Varna Murali is undertaking her doctoral studies as a dual PhD candidate at Western Sydney University, Australia and Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, India. Her research specializes in socio-economic factors underpinning technology adoption with a focus on climate variability and crop monitoring technologies supervised by Professor Oula Ghannoum and co-supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dilupa Nakandala, Assoc. Prof. of Management, Associate Dean – Graduate Studies, School of Business, Dr Suzy Rogiers, Principal Research Scientist, Plant Physiology, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Horticulture and Dr Allan Thomas, Kerala Agricultural University.
Varna began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Honours) from Agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University. She then earned her Master’s degree in Agriculture (Extension Education) from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, where she conducted significant research on the perception of farmers on high-yielding rice varieties. As part of the doctoral program in India, she worked on Agricultural adaptation strategies to climate variability under Dr Allan Thomas, Prof. & Head, Dept. Of Agricultural Extension Education, Kerala Agricultural University.
In addition to her research, Varna has held leadership roles such as the Readers Forum Secretary of the Students’ Union at the College of Horticulture and has volunteered with the NGO Rise Up Forum. Her diverse skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and proficiency in multiple languages contribute to her effective communication and leadership capabilities. Through her interdisciplinary approach and commitment, Varna aims to contribute to sustainable and inclusive agricultural solutions.
