Suresh Pokhrel: Plant Physiology First Author

Suresh Pokhrel, first author of “The Evolutionary History of Small RNAs in Solanaceae”

Current Position: Postdoctoral Associate at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA

Education: Ph.D. in Plant, Insect and Microbial Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO, USA

Master of Science in Agriculture, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR, USA

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Non-scientific Interests: Reading, Running, Traveling

Brief bio:

I am currently a Postdoctoral Associate at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis. My current research project includes identification and characterization of genetic elements such as genes, transcription factors, and non-coding loci that are responsible for changes in soybean seed protein/oil contents. I am using quantitative genetics, comparative genomics, and plant biotechnologies to conduct the research project. During my PhD, I studied the evolution of gene-silencing mechanisms that are related to male fertility in flowering plants. This mechanism is crucial for its potential impact on speeding hybridization because hybrid crops give more yield. In my masters, I worked on improving broad spectrum disease resistance in rice by producing isoflavones using genetic-engineering approaches.

I am originally from Nepal, a mountainous country in Southeast Asia. I was raised on a family farm, so I am passionate about improving crop yield using plant science, which would ultimately benefit farmers.