Rakesh Kumar Email & Phone Number

West Chicago, Illinois, United States

Current R&D focus: I specialize in crafting advanced plant genotyping assays that lead the field of genetic analysis. My expertise lies in harnessing state-of-the-art ddPCR (droplet digital PCR) technology for precise detection of copy number variations (CNV) and zygosity. These assays are meticulously designed to deliver high-resolution data, critical for elucidating genetic variations and their impacts.In addition to ddPCR, I employ high-throughput editing analysis to optimize and accelerate genetic modifications, supporting scalable and comprehensive research across extensive sample sets. Additionally, my expertise includes transgene expression profiling, which assesses gene expression levels to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic modifications and their functional impact on plant systems.Overall, my work seamlessly integrates these state-of-the-art technologies to deliver pioneering and dependable solutions for plant genetic research, facilitating significant improvements in ornamental traits in parent plants and the introduction of novel ornamental traits.Responsibilities:1.Initiate, design, execute, and manage advanced plant molecular research at Ball Helix Central R&D.2.Contribute to and critically assess project proposals, actively engaging with stakeholders and collaborative research partners to foster ideation and innovation.3.Lead interdisciplinary teams, providing mentorship and oversight to lab technicians, assistants, and associate scientists.4.Analyze diverse data sets, presenting findings through comprehensive internal reports and external conference presentations.5.Develop and refine data analysis workflows, offering expert statistical support to improve research outcomes.6.Identify and implement process improvements to optimize operations and enhance efficiency.7. Facilitate the integration and management of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring effective data organization and utilization.

West Chicago, Illinois

1. Performing molecular laboratory methods including (e.g.: bacterial growth and handling, plasmid design and molecular cloning, PCR [qRT, TAIL, Nested, Inverse], DNA/RNA/protein extraction and downstream processing, CRISPR tools development [including protoplast transient assays], sample preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing) and data analysis.2. Planning and participating in plant characterization bioassays.3. Supporting projects in molecular and plant engineering, including genome editing, gene cluster characterization, and engineering, and the expression and production of small molecule metabolites in native or heterologous hosts.4. Supporting custom projects for molecular markers discovery.5. Expression analysis of different genes under different abiotic and biotic stress conditions.6. Writing and reviewing experimental protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, incorporating input from other team members.

Amherst, Massachusetts.

Research Focus: Investigating the mechanisms that control the uptake and homeostasis of iron.Techniques and tools used: Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, yeast, E. coli growth and handling, plasmid design and molecular cloning, PCR (qRT, TAIL, Nested, Inverse), DNA/RNA/protein/phloem exudate extraction and downstream processing, Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation, CRISPR, Next-Generation Sequencing and data analysis.

Amherst, Ma

Biology 283 General Genetics – Fall 2014Biology 151 Intro to Biology 1 – Spring 2015

Fresno, California Area

Biology 1A Laboratory

Fresno, California Area

ACU Lab: a) Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Dunaliella primolecta cells. b) Fluorospectrometeric analysis of transformed Dunaliella primolecta cell lines. c) Gas chromatographic analysis of lipid content in transformed Dunaliella primolecta cell lines

Pasadena, California

Project involved in: "An Improved Rapid Test Assay for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis."a) Fabricating lateral flow immunoassay strip prototypes for tuberculosis diagnosis. b) Over-expression and purification of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens.

Bangalore, India

a) Media Formulation for Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana tissue cultureb) Designing an effective and efficient protocol for sterilization of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana explants.c) Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana: Micropropagation, tissue culture, characterization and evaluation on in vitro developed plantlet.s

Bangalore, India

Project title: “In-vitro morphogenetic studies and low cost production of commercially important ornamental plant, Syngonium podophyllum”Performed:a) Media standardization and micropropagation of Syngonium podophyllum.b) Designing a low cost production method for Syngonium podophyllum.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Plant Molecular Biology

Masters In Biotechnology, Algal Biofuels