Recognizing Plant Cell authors: Praveen Krishnamoorthy

Praveen Krishnamoorthy, co-first author of Plasma membrane nano-organization specifies phosphoinositide effects on Rho-GTPases and actin dynamics in tobacco pollen tubes

Current Position: Staff Scientist for Light microscopy at the Center for Cellular Imaging in Washington University in St. Louis (WUCCI), St. Louis, USA

Education: Ph.D Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (Potsdam, Germany)

Non-scientific Interests: building LEGO sets, bouldering, gardening

Brief bio: I have always been keen on understanding how cells work and function in a complex yet well-coordinated manner. Light microscopy has immensely helped me visualize, learn and understand these processes and thus has taken a strong place in my heart. I was introduced to light microscopy during my doctoral studies with Dr. Staffan Persson where I initially touched base with live cell imaging techniques in Arabidopsis thaliana. After my Ph.D, I moved to Dr. Ingo Heilmann’s group to start my post-doctoral research. During this period, I was involved in various research projects that used advanced live-cell imaging techniques to understand the role of phosphoinositides in the formation of membrane microdomains and its regulatory effects. This period gave me the opportunity to expand my skill set in cell biology and advanced live-cell imaging techniques. Ingo has been a great mentor in supporting me to achieve this. To continue working on what I enjoy, I recently transitioned to working as a Staff Scientist for Light microscopy at the WUCCI with Dr. James Fitzpatrick (Washington University in St. Louis) where I have been presented with the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of light microscopy in both the plant and the animal research. I look forward to the times that lie ahead!