Visionaries: Bringing the cutting edge to middle school

As our team sat down with Krishna Nemali, we began asking him about his story and work at Purdue University. As he spoke, it became clear that every positive thing he said was about someone else. Whether it was the farmers he works with in extension or his graduate students and their research, Nemali always shone the spotlight on others.

Nemali exemplifies true selflessness. He invests in his students by giving them opportunities to shine and grow throughout their Purdue career. It was apparent throughout our conversation, that he wants the best for them — which is why he was so eager to share their stories rather than his own.
none

Nemali has diverse interests. He works with Purdue Extension, which influences both local agricultural producers and elementary school students. He also works hard to create innovative technologies that will benefit both producers and consumers by improving sustainability.

While preparing for the interview and video process, Nemali told all of us that he wanted the videos to focus on the students. Everything he said, he somehow made a point to praise a student’s work and their future in the agriculture industry.

Nemali is beyond passionate about his own work. Anyone who speaks to him can see the sparkle in his eye when he begins sharing the work that his students are doing. But his true passion is investing in others, whether it is farmers, students, or extension educators.
Meet the Filmmaker/Blogger
Emily Dougherty Emily Dougherty
About Visionaries

This blog and video are part of the Visionaries series, which highlights the work and lives of researchers in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. The content for this series is created by the students of ASEC 280 (Digital Storytelling).

Explore other videos and blogs created by our student-filmmakers

Videos are also available on the Purdue Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication YouTube channel

Featured Stories

Jingxian An
Jingxian An - Postdoctoral Scholar Feature

Jingxian An has always been interested in the science of what people eat and drink, whether...

Read More
John Evans stands on a gravel road next to an autonomous mower and guard rail
ROWMow Sim: Purdue and INDOT collaborate for safer highway mowing

Roadside mowing is inherently dangerous, time-consuming and costly. The Indiana Department of...

Read More
Sunrise in a Corn Field at ACRE
Indiana Corn Update - Issue #30

Indiana corn planting progress, Late Planted Corn Hybrid Decisions, mycotoxins & weather

Read More
Hinayah Rojas and members of her lab
Your next burger might be thanks to a dairy cow

Even if you don’t know much about beef or dairy production, if you imagine a ranch or a...

Read More
Graphic that shows puppies and a child on the left side with a caption on the right that reads “Canine Welfare Science Conference; May 29-30, 2026; Courtyard by Marriott; Lafayette, Indiana.”
The Annual Canine Welfare Science Conference

The 2026 Annual Canine Welfare Science Conference, presented by the Croney Research Group from...

Read More
ASABE Midwest Rally 2026 Purdue Group
Purdue ASABE Midwest Rally sparks leadership growth and industry connections

Purdue’s American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) student chapter...

Read More