Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geou-Yarh Liou | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award
Clark Atlanta University, United States
Rajesh N. Udavant is an emerging researcher in agricultural entomology with expertise in plant–insect interactions, host plant resistance, functional genomics, transcriptomics, and RNAi-based pest management. Currently pursuing graduate research at the University of Georgia, he has contributed significantly through international collaborations, including impactful work at ICRISAT on genome-wide gene identification and RNAi applications. His academic record, combined with technical proficiency in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and insect behavioral assays, reflects a strong multidisciplinary foundation. Rajesh has published in reputed journals and authored book chapters, with his research gaining recognition through best presentation awards and fellowships. He actively engages in scientific communities, demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing sustainable crop protection. With growing global research exposure and impactful contributions, he holds strong potential to shape future directions in entomological research and agricultural innovation.
Professional Profile
Google Scholar | Orcid Profile
Education
Rajesh N. Udavant has pursued a strong academic path in agricultural sciences with specialization in entomology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from the College of Agriculture, Pathri, under VNMKV, India, where he built a foundation in crop protection and integrated pest management. He then completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Entomology from VNMKV with a thesis focusing on resistance mechanisms in chickpea against Helicoverpa armigera, employing advanced biochemical and morphological analyses. His master’s program allowed him to integrate traditional agricultural knowledge with molecular-level techniques, providing him with a competitive edge in the field of pest resistance studies. Currently, Rajesh is engaged in graduate-level research at the University of Georgia, USA, where he is specializing in functional genomics, transcriptomics, and RNAi approaches in vegetable entomology.
Professional Experience
Rajesh has acquired diverse professional experience through his roles as Research Fellow and Graduate Research Assistant across leading institutions. At ICRISAT, India, he contributed to genome-wide identification and RNAi-based gene silencing studies in Fall armyworm, gaining hands-on expertise in molecular entomology and metabolomics. As Senior Research Fellow at the Plant Protection Division, ICAR-CICR, he focused on morphological resistance in cotton against bollworms, integrating biocontrol agents into IPM strategies. Currently, at the University of Georgia, Rajesh is actively involved in transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to understand plant defense and insect resistance mechanisms, particularly in whitefly–tomato interactions. His professional experience reflects strong international collaborations, technical adaptability, and consistent contributions to advancing crop resilience research. These roles demonstrate his ability to bridge laboratory innovations with applied pest management solutions.
Research Interest
Rajesh’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, entomology, and sustainable agriculture. His core focus is on plant–insect interactions, exploring functional and comparative genomics, host plant resistance, and RNAi technology to develop novel pest management strategies. He is particularly interested in transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to unravel complex defense responses in plants against major insect pests such as whiteflies, bollworms, and fall armyworms. Rajesh’s work seeks to identify and validate molecular targets that can enhance crop resistance to biotic stressors, thereby reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. His research aims to integrate cutting-edge genomic tools with traditional crop protection methods, contributing to the development of climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems that can meet global food security challenges.
Awards and Honors
Rajesh has been recognized for his academic and research contributions with several awards and fellowships that highlight his growing impact in agricultural sciences. He was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Entomology Student Conclave organized by the Entomological Society of India, reflecting his ability to communicate complex research effectively. He also received the Best Poster Award at the ICAATAS International Conference for innovative contributions in crop protection research. Additionally, he was awarded the prestigious Sharad Pawar Agriculture Innovation Fellowship for his outstanding performance and potential in agricultural research. These recognitions not only validate his research excellence but also highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in crop protection, strengthening his profile as a promising researcher in the global scientific community.
