Shweta Basnett
Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Maryland, College Park
Entomology
Posted 1-17-24

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1. Big Run State Park (510 m), Maryland, United States.

For my Ph.D., I investigated the interplay between abiotic factors, pollinators, and evolutionary history that shape the reproductive phenology in the Himalayan rhododendrons. This research involved monitoring of reproductive phenology, events from budding to fruit dehiscence, traits measurements, a compilation of genetic data, and extensive fieldwork on pollinator observation and controlled breeding experiments in natural Rhododendron populations in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Sikkim.

This study addressed questions on a local scale; however, rhododendrons are distributed globally and found in North America and the Eurasian mountains. After completing my Ph.D. in November 2019 from ATREE I was inclined to expand my research interest further. Having witnessed considerable variation in pollinator groups among the studied Rhododendron species in the Himalaya, I decided to study specifically the plant–pollinator interactions and the floral evolution in rhododendrons at a macroevolutionary scale.

In January 2022, I started a new chapter of my life. I joined the University of Maryland Entomology Department as a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow. I work with Dr. Anah Espindola on the effect of biotic (pollinators) and abiotic environment changes on the evolutionary history of mountain endemic plant–pollinator interactions of rhododendrons. I incorporate ecological, geospatial data, and phylogeny to generate scientific knowledge in the ecology and evolution of rhododendrons. I am using existing Rhododendron phylogeny to understand the role of biotic and abiotic variables in the diversification of the genus Rhododendron. I also plan to use the evolutionary history information to predict future eco-evolutionary trajectories and conservation needs of rhododendrons in the context of climate change.

For this project, I rely both on public databases and field-based data. To identify pollinators of native North American rhododendrons, last summer fieldwork was carried out in multiple places across the Appalachian Mountains, which host the highest Rhododendron diversity in the region.

2. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary (4200 m), Sikkim, India.

How Shweta got interested in the botanical sciences:

Growing up in the Sikkim Himalaya, India, the mountains have always held a special place in my heart. From a very young age, I had some understanding of the beautiful plant diversity around me and the services it provided to people. I vividly remember my grandfather following traditional practices and using locally available plants, from medicines to local cuisines or offerings to deities. After completing my master’s in biotechnology from Bengaluru University, I ventured into the industry sector. However, I quickly realized this was different from what I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. So, I left that job and got into an academic journey with a motivation to contribute to conserving valuable resources around us. I joined Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) as a junior research fellow in their pioneering Himalayan mega project on the conservation of bioresources in Sikkim Himalaya, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, India. During this period, along with other team members, I conducted extensive fieldwork spanning elevations from 200 m to 4,200 m, primarily documenting the rich floral diversity of the region. It was then I experienced how the plant diversity, climate and topography changed drastically across the elevation!

Despite all the beautiful observations in the forests, the flower colors fascinated me the most: red, pink, yellow, white, and so on. During the spring, the higher elevation region of the Himalayan Forest is covered with vibrant colors. More specifically, I was mesmerized by the different hues of Rhododendron, the dominant flowering plant genus in the Himalaya. These field observations intrigued me to understand the variations in flowering timing and floral traits among co-occurring species within the genus Rhododendron. These observations and the field experiences ultimately helped me to pursue a P.h.D. and delve deeper into the ecology and evolution of Rhododendron in the Himalaya.

Apart from my fascination with natural history, my academic journey in India and the United States has been enriched by learning from amazing scientists. I have been fortunate to work and learn from Drs. Anahi Espindola, Soubadra Devy, R. Ganesan, Juliana Mederios and Prof. Kamal Bawa, who has played a prominent role in inspiring me to keep asking solid scientific questions.

1.R. catawbiense 2. Insect identification in Wild Bee Lab, Patuxent Research Refuge, Maryland, 3. Bombus sp. visiting R. viscosum 4. R. calendulaceum 5. R. maximum 6. Bombus sp. visiting R. catawbiense. All the images are taken in the Southern Appalachians. 

Shweta's advice for those just starting their botanical journey:

You are in the right place if you are passionate and curious about your work. Look out for mentors and reach out to them when required. Attend workshops and conferences: it’s a great way to meet people, build collaborations, and advance your learning. Do not hesitate to ask questions about your topic of interest. And most importantly, do not ever forget to be kind to yourself and others.

Shweta's other passions:

Besides science, I enjoy taking care of plants, curating, home decor, and watching chilling thriller/horror movies with a cup of hot chai. Recently I developed a passion for cooking and exploring cuisines of different nationalities. Additionally, I love hiking, walking, and running. One of my dreams is to hike all the major mountains across the globe especially the Andes.

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