DILLI RAM ACHARYA

M.Eng. Candidate @ Nanjing Agricultural University, China

DILLI RAM
ACHARYA

Agricultural & Biosystems Engineer

Developing biomass-derived functional materials for electrochemical sensing, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource recovery. My research integrates biomass valorization, biochar engineering, material characterization, Density Functional Theory (DFT), and machine learning.

Dilli Ram Acharya

Dilli Ram Acharya

M.Eng. Scholar & Agricultural Engineer

📍

Location

Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Master's Research Focus

Biomass-derived biochar and electrochemical sensing for environmental pollutant detection.

Professional License

NEC 481 — Agricultural Engineering

Nepal Engineering Council, Nepal

Languages

Nepali · English · Hindi · Chinese

About Me

Biography

Academic Journey

I am Dilli Ram Acharya, currently pursuing a Master of Engineering in Agricultural Mechanization Engineering at Nanjing Agricultural University, China. My current academic and research work focuses on sustainable materials, electrochemical sensing, environmental monitoring, and agricultural engineering.

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. My undergraduate education provided a foundation in agricultural mechanization, hydrology, irrigation, environmental engineering, climate change, and engineering applications in agriculture.

During my master's research at Nanjing Agricultural University, I have been working on biomass-derived functional materials and their application in electrochemical detection of environmental pollutants. My research integrates biochar engineering, material characterization, electrochemical techniques, computational analysis, and data-driven approaches.

Mission

My mission is to develop scientifically rigorous and practically useful engineering solutions by connecting sustainable material development with environmental monitoring and agricultural applications. I am particularly interested in transforming underutilized biomass resources into functional materials that can address real-world environmental challenges.

Research Dedication

I am committed to developing research that combines fundamental understanding with practical applications. My approach emphasizes careful experimentation, quantitative analysis, reproducibility, and continuous learning across materials science, electrochemistry, agricultural engineering, and computational methods.

Research Interests

Primary Research Areas

My research interests span sustainable materials, environmental sensing, agricultural engineering, computational science, and data-driven approaches.

Sustainable Material Preparation

Development of biomass-derived functional materials, particularly biochar, through sustainable conversion, engineering, and modification strategies.

Environmental Monitoring

Development of electrochemical sensing platforms for detecting environmental pollutants in water, soil, and agricultural systems.

Electrochemical Sensors

Design and fabrication of affordable electrochemical sensors for chemical and pollutant detection using functional carbon-based materials.

Biomass Valorization

Converting agricultural and marine biomass residues into valuable materials for environmental, agricultural, and engineering applications.

Climate Change & Environmental Systems

Understanding climate-related impacts on agricultural and environmental systems, including water availability, irrigation, and resource management.

Agricultural Machinery & Mechanization

Agricultural machinery, mechanization systems, engineering design, and technological approaches for improving agricultural operations.

Material Characterization

Investigation of material structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and electrochemical properties using advanced characterization techniques.

Computational & DFT Analysis

Application of Density Functional Theory and computational chemistry to understand molecular interactions, adsorption, and sensing mechanisms.

Machine Learning & Data Analysis

Application of machine learning and data-driven methods for prediction, interpretation, and optimization of research and engineering systems.

Academic Journey

Education

My academic background combines agricultural engineering, mechanization, environmental systems, and sustainable technologies, providing the foundation for my current research in biomass-derived materials and electrochemical sensing.

