Graduate Research Assistant
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
I'm Pradeepa Jayawardhane, a second year graduate student, in Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Georgia. I am working with Dr Debra Mohnen, a world leader in pectin research.
My primary research interest is to understand the biological function of plant genes associated with plant biotic and abiotic stress conditions. For my doctoral research, specifically, I am focusing on the enzymology of genes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of plant pectic polysaccharide, rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I), one of the key structural determinants of mechanical strength in plant cell walls and a glycan family involved in plant defense signaling.
My doctoral research, which I am currently involving in, will provide novel genetic tools for manipulation of plant genome and microbial platforms for sustainable biomass conversion. Thus, it would provide novel approaches to overcome biomass recalcitrance, which is imperative for sustainable biofuel production and transition into green economy.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM EDT