Research Interest:
Our group aims to improve crop productivity by modifying lipid metabolism for storage oil biosynthesis and stress responses. To accomplish this, we study lipid synthesis and signaling at biochemical, cellular, physiological and molecular level. Specifically, our research aims to elucidate 1) the regulation of content and composition of nutritionally rich storage oils, and 2) lipid-mediated stress response pathways in plants. A wide range of tools from scanning electron microscopy to “omic” approaches is utilized to address our research questions, for more information, please visit my google scholar site. Our focus on understanding the central aspects of plant lipid synthesis and signaling is expected to generate tools necessary to develop crops that are stress tolerant and with improved oil and energy content and overall yield. For more information, please visit Dr. Kilaru's Laboratory Webpage and my research and publications site
Graduate and undergraduate students interested in research in the areas of plant biochemistry and molecular biology are highly encouraged to contact me by email.
Courses:
- Plant Biology (BIOL3420)
- Biochemistry of Macromolecules (BIOL4147/5147)