September2024 – July 2027

Master of Engineering

Agricultural Mechanization Engineering

Nanjing Agricultural University

Nanjing, China

Percentage

87.9%

Relevant Coursework

New Energy Utilization and DevelopmentAgricultural Ecology and Environmental EngineeringAgricultural Environment Control EngineeringSpecial Research Topics on Agricultural EngineeringHigher Agricultural MechanicsSeminar DiscussionWriting Scientific Papers and Making Presentations in English

Thesis

Proposed research

Development of Seaweed-Derived Biochar-Modified Sensor for Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metals and Nitrogen Pollutants

Novemeber 2017 – July 2022

Bachelor of Engineering

Agricultural Engineering

Institute of Engineering, Purwanchal Campus, Tribhuvan University

Dharan, Nepal

Percentage

74.5%

Relevant Coursework

Hydrology and Agricultural MeteorologySoil and Water Conservation EngineeringIrrigation and Drainage EngineeringClimate Change and Adaptation MeasuresRemote Sensing and GISProbability and StatisticsAgricultural Mechanization

Thesis

Completed research

Economic Analysis of Custom Hiring Center: A Case Study on Dipjyoti Krishi Yantrikaran Custom Hiring Center at Belaka-5, Udayapur District of Nepal

Experience

Professional & Research Experience

My experience spans graduate research, teaching, financial coordination, and academic leadership, with my current work focused on sustainable materials and environmental sensing.

ResearchCurrent

Graduate Research Assistant

Nanjing Agricultural University

Nanjing, China

September 2024 – July 2027

Conducting graduate research in the College of Engineering, focusing on biomass-derived functional materials, biochar engineering, electrochemical sensing, environmental pollutant detection, material characterization, and computational analysis.

Research Focus

Biomass valorization and biochar-based functional materialsElectrochemical sensing of environmental pollutantsMaterial characterization and sensor developmentDensity Functional Theory (DFT) and computational analysisMachine learning applications in research
Leadership

Vice Secretary

Nepal Agricultural Engineering Students Society (NAESS)

Dharan, Nepal

2019 – 2020

Assisted the secretary and team with administrative responsibilities and organizational activities.

Leadership

Financial Coordinator

DELTA 2.0

Dharan, Nepal

2020 – 2021

Managed budgets, expenses, and financial reporting for organizational activities.

Teaching

Instructor

Clamphook Academy

Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal

2022 – 2024

Taught mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills to Class 12 students.

Teaching

Instructor

Apex Academy

Putalisadak, Kathmandu, Nepal

2022 – 2024

Provided mathematics tutoring to Class 12 students.

Teaching

Tutor

Nepal Kasthamadap College

Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal

2022 – 2023

Provided mathematics tutoring to Class 11 and Class 12 students.

Teaching

Tutor

Kasthamadap College of Management

Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal

2022 – 2023

Provided mathematics tutoring to BBA students.

Teaching

Tutor

National College of Science (NIST)

Lainchour, Kathmandu, Nepal

2022 – 2023

Provided mathematics tutoring to Class 11 and Class 12 students.

Publications

Selected Research Publications

Selected research contributions in biomass valorization, biochar engineering, electrochemical sensing, environmental monitoring, and sustainable engineering.

01

Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

2025

PublishedQ1IF 8.4Co-author

Dual-role boron and oxidized phosphorus in collectively constructing the signal-amplified bio-carbon electroanalysis platforms for simultaneous recognition of sulfite and nitrite in aquaculture.

Shen Y., Li K., Xue Y., Ma C., Cheng J., Miao S., Acharya D.R.

2025DOI
02

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

2025

PublishedQ1IF 9.9Co-author

Microwave-coupled molten potassium salt engineering structurally separates boron/nitrogen-biocarbon for signal-amplified multiplexed electrodetection of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ micropollutants.

Shen Y., Li K., Xue Y., Ma C., Cheng J., Li M., Acharya D.R.

2025DOI
03

H2Open Journal

2026

PublishedQ2Open AccessCo-author

Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Future Water Availability and Irrigation Demand: A Case Study of the Chanda Mohana Irrigation Project, Nepal.

Rai S., Chand J., Acharya D.R., Poudyal K.N.

2026DOI
04

Chemical Engineeiring Journal

2027

Under ReviewQ1IF 13.9Co-author

Microwave-driven dual-role boron engineering spatially couples in-plane pentagonal defects and edge boron-nitrogen in biocarbon for enrichment-free simultaneous Zn2+/NO2- electrosensing.