Research Skill
Rajesh possesses a wide range of technical and analytical skills spanning molecular biology, bioinformatics, entomology, and data analysis. His expertise includes RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, RT-qPCR, dsRNA synthesis, transcriptomic analysis, HPLC, UPLC-Q-TOF, and protein profiling. In bioinformatics, he is skilled in RNA-Seq data analysis, gene annotation, phylogenomics, synteny analysis, and metabolomics using platforms such as DESeq2, Galaxy, STRING, and MetaboAnalyst. He is proficient in programming languages like R, Python, and MATLAB, which he applies to statistical analysis and image processing. Additionally, he has practical skills in insect handling, rearing, and conducting behavioral assays with pests like whiteflies, bollworms, and Spodoptera. His strong technical repertoire, combined with global research exposure, positions him as a versatile researcher capable of addressing complex agricultural challenges through integrated and innovative approaches.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Reactive oxygen species in cancer
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Storz P.
Year: 2010
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Storz P. Reactive oxygen species in cancer. Free Radical Research, 44(5): 479–496. exaly.com
Title: EGF Receptor Is Required for KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
Authors: Ardito C. M., Grüner B. M., Takeuchi K. K., Lubeseder-Martellato C., Liou G.-Y., et al.
Year: 2012
Citation: Ardito C. M., Grüner B. M., Takeuchi K. K., Lubeseder-Martellato C., Liou G.-Y., et al. EGF Receptor Is Required for KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell, 22(3): 304–317. exaly.com
Title: Macrophage-secreted cytokines drive pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia through NF-κB and MMPs
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Necela B., Krishna M., Crawford H. C., Raimondo M., Storz P.
Year: 2013
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Necela B., Krishna M., Crawford H. C., Raimondo M., Storz P. Macrophage-secreted cytokines drive pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia through NF-κB and MMPs. Journal of Cell Biology, 202(3): 563–577. exaly.com
Title: Mutant KRas-Induced Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Acinar Cells Upregulates EGFR Signaling to Drive Formation of Pancreatic Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., DelGiorno K. E., Zhang L., Leitges M., Crawford H. C., et al.
Year: 2016
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., DelGiorno K. E., Zhang L., Leitges M., Crawford H. C., et al. Mutant KRas-Induced Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Acinar Cells Upregulates EGFR Signaling to Drive Formation of Pancreatic Precancerous Lesions. Cell Reports, 14(10): 2325–2336. exaly.com
Title: Transcription Repressor Slug Promotes Carcinoma Invasion and Predicts Outcome of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shih J. Y., Tsai M. F., Chang T. H., Chang Y. L., Yuan A., Yu C. J., Lin S. B., Liou G.-Y., et al.
Year: 2005
Citation: Shih J. Y., Tsai M. F., Chang T. H., Chang Y. L., Yuan A., Yu C. J., Lin S. B., Liou G.-Y., et al. Transcription Repressor Slug Promotes Carcinoma Invasion and Predicts Outcome of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma. Clinical Cancer Research, 11(22): 8070–8078. exaly.com
Title: Mutant KRAS–Induced Expression of ICAM-1 in Pancreatic Acinar Cells Causes Attraction of Macrophages to Expedite the Formation of Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Necela B., Edenfield B., Zhang L., Dawson D. W., et al.
Year: 2015
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Necela B., Edenfield B., Zhang L., Dawson D. W., et al. Mutant KRAS–Induced Expression of ICAM-1 in Pancreatic Acinar Cells Causes Attraction of Macrophages to Expedite the Formation of Precancerous Lesions. Cancer Discovery, 5(1): 52–63. exaly.com
Title: The Presence of Interleukin-13 at Pancreatic ADM/PanIN Lesions Alters Macrophage Populations and Mediates Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Bastea L., Fleming A., Döppler H., Edenfield B. H., Dawson D. W., et al.
Year: 2017
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Bastea L., Fleming A., Döppler H., Edenfield B. H., Dawson D. W., et al. The Presence of Interleukin-13 at Pancreatic ADM/PanIN Lesions Alters Macrophage Populations and Mediates Pancreatic Tumorigenesis. Cell Reports, 19(7): 1322–1333. exaly.com
Title: CD133 as a regulator of cancer metastasis through the cancer stem cells
Authors: Liou G.-Y.
