Bio
• Plant systems biology and plant-microbe-soil interaction studies for carbon biosequestration research • Co-optimization of above- and belowground bioenergy crop systems for a carbon-neutral bioeconomy • Bio-automation and advanced computing approaches to accelerate fundamental understanding and improve prediction accuracy of plant biosystem performanceProfessional Experience
2017 - present: Senior Staff Scientist, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
2017 - present: Bredesen Center Faculty, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
2010 - 2011: Science Coordinator, DOE BioEnergy Science Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
2006 - 2016: R&D Staff Scientist, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Education
PhD. Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Michigan Technological University, MI
MSc. Plant Sciences, Hyderabad Central University, India
BSc. Microbiology, Chemistry and Botany, Osmania University, India
Professional Service
Current scientific community contributions (2022-2023): Proposal Reviewer (DOE and USDA), Journal Editorial Board: BioDesign Research Journal Special issue on Automation for Plant Biodesign and Frontiers in Plant Sciences Journal, American Society of Plant Biologist workshop organizer and contributor, AAAS Biological sciences section member.
Professional Affiliations
American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)
Specialized Equipment
Lead PI, ORNL custom bio-automation technologies (2020-present):
SMART Plant L-series (automated plant transformation system)
SMART Plant G-series (automated greenhouse plant sampling system)
SMART Plant F-series (autonomous field monitoring system)