Researcher’s journey protects pollinators through turfgrass management
Navdeep Godara's Ph.D. journey ended with commencement, but not before his research on saving bees through more sustainable turfgrass care practices earned him recognition and accolades.
Navdeep Godara posing before commencement. Photo courtesy of Navdeep Godara.
When Navdeep Godara arrived at Virginia Tech to pursue his Ph.D. in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he was driven by a single goal: to make a difference in pollinator conservation.
More than two years later, he’s earned his degree and achieved that goal in ways he never expected.
Godara’s research focuses on developing ways to prevent harm to pollinators — animals such as bees, butterflies, bats, and birds that help flowering plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another — without sacrificing the health of a luscious lawn. By analyzing changes in ultraviolet reflection of weedy flowers, Godara seeks to understand how turfgrass protection products affect pollinating insects and how turfgrass managers can implement strategies that safeguard these essential creatures.
“Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem, yet they could get exposed to insecticide residues in turfgrass settings,” Godara said. “My goal is to find a balance where both turfgrass health and pollinator safety can coexist.”
Evolution of a turfgrass researcher
Initially focused on row crops to develop new weed management tools, Godara sought to expand his skill set beyond traditional agricultural research. A pivotal meeting with Shawn Askew, professor at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, at a Southern Weed Science Society annual conference in 2022 cemented his decision to join the plant pathology, physiology, and weed science graduate program. Drawn by Askew’s strong emphasis on collaboration and willingness to explore innovative new directions, Godara found a research environment that encouraged risk-taking and interdisciplinary cooperation.
“Navdeep has a remarkable ability to identify real-world problems and approach them with both scientific rigor and creative thinking,” Askew said. “His leadership and dedication have elevated our program and inspired others around him.”
Godara’s research has evolved significantly. Early in his studies, he concentrated on identifying the direct impacts of herbicide applications on pollinators. Now, his work takes on a broader scope — creating a strategic timeline for herbicide application and other deterrents that minimizes pollinator disruption while ensuring effective turfgrass management. His ultimate goal is to provide science-backed guidelines that balance healthy turf with ecological responsibility.
“This work isn’t just about turf or pollinators — it’s about the intersection of science, sustainability, and stewardship,” Godara said. “If we can inform better practices through our findings, that’s a win for everyone.”
One of the most rewarding moments in Godara’s research came when his findings directly influenced local turfgrass managers. By sharing insights on best practices, he helped professionals implement his pollinator-friendly management schedules.
School of Plant and Environmental Sciences graduate students (from left) John Peppers, Navdeep Godara, Juan Romero, and Daewon Koo research organic approaches to annual bluegrass control. Photo courtesy of Shawn Askew.
Growing his reach
With access to state-of-the-art facilities at the college, an extensive network of experts, and a dedicated graduate committee — including Askew, Michael Goatley, Jacob Barney, and Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdivia — Godara has benefited from a deeply collaborative research environment.
“Navdeep demonstrated repeatedly that he was an award-winning scientific communicator among his peers,” Goatley said. “I am very pleased at Navdeep's evolution as a successful communicator to industry peers and the general public alike.”
Godara has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to turfgrass and pollinator research. Over the past two years, he has been recognized with more than 40 awards, including the prestigious Gerald O. Mott Award from the Crop Science Society of America, the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Horticulture Student Award from the American Society of Horticultural Science, and the Endowment Enrichment Scholarship from the Southern Weed Science Society.
Beyond research, Godara has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service in the scientific community. He held elected leadership positions in national and regional organizations, including president, vice president, and secretary of the Southern Weed Science Society Graduate Student Organization and its Graduate Student Organization, president and vice president of the Northeastern Weed Science Society Graduate Student Organization, and treasurer of Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Graduate Organization. His professional involvement extends to 17 scientific societies, where he actively serves on six committees.
Godara also made significant contributions through publications and presentations. He has authored or co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications, four Extension publications, and over 50 scientific presentation abstracts during his time at Virginia Tech. His outreach efforts have included delivering 16 Extension or invited talks to over 4,000 stakeholders, further reinforcing his commitment to education and applied research.
Thinking big
Looking ahead, Godara hopes his research will inspire future students and scientists to approach agricultural challenges with a sustainability-first mindset. By demonstrating how research can bridge the gap between environmental conservation and industry needs, he aims to encourage upcoming researchers to think critically about their role in ecosystem protection. Godara has already accepted an assistant professor position at North Carolina State University, highlighting his rapid academic progression and leadership in the field.
As he continues his journey, Godara remains grateful for the mentorship and support he has received at Virginia Tech. Whether it’s Askew’s openness to risk-taking or the encouragement from his graduate committee, he has found a research home that nurtures both professional and personal growth. With his work, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on pollinator conservation, turfgrass management, and agriculture.
“Virginia Tech gave me the tools, the mentors, and the freedom to think big,” Godara said. “That support system made it possible for me to grow as both a scientist and a leader.”