Lav Yadav, a postdoctoral research associate, developed a passion for ornamental plant research at a young age. With the joy of working with plants, Yadav began his journey into the agriculture field during his undergraduate years. Currently, Yadav specializes in various traits of Redbud within the Staton Lab. Outside of the lab, Yadav enjoys cooking, hiking, and resisting the temptation to purchase a collection of house plants.

Q&A with Lav Yadav

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Lav. I come from a small South Asian country “Nepal”. I am a postdoc at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture within the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Who are the team of faculty you work with?

I work closely with Dr. Meg Staton, Dr. Denita Hadziabdic Guerry, Dr. Marcin Nowicki, and Dr. Bob Trigiano.

What are the primary research areas performed in the lab?

I work with Redbuds. I am currently working on different ornamental traits of Redbud, such as weeping and leaf color.

How did you get into your career field?

I have always loved plants and wanted to learn about them from an early age. I studied agriculture during my undergraduate years and my love for plants grew more. That’s how I got into my field.

What is your favorite procedure to do in the lab?

I love going out to collect samples in the field.

What is the best part of your position within the department?

The best parts about my position are the people and the team I work with. They are very supportive. 

What do you consider to be one of your greatest achievements? Why?

My greatest achievement is being able to wake up every day and get paid for doing something I love.

If someone wanted to get to where you are now, do you have any advice for them?

Just follow your heart and your passion should lead you where you want to be.

What are two of your favorite hobbies?

I love cooking, hiking, and watching wrestling.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Plants are awesome to work with, but the common side effect is you might be addicted to buying an insane number of house plants.