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Rajat Pruthi

@rajatpruthi

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Motivated plant breeder and genomics specialist focused on sustainable agriculture.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters innovation in sustainable agriculture and offers opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.

I am a dedicated plant breeder and bioinformatician with a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Louisiana State University. My research focuses on crop genomics, particularly in understanding abiotic stress biology and molecular biology. I am committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through impactful research and innovation in plant biology.

During my postdoctoral fellowship at USDA-ARS, I have developed a phased telomere-to-telomere red raspberry pan-genome, which has significantly advanced population genomics and trait genetics. My work has led to the identification of genetic markers linked to domestication and fruit quality traits, and I have conducted extensive research on the impact of heat stress on red raspberry through multiscale physiological, biochemical, and transcriptome assessments.

With a strong background in statistics and bioinformatics, I have successfully applied genome-wide association mapping (GWAS) to identify QTLs and candidate genes for improving salt tolerance in rice and soybean. I am passionate about leveraging genomic tools to explore the molecular basis of salinity tolerance, contributing to the development of resilient crop varieties.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

MSc | Statistics

Louisiana State University

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Acquired skills in experimental design, regression analysis, multivariate statistics, and digital agriculture. Assisted graduate students with research dataset analysis and statistical consulting.

Statistics Experimental Design Statistical Consulting R Linux

PhD | Plant Breeding and Genetics

Louisiana State University

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Conducted doctoral research on leveraging genomic tools to explore the molecular basis of salinity tolerance in rice and soybean. Identified QTLs, candidate genes, and breeding lines for improving salt tolerance at various growth stages.

Plant Breeding Genetics Genomics Molecular Biology Salinity Tolerance QTL Mapping Transcriptomic Analysis

BSc | Biotechnology

Punjab Agricultural University

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 6 months)

Undertook a project focused on the characterization of nuclear and zygotic seedlings using SSR markers. Gained foundational knowledge in biotechnology and molecular techniques.

Biotechnology Molecular Biology SSR Markers Plant Characterization Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Louisiana State University

PhD, Plant Breeding and Genetics

Activities and societies: Promotional Chair, Louisiana State University, Corteva Agriscience Symposium Series; President at Graduate Student Association, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Science; Member at Large, Indian Student Association, Louisiana State University; Treasurer at Graduate Student Association, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Science; 4-H Volunteer

Doctoral thesis focused on leveraging genomic tools to explore the molecular basis of salinity tolerance in rice and soybean. Identified QTLs, candidate genes, and breeding lines for improving salt tolerance at seedling and flowering stages.

Louisiana State University

MSc, Statistics

Activities and societies: Assisted graduate students with research dataset analysis and statistical consulting

Acquired skills in experimental design, regression analysis, multivariate statistics, digital agriculture, and statistical theory. Assisted graduate students with research dataset analysis and statistical consulting.

Punjab Agricultural University

BSc, Biotechnology

Grade: Merit Certificate

Undertook a project focused on the characterization of nuclear and zygotic seedlings using SSR markers. Gained foundational knowledge in biotechnology.