Shen Y., Li K., Xue Y., Ma C., Cheng J., Li M., Acharya D.R.

2027DOI
05

Bioresource Technology

2027

Under ReviewQ1Under ReviewFirst Author

Chronocatalytic mineral depletion-defect nucleation cascade in ball-milled Laminaria japonica biochar enables valley-graphitic nitrogen dyads for sensitive Cd²⁺ electrosensing.

Acharya D.R., Li K., Shen Y., Wang D., Muhammed I.B.

2027DOI

Selected publications and current research contributions.

RESEARCH EXPERTISE

Research Areas

My research combines biomass-derived functional materials, electrochemical sensing, computational modeling, and data-driven approaches to develop sustainable technologies for environmental monitoring and precision agriculture.

01

Biomass Valorization

Converting agricultural and marine biomass into high-value functional materials for sustainable engineering applications.

02

Biochar Engineering

Designing porous biomass-derived carbon materials through pyrolysis and advanced modification strategies.

03

Electrochemical Sensors

Developing affordable chemical sensors for environmental monitoring and food safety applications.

04

Environmental Monitoring

Detection of heavy metals, nitrogen pollutants, and emerging contaminants in water and agricultural systems.

05

Density Functional Theory

Applying computational chemistry to investigate adsorption mechanisms and electronic structures of sensing materials.

06

Machine Learning

Integrating machine learning with electrochemical data and biomass research for predictive analysis.

07

Material Characterization

Characterizing functional materials using SEM, FTIR, Raman, XRD, BET, and electrochemical techniques.

08

Sustainable Materials

Designing environmentally friendly materials for sensing, resource recovery, and future energy storage technologies.

Research Projects

From Biomass to Functional Technology

My research explores how biomass-derived materials can be engineered and combined with electrochemical, computational, and data-driven approaches to address environmental challenges.

01

Current Research

Seaweed-Derived Biochar for Electrochemical Sensing

Biomass valorization · Biochar engineering · Environmental sensing

Developing functional biochar materials derived from seaweed biomass for application in electrochemical sensing. The project investigates how biomass conversion and material engineering can produce affordable and sustainable sensing platforms for environmental pollutant detection.

Key Focus

Seaweed biomass valorizationBiochar preparation and engineeringElectrochemical sensor fabricationEnvironmental pollutant detection
02

Research Project

Electrochemical Detection of Cd²⁺ in Environmental Systems

Biochar-based sensor · Heavy-metal detection · Electroanalysis

Investigating kelp-derived biochar as a sustainable electrode modifier for sensitive electrochemical detection of cadmium ions. The work combines material characterization, electrode modification, electrochemical measurements, and computational analysis to understand sensor performance.

Key Focus

Cd²⁺ detectionBiochar-modified electrodesCV, EIS, DPV and SWVAdsorption and sensing mechanisms
03

Research Project

Simultaneous Detection of Nitrate and Nitrite

Dissolved inorganic nitrogen · Electrochemical sensing · Aquaculture

Developing an electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of nitrate and nitrite, with particular relevance to aquatic and agricultural environments. The project aims to support affordable monitoring of nitrogen pollutants using biomass-derived carbon materials.

Key Focus

Nitrate and nitrite detectionAquaculture water monitoringElectrochemical analysisSustainable carbon materials
04

Computational Research

DFT-Based Investigation of Biochar Sensing Mechanisms

Density Functional Theory · Electronic structure · Adsorption

Applying computational chemistry to investigate the electronic and adsorption properties of carbon-based sensing materials. The work uses molecular models and electronic-structure descriptors to understand interactions between sensing materials and target pollutants.

Key Focus

HOMO–LUMO analysisElectrostatic potentialALIE and IRI analysisAdsorption energy
05

Sustainability Research

Biomass Valorization for Sustainable Functional Materials

Waste-to-value · Sustainable materials · Resource recovery

Exploring the conversion of underutilized agricultural and marine biomass into value-added carbon materials. The broader objective is to connect biomass waste management with the development of functional materials for environmental and engineering applications.

