MARRIOTTSVILLE, MD, February 05, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ashok K. Raina has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Raina, a distinguished research scientist and author, has made significant contributions to the field of entomology, particularly during his tenure as a supervisory research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1986 to 2008. His work in this role was marked by groundbreaking discoveries, including the control of sex-pheromone production in insects and its use in pest control. His research also led to the identification of sex pheromones in four species of moths and the discovery of a novel virus capable of infecting and destroying the reproductive system of corn earworms, a worldwide pest of multiple crops. His innovative approach to entomology is further exemplified by his design of a recombinant baculovirus with a diuretic gene that prevents feeding in corn earworms. He also made groundbreaking discoveries in biology and control of termites.

Dr. Raina started his career at the age of 20 after answering an ad for a research assistant position at the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control in India. To his surprise, he was sent to Kashmir, his then hometown, after brief training to start a station and hire three assistants. As a result, he became the de facto supervisor there, working on biological control of pest insects, which sparked his interest in entomology.

After working at the Commonwealth Institute for about three years, Dr. Raina pursued a master's degree and then joined the U.S. Agency for International Development in Delhi. There, he eventually took over the responsibility for entomology research. Despite having little administrative experience, he excelled and discovered an insect-resistant strain of Bengal gram, which was recognized as the most outstanding research of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute for the year 1969. In 1970, he decided to further his studies and moved to the United States.

Dr. Raina's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science from Kashmir University in 1961 and a Master of Science from Aligarh Muslim University in 1967. He completed his doctorate at North Dakota State University in 1974. During this period, he served as a graduate assistant at the Metabolism and Radiation Research Lab, where he worked on the physiology and genetics of diapause in the pink bollworm. He published a record 13 scientific papers from his thesis. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful career, allowing him to pursue innovative research without limitations. He attributes much of his success to an open-minded approach and a willingness to observe insects closely, leading to discoveries that others might have overlooked.

His first academic career included a professorship in biology and electron microscopy at Minot State College, where he shared his passion for entomology with students, encouraging them to think independently and explore their own research interests. He also taught at Virginia State College and College of William and Mary in Virginia. Prior to his role at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dr. Raina worked on host-plant resistance at the prestigious International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya.

Throughout his career, Dr. Raina has been recognized with numerous awards, including the L.O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award in Entomology and the Outstanding Scientist of the Year Award. He is also an elected academician at the Central Asian People's Academy and a fellow of the Entomological Society of America. He also received the Certificate of Distinction from the International Congress of Entomology. His professional achievements include authoring seven patents on pheromones and hormones to control insects. He has published 170 research papers in reputed scientific journals, contributing significantly to entomological literature.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Raina has been actively involved in civic organizations such as the Kashmiri Overseas Association, where he served as its president, and the Indo American Kashmir Forum as vice president. His autobiography, "Feeling Homeless: Memoirs of a Kashmiri Scientist," offers insights into his personal experiences and professional journey. He recently co-authored and edited, "History of Kashmir and its Pandits."

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Raina enjoys reading, writing, gardening, traveling and studying the scientific basis of Hindu religion. He shares these interests with his spouse Santosh and their two children. Looking ahead, he aims to complete and publish his current book on Reincarnation by the end of 2025.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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