Murali Raghavendra Rao

Graduate Student

mraghave@utk.edu

Education: Master of Science in Agriculture with a Concentration in General Horticulture at The University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA 1999

Currently pursuing Ph.D. degree in the Department of Plant Sciences: My project involves analyzing the transcriptional responses to RDX (Royal Demolition Explosive) in Arabidopsis thaliana. RDX is currently the most widely used explosive for military purposes and has become one of the major contaminants in the environment.

The broader concept of this project is to develop a biological sensor or a phytosensor for detecting RDX. The research also would be used to develop transgenic plants for phytoremediation of RDX contaminated soils.

I am originally from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state in India. Bangalore is also known as Garden City for its greenery, and Pub capital of India. My hobbies include astronomy, music and soccer.