Shankar Pant

Background

About Shankar Pant

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.