Year: 2019
Citation: Liou G.-Y. CD133 as a regulator of cancer metastasis through the cancer stem cells. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 106: 1–7. exaly.com
Title: Protein kinase D1 drives pancreatic acinar cell reprogramming and progression to intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Braun U. B., Panayiotou R., Scotti Buzhardt M., et al.
Year: 2015
Citation: Liou G.-Y., Döppler H., Braun U. B., Panayiotou R., Scotti Buzhardt M., et al. Protein kinase D1 drives pancreatic acinar cell reprogramming and progression to intraepithelial neoplasia. Nature Communications, 6: 6200. exaly.com
Title: NFATc1 Links EGFR Signaling to Induction of Sox9 Transcription and Acinar–Ductal Transdifferentiation in the Pancreas
Authors: Chen N. M., Singh G., Koenig A., Liou G.-Y., Storz P., Zhang J. S., Regul L., et al.
Year: 2015
Citation: Chen N. M., Singh G., Koenig A., Liou G.-Y., Storz P., Zhang J. S., Regul L., et al. NFATc1 Links EGFR Signaling to Induction of Sox9 Transcription and Acinar–Ductal Transdifferentiation in the Pancreas. Gastroenterology, 148(5): 1024–1034.e9. exaly.com
Title: Macrophage cytokines enhance cell proliferation of normal prostate epithelial cells through activation of ERK and Akt
Authors: Dang T., Liou G.-Y.
Year: 2018
Citation: Dang T., Liou G.-Y. Macrophage cytokines enhance cell proliferation of normal prostate epithelial cells through activation of ERK and Akt. Scientific Reports, 8: 7718. exaly.com
Title: Ym1+ macrophages orchestrate fibrosis, lesion growth, and progression during development of murine pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liou G.-Y., et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: Liou G.-Y., et al. Ym1+ macrophages orchestrate fibrosis, lesion growth, and progression during development of murine pancreatic cancer. iScience, 25: 104327. exaly.comDigital Library of Georgia
Title: Impact of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer metastasis
Authors: Messex J. K., Liou G.-Y.
Year: 2023
Citation: Messex J. K., Liou G.-Y. Impact of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer metastasis. Life, 13: 333. exaly.com
Title: Macrophages cytokine Spp1 increases growth of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia to promote prostate tumor progression
Authors: Messex J. K., Byrd C. J., Thomas M. U., Liou G.-Y.
Year: 2022
Citation: Messex J. K., Byrd C. J., Thomas M. U., Liou G.-Y. Macrophages cytokine Spp1 increases growth of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia to promote prostate tumor progression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23: 4247. exaly.com
Title: Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in Prostate Cancer and Its Disparity in African Descendants
Authors: Liou G.-Y.
Year: 2024
Citation: Liou G.-Y. Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in Prostate Cancer and Its Disparity in African Descendants. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25: 6665. exaly.com
Title: Cytokine CCL9 Mediates Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species and Metalloproteinases
Authors: Byrd C., Liou G.-Y., Storz P., Messex J. K.
Year: 2024
Citation: Byrd C., Liou G.-Y., Storz P., Messex J. K. Cytokine CCL9 Mediates Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Pancreatic Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species and Metalloproteinases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25: 4726. exaly.com
Conclusion
In summary, Rajesh N. Udavant embodies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful agricultural researcher with a strong academic foundation, diverse professional experiences, and innovative research contributions. His expertise in molecular entomology and sustainable pest management demonstrates both depth and breadth, aligning with pressing global agricultural needs. Recognized through multiple awards, fellowships, and international collaborations, he has proven his ability to excel in both research and scientific communication. His technical skills, combined with a clear vision for sustainable farming practices, reflect his potential to contribute significantly to global food security and crop resilience. Rajesh is not only deserving of recognition such as the Best Researcher Award but also holds the promise of becoming a future leader in agricultural sciences, bridging science, innovation, and community impact.