Shankar Pant Email and Phone Number

 Self-motivated, task oriented, and innovative plant molecular biologist having 10+ years of experience in the field of plant-pathogen interactions with strong track record of designing and executing experimental plans with perfection as evident by 27 peer reviewed publications, one patent, 9 fellowships/awards summed up to $50K, and $2.2 million in secured funding.  Strong foundational knowledge and broad technical expertise in plant transformation, pathogen detection, molecular screening of anti-microbial peptides and plant defense genes against broad range of pathogens (insect, virus, fungus, bacteria and nematode) via hairy root transformation bioassay, genomics, genetic, metabolic and phenotypic approaches.  Built and drove the plant transformation (over-expression and RNAi) pipeline for high throughput molecular characterization of anti-microbial genes and peptides in an efficient and cost-effective manner for multiple crops (soybean, cotton, Brachypodium, pepper, spinach, potato, tomato and citrus).  Confident and articulate communicator with independent problem-solving skills, adept at leading diverse teams across functions, cultures and geographies, demonstrated by presentation at 10+ conferences (with 6 travel award recognitions), serving in editorial/review board of 5 scientific journals, leading 4 research teams and dedicated teaching and mentoring experience of 7+ years.  A strategic planner and strong relationship builder with strong organizational skills and experience in managing and executing research projects collaboratively and independently.