Aradhana is originally from Fiji and is married with one daughter. She has over ten years of experience in Plant Protection at the Ministry of Agriculture Fiji. She has publications and research records in entomology biological control and tropical weed management. Aradhana is currently on study leave for PhD studies but prior to that she was leading a research team to develop best management options for the weeds affecting agricultural production systems in Fiji looking at chemical, biological and cultural options. The results are then disseminated locally to extension officers and farmers through awareness programs and resource materials as well as at various international conferences. She attained her Master of Science in 2018, graduate qualifications in Biology (Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology) and has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry from The University of the South Pacific, Suva Fiji. In addition, Aradhana completed the Training of Trainers certificate program from Fiji National University, Fiji and subsequently assisted in training programs for extension officers, farmers and other stakeholders. Prior to joining the Agriculture Research Station, Aradhana Deesh spent a few years in food production, a valuable experience that gave her a first-hand understanding of the corporate sector.

Driven to achieve excellence in research, Aradhana is also committed to understanding how research is utilised by stakeholders including farmers and extension officers and to ensuring that the best research is translated into real-world impact that improves agricultural production and the economic status of her country through trade. Aradhana’s demonstrated capacity for leadership has been recognised by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) who have awarded her a prestigious Meryl Williams Fellowship (Cohort 1), Alumni Research Support Facility research funding and Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support and Climate Resilience Program (PASS-CR Program) for PhD studies.

• Horticultural Crops
• Pest Management

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (in progress)

Project Title: Relationship between thrips and weed species associaed with eggplant in the major export-growing region in Fiji

ACIAR Project - HORT/2016/185
Integrated Pests and Disease Management

Supervisor: Dr. Leslie T Ubaub, USP Dr Mereia Fong,FNU

Co-Supervisor: Prof Michael Furlong, UQ

Click here for more information (available on the ACIAR website).

Twitter: @AradhanaDeesh
LinkedIn: Aradhana Deesh
ORCiD: 0000-0002-5663-4235