Kumar Mainali

Kumar Mainali is an accomplished scientist with extensive experience in ecology, biodiversity, and data science. Currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland and a Senior Data Scientist at Chesapeake Conservancy since August 2019, Kumar has pioneered innovative methods and tools for mapping biodiversity using machine learning and statistical techniques. Previous positions include postdoctoral fellowships at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center and the University of Maryland, where significant contributions to causal network analysis of the human microbiome were made. Kumar's academic background includes a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, an MS in Statistics, and an MS in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Toledo. Additionally, Kumar has experience in science communication, having served as an editor and news writer for various scientific publications.