Dr. Mrunmay Kumar Giri

Associate Professor

Mrunmay Kumar Giri has 12 years of experience in teaching and research after his PhD. He holds a master’s degree in Biotechnology from the MS University of Baroda. After completing his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, he went to University of North Texas, USA for three years to pursue his postdoctoral research career.
At the KIIT School of Biotechnology, his lab primarily focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of plant disease defense. He uses Arabidopsis, rice, and pearl millet plant models to decipher the role of different transcription factors in regulating plant defense signaling against biotic stress. He is also working on identification of bioactive compounds from indigenous medicinal plants of Odisha having anticancer activity against breast cancer.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

MSc Biotechnology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, PhD. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Post-doctoral Research from University of North Texas, USA

COURSE EXPERTISE

Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Genomics

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Plant Molecular Biology, Plant-Pathogen Interaction, Plant Biotechnology

Administrative Responsibilities

Faculty in charge for International Students

Awards and Achievements

  • Travel award to attend the XVII IS-MPMI International Congress 2016 at Portland, Oregon, USA:
  • Young Scientist award at the International Conference on Plant Developmental Biology and 3rd National Arabidopsis Meeting (ICPDB 2017) at NISER, Bhubaneswar, Dec 12-16, 2017:
  • Best poster award at the National Symposium on “Functional strategies for tackling emerging diseases of major crops” held at IARI, New Delhi on 13th December 2013:
  • Awarded with CSIR, ICMR JRF 2007, GATE 2006 and 2007.

Professional Membership

  • INDIAN PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
  • SOCIETY FOR PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Projects & Consultancies

  • As PI:
    1. Title: Genome-wide analysis of WRKY transcription factors in pearl millet and their functional characterization in biotic stress tolerance. ECR-Science and Engineering Research Board, DST, Govt. of India
    2. Title: Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial activity of Aegle marmelos and Mangifera indica for treatment of mastitis. SRISTI-BIRAC
    As Co PI:
    Title: Development of a plant stem cell extract based formulation to treat skin hyperpigmentation, Startup Odisha