Identification of R-gene Orthologs in Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2015, July 25-29. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
  26. *Nepal, M.P., E.J. Andersen, +S.R. Shaw, J.L. Gonzalez, Y. Yen and R.N. Reese. 2015. Comparative Genomics of CNL Disease Resistance Genes in Six Grass Species. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2015, July 25-29. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
  27. Andersen, E.J.., +S.R. Shaw and *Nepal, M.P. 2015. Genome-wide Identification of Disease Resistance Genes in Aegilops tauschii. Poster presented at the 100th Annual Meeting of South Dakota Academy of Sciences. April 10-11, Cedar Shore, South Dakota, USA.
  28. Adhikari S., K. Acharya, R. Chowdhary, A. Charif, E. Byamukama, X. Gu, W. Li, J.S. Rohila, Nepal, M.P. and S. Subramanian. 2015. Efficient and economical molecular diagnostic tools for soybean stresses. Poster presented at the 11th annual AgOutlook Conference and Tradeshow. Dec. 10; Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. (Second-place prize winner poster.)
  29. Benson, B.V., *Nepal, M.P., S. Subramanian and S. Ali. 2014. Soybean Disease Resistance Genes and Their Evolutionary Divergence. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2014, 27-30 July 2014. Boise, Idaho, USA.
  30. Andersen, E.J, *Nepal, M.P., B.V. Benson and E.A Opitz. 2014. Undergraduate Research Project on Genome-wide Identification of Disease Resistance Genes in Cultivated Barley (Hordeum vulgare, Poaceae). Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. Botany 2014, 27-30 July 2014. Boise, Idaho, USA.
  31. +Opitz, E.A, *Nepal, M.P., B.V. Benson and E. J. Andersen. 2014. Undergraduate Research Project on Identification of Disease Resistance Genes in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica, Poaceae. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America. Botany 2014, 27-30 July 2014. Boise, Idaho, USA.
  32. Benson, B.V. and *Nepal, M.P. 2013. Diversity and Evolutionary Divergence of Resistant Genes (R Genes) in Legumes. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2013, July 27-31. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  33. *Nepal, M.P. 2013. Effectiveness of Multiple Instructional Delivery Methods in a Large-Section Botany Course. 2013. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2013, July 27-31. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  34. +MacArthur, K.J., +K. Murray, A. Neupane, B.V. Benson, S. Piya and *Nepal, M.P. 2013. Evolution of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Gene Family in Plants. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2013, July 27-31. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  35. +Schreier, S., S. Piya and *Nepal, M.P. 2013. Postglacial Founder Effect Detected in Endangered Populations of Native Red Mulberry at its Northwestern Boundary. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2013, July 27-31. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
  36. Piya S., *Nepal, M.P., J.L. Butler and GE. Larson. 2013. Exploring genetic basis of Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris) invasion in the United States. Poster presented at the 98th annual meeting of Ecological Society of America. August 4-9, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
  37. *Nepal, M.P. and C. Wake. 2012. Student Engagement and Assessment Tools for Large-Section Botany Course. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America- Botany 2012, July 7-11, 2012. Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  38. Neupane, A., S. Piya, N. Reese, J. Rohila, S. Subramanian and *Nepal, M.P. 2012. Identification of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Family Members in Soybean. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2012, July 7-11, 2012. Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  39. Piya, Sarbottam, G.E Larson, J.L. Butler, A. Neupane and *Nepal, M.P. 2012. Population Genetics of Falcaria vulgaris (Sickleweed) in North America. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2012, July 7-11, 2012. Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  40. Piya, Sarbottam, G.E. Larson, J.L. Butler, A. Neupane and *Nepal, M.P. 2012. Introduction history and spread of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. (Apiaceae) in the United States based on herbarium records. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of South Dakota Academy of Science. April 13-14, 2012. Vermillion, South Dakota, USA.
  41. Neupane, A., S. Piya, N. Reese, J. Rohila,S. Subramanian and *Nepal, M.P. 2012. Identification of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Family Members in Soybean. Botany 2012, July 7-11, 2012. Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  42. *Nepal, M.P., L. Browning, K. Emo, M. Miller and K. Russow and S.Vestal. 2011. Summary of Rural Enhancement of Math And Science Teachers Summer Conference 2011 at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Conference. July 6-8, 2011. Washington, D.C., USA.
  43. Emo K., L. Browning, M. Miller, Nepal, M.P., K. Russow and S. Vestal. 2011. K-12 Connections: Creating a Community of STEM Educators. The 20th annual SDSTA/SDCTM Joint Conference. Feb. 2-4, 2011. Huron, South Dakota, USA.
  44. *Nepal, M.P. and G.E. Larson. 2010. Natural hybridization in Morus: Is an exotic mulberry threatening the native one? Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2010, July 31-August 4, 2010. Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
  45. Korman, B. L., G.E. Larson, J.L. Butler and Nepal, M.P.. 2010. Sickleweed, an Emerging Problem in the Northern Mixed Grass Prairie. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2010, July 31–August 4. Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
  46. *Nepal, M.P., S.D. Fehlberg and C.J. Ferguson. 2009. Developing and applying low-copy nuclear regions for phylogenetic study in the genus Phlox (Polemoniaceae). Paper presented at Botany and Mycology Joint Congress 2009, July 25-29. Snowbird, Utah, USA.
  47. Fehlberg, S.D., Nepal, M.P. and C.J. Ferguson. The importance of genetic and cytotype variation in conservation: an example from Phlox (Polemoniaceae). Paper presented at Botany and Mycology Joint Congress 2009, July 25-29. Snowbird, Utah, USA.
  48. Fehlberg, S.D., Nepal, M.P., M.C. Ty and C.J. Ferguson. 2008. Evolutionary history and ecological significance of polyploidy in the Phlox woodhousei complex in the arid southwest. Nov. 14-16, 2008. Paper presented at Ecological Genomics: sixth annual symposium. Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
  49. *Nepal, M.P., C.J. Ferguson and M.H. Mayfield. 2007. Exploring A.S. Hitchcock's herbarium: historical botanical findings from computerization of the Kansas State University Herbarium. Paper presented at Botany and Plant Biology Joint Congress 2007, July 7-11. Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  50. *Nepal, M.P., M.H. Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2007. Phylogenetic relationships of Morus L. (Moraceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. Paper presented at Botany and Plant Biology Joint Congress 2007, July 7-11. Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  51. Nepal, M.P., M.H Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2006. Systematics and reproductive biology of the genus Morus (Moraceae). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2006, July 28-August 2. California State University, Chico, California, USA.
  52. Woods, T.M., S.C. Strakosh, Nepal, M.P., S. Chakrabarti, N.B. Simpson, M.H. Mayfield and C.J. Ferguson. 2004. Floristic changes documented by historical herbarium specimens: plant species introduced to Kansas. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of Botanical Society of America – Botany 2004, July 31-August 5, Snowbird, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Media Highlights
Research

Researchers in Nepal's lab are interested in understanding plant evolution using approaches in bioinformatics, molecular phylogenetics, comparative genomics and ecological genetics. The main research goal is to provide the interested students/researchers with the cutting-edge research experience that they can apply to their future career.

Identification and Characterization of Stress Responsive Genes in Crops
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase families in legumes and other crop species.
  • Disease/Pest resistance Genes (R-genes) in legumes and other crop species.
Ecological Genetics of Both Native and Invasive Plant Species
Molecular Biology student in Dr. Nepal's Lab
  • Molecular systematics (e.g. taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Morus).
  • Community phylogenetics and population genetics of native plants.
  • Introduction history and genetics of invasive species (e.g. sickleweed).