As VPRED, Dr. Chitnis oversees the research, innovation, and economic development entities at the University of Wyoming. During his tenure, the University has increased its research expenditures by 78%. Dr. Chitnis serves on the Governance Board of the CO-WY Innovation Engine.

Dr. Chitnis joined the University of Wyoming in June 2022 from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, where he was the Associate director for programs and led an over two-billion-dollar portfolio of research, extension, and education programs in all fields of agricultural sciences. Prior to USDA, Dr. Chitnis led the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences at the NSF, where he also served in other capacities, including deputy division director and program director. In his funding agency career, Dr. Chitnis led many science and technology initiatives, served in several interagency activities, and established collaborations with private and public funding agencies. He also interacted with legislators and stakeholder groups in providing technical assistance and obtaining feedback.

Dr. Chitnis’ academic career was spent at Kansas State University (Assistant Professor) and Iowa State University (Associate Professor and Professor). His research spanned many areas of biochemistry including photosynthesis, proteomics, and plant metabolism. He received funding for his research, educational initiatives, and training activities from national, international, and private sources. He has published over 120 papers and mentored over 50 students, postdoctoral fellows, and AAAS fellows.

Dr. Chitnis received PhD in biology from UCLA and MS in Genetics from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.