Nikhil Ashtekar

Mycologist | Expert in molecular biology and species delimitation | International Peer Reviewed Publications with 550+ Citations | Specialized in Fungal Taxonomy, Plant Pathology & Botany

Role: Visiting Professor at Fergusson College, Pune
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, US
LinkedIn followers: 500 followers

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About Nikhil Ashtekar

From uncovering new fungal members to enhancing crop resilience—Hi, I\'m Dr. Nikhil Ashtekar! I am currently honing my skills as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of North Carolina. I have advanced as a dedicated mycologist with extensive experience in molecular biology 🧬 and plant pathology.🧪 My scientific adventure during my Ph.D. involved profound breakthroughs like identifying three novel Penicillium species and establishing a series-level classification in section Citrina of genus Penicillium. As a team member, I was also involved in the discovery of few novel fungal genera and species. With a deep-rooted passion for mycology, my work spans over 18 Peer Reviewed International Publications having 300+ citations on Goole Scholar and impactful conference participations. I thrive in environments that challenge the status quo of fungal taxonomy and have been recognized with a Senior Research Fellowship award from CSIR, India for my innovative project insights.🧫 My toolkit is rich with advanced skills in genomic DNA extractions and sequencing, phylogenetical analysis, and experiment design. Let’s connect if you are interested in making significant strides in mycology, plant health, or biodiversity. I am keen on collaborating on projects, exchanging ideas, and contributing to push scientific understanding forward.

Experience

Visiting Professor
Fergusson College, Pune
Aug 2025 — Present · Pune, IN
Delivered lectures on key postgraduate (M.Sc- I) topics:Fungal Diversity, Modern Classification and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Electrochemical Techniques in Botany, and Radioactive techniques and many more to come

Education

Savitribai Phule Pune University
Master's degree, Botany/Plant Biology
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Botany/Plant Biology
Fergusson College, Pune
Bachelor's degree, Botany/Plant Biology

Contact information

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Current company

Fergusson College, Pune

Higher Education · 158 employees · Pune, Maharashtra, India

With the end of the East India Company\'s regime in India and the failure of the first armed uprising in 1857, for India\'s freedom, a new era dawned in our country. It was clear that the emancipation of our land and the transformation of the life of our people had to be brought about by peaceful and constitutional means. Indian renaissance had began and it heralded the role which education needed to play to achieve national aspirations. Wood\'s Education Despatch (1854), the Education Commission of 1882 and the Hunter Commission (1891), were all indicative of the concerted efforts, of both the Government and the Indian people, in the enterprise of education. The Founders of the Fergusson College had first started the New English School, Pune in 1880 and later established the Deccan Education Society (DES) in 1884.The college held these classes, for almost ten years, in the old Gadre Wada and other locations in Poona. A plot of about 37 acres (a portion of the present extensive campus) was acquired on a 99 years\' lease in 1891 by the DES. The foundation stone of the Main building of the Fergusson College, was laid in 1892 and the building was completed in 1895. The college started functioning on this campus in 1895. From then onwards, the college has grown from strength to strength and acquired a reputation as a nation-building institution. While the founders have become legends, in the history of education and the freedom struggle in India, it is a matter of great significance, that the college received active and moral support from academicians and statesmen, such as Principal William Wordsworth, Principal F. G. Selby, Lord Rippon, Sir William Wedderburn and Sir James Fergusson.Fergusson College was intended to be,\"the seminary of the Indian educational missionaries\".

fergusson.edu

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