Murali Raghavendra Rao

Postdoctoral research associate
mraghave@utk.edu

Education:

B.Sc., Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India 1996
M.Sc., Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India 1999
M.S., Statistics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA 2008
Ph.D., Plant Molecular Genetics, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA 2008

Research Interests:

   My project involves analyzing the transcriptional responses to RDX (Royal Demolition Explosive) and TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) in Arabidopsis thaliana. RDX and TNT are the most widely used explosives for military purposes and have become major contaminants in the environment.
   The broader concept of this project is to develop a biological sensor or a phytosensor for detecting RDX and TNT. The research also would be used to develop transgenic plants for phytoremediation of RDX and TNT 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 the Pub capital of India. My hobbies include astronomy, music and soccer.

Publications:

Abercrombie JM, Halfhill MD, Ranjan P, Rao MR, Saxton A, Yuan J, and Stewart Jr. CN (2008) Transcriptional responses of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to As (V) stress. BMC Plant Biology 8:87

Rao MR, Halfhill MD, Good LL, Ranjan P, Abercrombie JM, Gouffon J, Saxton A, and Stewart, Jr. CN (2009) Phytoremediation and phytosensing of chemical contaminants, RDX and TNT: identification of the required target genes (accepted in Functional and Integrative Genomics)