Research Mission

One of my key research interests revolves around enhancing the salt tolerance of rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the world's population. Through a multidisciplinary approach, I aim to decipher the genetic and physiological basis of salt tolerance in rice varieties. By identifying and manipulating key genes involved in this trait, my research strives to contribute to the development of salt-resistant rice varieties that can thrive in saline soils, thereby bolstering food security in regions affected by salinity.

Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, my research delves into the realm of biological engineering for carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation. With a focus on harnessing the potential of plants and microorganisms, I aim to develop novel strategies for efficient CO2 sequestration. By leveraging the inherent biological processes of photosynthesis and exploring biotechnological interventions, my work aims to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing climate.

Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, represents a phenomenon where the offspring of genetically diverse parents exhibit superior traits compared to their parents. My research explores the mechanisms underlying hybrid vigor in plants, with a specific emphasis on understanding the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to this phenomenon. By unraveling the complexities of hybrid vigor, I seek to develop strategies for stabilizing and fixing these beneficial traits in plant populations, ultimately enhancing crop yields and agricultural productivity.

Epigenetic modifications — including DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and small RNA pathways — play a critical role in how plants perceive and adapt to environmental stress without altering the underlying DNA sequence. My research investigates the epigenetic regulatory networks that govern stress memory and transgenerational inheritance of stress tolerance in major crop species. By mapping dynamic epigenetic changes under drought, heat, and salinity conditions, I aim to identify stable epi-marks that can be leveraged in breeding programs to develop crops with enhanced and heritable stress resilience.