Key Focus

Agricultural biomassMarine biomassWaste-to-value strategiesSustainable material development
06

Future Research Direction

Data-Driven Biomass and Environmental Research

Machine learning · Data analysis · Sustainable engineering

Exploring machine learning and data-driven approaches for biomass research, material development, and environmental applications. The goal is to complement experimental research with predictive analysis and intelligent interpretation of complex datasets.

Key Focus

Machine learningExperimental data analysisPredictive modelingResearch optimization

Research Direction

Sustainable Materials for Affordable Environmental Monitoring

My long-term research direction is to integrate biomass valorization, functional carbon materials, electrochemical sensing, computational chemistry, and data-driven methods to develop scientifically rigorous and practically accessible technologies for environmental monitoring.

Achievements

Academic & Professional Journey

A selection of academic achievements, international experiences, and activities that have shaped my journey as a researcher and agricultural engineer.

2024–2027

China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholar

Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Selected for a fully funded Master's degree program at Nanjing Agricultural University through the China Scholarship Council scholarship program.

2025

Essay Writing Competition

Nanjing Agricultural University

Won an essay writing competition during university activities, contributing to academic and cultural engagement within the international student community.

2025

Perceiving China Program

Yangzhou, China

Participated in the Perceiving China program, gaining cultural and academic exposure while representing Nepal as an international student.

2024–Present

International Student & Academic Activities

Nanjing Agricultural University

Actively participated in cultural, academic, international, and student activities at Nanjing Agricultural University.

These experiences have strengthened my commitment to interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and the development of sustainable engineering solutions with practical environmental value.

BLOG & LAB NOTES

Research, Laboratory & Learning

A space where I document laboratory experiences, research ideas, experimental notes, scientific concepts, and lessons learned throughout my academic journey.

Lab Notes5 min read

Preparing Electrochemical Solutions for Sensor Experiments

Practical notes on preparing supporting electrolytes, analyte solutions, and standard solutions for electrochemical sensing experiments.

Lab Notes
Research7 min read

From Biomass Waste to Functional Biochar

Exploring how biomass residues can be converted into carbon-rich functional materials and their potential applications in environmental sensing.

Research Notes
Electrochemical Sensing8 min read

Understanding CV, DPV, SWV and EIS in Sensor Development

A practical introduction to commonly used electrochemical techniques and how they help evaluate electrode materials and sensing performance.

Research Notes
Materials6 min read

Why Biochar Is Interesting for Electrochemical Sensors

Notes on surface chemistry, porosity, conductivity, functional groups, and other properties that make biochar attractive for electrochemical applications.

Materials Notes
Computational Research7 min read

Using DFT to Understand Sensing Mechanisms

Research notes on using computational approaches to investigate adsorption, electronic structure, and possible sensing mechanisms.

DFT Notes
Academic Journey5 min read

Life as a Graduate Researcher

Experiences, lessons, challenges, and reflections from laboratory work, scientific writing, experiments, conferences, and academic life.

Personal Research Journey

More laboratory notes, research articles, and academic experiences will be added as my research journey continues.

CONTACT

Let's Connect

I welcome opportunities for research collaboration, academic discussion, scientific exchange, and professional networking. Feel free to get in touch.

Get in Touch

Academic & Research Collaboration

Whether you are interested in research collaboration, electrochemical sensing, biomass-derived materials, environmental monitoring, or simply want to discuss scientific ideas, I would be happy to connect.

Current Location

Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Institution

Nanjing Agricultural University

Research Focus

Biomass valorization · Biochar · Electrochemical sensing · Environmental monitoring · DFT · Machine learning

MESSAGE

Send a Message

For research collaboration, academic inquiries, or professional opportunities, you can send me a message below.

Open to meaningful scientific conversations and research collaborations.