Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Extension & Outreach
Publications
Awards
Generic

Pranaya Kaki

Minneapolis,MN

Summary

Dedicated researcher with a strong foundation in academic inquiry and data analysis, offering expertise in experimental design, statistical methods, and technical writing. Recognized for fostering effective team collaboration and thriving in dynamic research environments while adapting to evolving challenges. Committed to delivering reliable, results-driven outcomes that contribute significantly to the field. Passionate about leveraging analytical skills to drive innovation and advance knowledge.

Work History

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN, USA
  • Project 1: Refining the rhizosphere microbial consortia for enhanced biocontrol of corn pathogens
  • Managed NIFA-funded project on corn rhizosphere microbial consortia, overseeing experiments, data analysis, and student training.
  • Engineered microbial consortia against corn pathogens (Pythium torulosum, Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani), achieving >65% inhibition against the Pythium pathogen.
  • Performed aseptic microbiological procedures and molecular assays, including PCR, qPCR, DNA extraction, and 16S rRNA sequencing.
  • Supervised and mentored 6 student researchers, coordinating tasks and ensuring reproducibility.
  • Project 2: Co-inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi & Azotobacter vinelandii for better nitrogen uptake in cereals
  • Demonstrated microbial cooperation, increasing microbial colonization of corn roots by 1.7× and enhancing nitrogen fixation efficiency (15N assays) in cereal.
  • Provided molecular and microbiological expertise to support sustainable crop management strategies.
  • Developed and optimized laboratory protocols (SOPs), including safety and biosafety procedures.

M.Sc. Researcher

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU)
India
  • Thesis: Studies on Alternaria Leaf Spot of Cotton and Its Management
  • Conducted field surveys in major cotton-growing regions to assess Alternaria leaf spot prevalence and severity.
  • Isolated and molecularly characterized Alternaria spp.; evaluated phyllosphere biocontrol agents and fungicides for disease management.
  • Developed sustainable strategies for controlling Alternaria leaf spot in cotton.

B.Sc. Field Intern

PJTSAU
India
  • Programs: Rural Agricultural Work Experience Program (RAWE) & Agricultural Experiential Learning Program (AELP)
  • Conducted field surveys, collected disease samples, and collaborated with extension workers on management strategies.
  • Facilitated knowledge transfer to farmers to improve crop health and yield.

Education

Ph.D. - Plant Pathology

University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN
03.2026

M.Sc. - Plant Pathology

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU)
01.2021

B.Sc. - Agricultural Sciences

PJTSAU
01.2018

Skills

  • Molecular biology techniques
  • Pathogen detection and characterization
  • Metagenomic analysis expertise
  • SOP and protocol development
  • Scientific communication and writing

Timeline

B.Sc. Field Intern

PJTSAU

M.Sc. - Plant Pathology

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU)

B.Sc. - Agricultural Sciences

PJTSAU

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Minnesota

M.Sc. Researcher

Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU)

Ph.D. - Plant Pathology

University of Minnesota

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

  • Vice President, Plant Pathology Graduate Student Organization, UMN (2025)
  • Internship Program Leader, UMN – mentored 6 students in microbial research
  • Lead Facilitator, STEM Outreach, Minnesota Academy of Science – engaged 125+ K–2 students
  • Community Greening Leader, RAWE Program – village-level tree planting
  • Swachh Bharat Campaign Organizer – promoted public health and hygiene
  • Cultural Event Coordinator, Indian Student Community – organized campus festivals

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Teaching Assistant, Principles of Plant Pathology course at UMN – instructed 21 students
  • Lab Assistant & Instructor, Fundamentals of Plant Pathology course at PJTSAU – supported 60 students

Extension & Outreach

Farmer education on crop and disease management, Rythu Sadassu cum Agriculture Exhibition, Khammam (2018)

Publications

  • Kaki, P., Charakas, C., Infante, V., Ané, J.-M., & Khokhani, D. (2025). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter vinelandii cooperate to enhance nitrogen fixation in maize. Plant Physiology (under second revision).
  • Kaki, P., Bhat, B. N., Devi, G. U., & Triveni, S. (2020). In vitro evaluation of fungicides against Alternaria leaf spot of cotton. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 8(4), 10203.
  • Kaki, P., Bhat, B. N., Devi, G. U., & Triveni, S. (2020). Colony, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of cotton phyllosphere bacteria and its antagonistic activity against Alternaria leaf spot of cotton. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 8(6), 10909.
  • Kaki, P., & Co-authors. (2021). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against early blight of tomato under in vitro conditions. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 10(1), 13480.
  • Kaki, P., Bhat, B. N., Devi, G. U., & Triveni, S. (2020). Cultural variability of different isolates of cotton Alternaria spp. on different media. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 9(9), 460.

Awards

APS North Central Travel Award (2025) | Caregiver Travel Grant, APS Annual Meeting (2024), M.F. Kernkamp Scholarship, UMN (2024) | Hueg-Harrison Fellowship, CFANS (2023), MnDRIVE Global Food Ventures Award, CFANS (2023) | Fred I. Frosheiser Fellowship (2023), Ward C. Stienstra & Richard A. Meronuck Travel Award (2022) | Best Abstract, APS NCD Meeting (2022), Provost Award, UMN (2020) | Junior Research Fellowship, ICAR, India (2018–2020), Incentive Award, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khammam (2017)
Pranaya Kaki