Ishveen Kaur
Computational Biologist & Sustainability Researcher
About Me
Currently pursuing my PhD in Horticulture at Virginia Tech (anticipated May 2026) under Dr. Courtney Leisner, I specialize in computational and molecular biolgy, analytical chemistry and machine learning approaches to understand biosynthetic pathways in plant to identify compounds for nutraceutical purpose. My journey began with a BSc in Agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University, followed by an MS from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
13
Peer-reviewed Publications
415
Total Citations
9
H-Index
15+
Conference Presentations
Multi-Omics Integration
LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, metabolomics...
Expertise in integrating multi-omics datasets including LC-MS/MS and GC-MS metabolomics data. Skilled in metabolic pathway analysis and systems biology approaches to understand complex biological networks.
Synthetic Biology
Gene cloning, protein expression, pathway validation...
Proficient in gene cloning techniques, heterologous protein expression systems, and biosynthetic pathway validation. Experience with molecular cloning, transformation protocols, and pathway engineering.
Machine Learning
Python, R, predictive modeling, data visualization...
Advanced skills in Python and R programming for machine learning applications. Experienced in predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and creating compelling data visualizations for scientific communication.
Plant-Herbivore Interactions
Chemical ecology, natural pesticides...
Research focus on chemical ecology and plant-herbivore interactions. Specialized in identifying and characterizing natural compounds with pesticidal properties and understanding ecological defense mechanisms.
Research Highlights
Work Experience
Senior Research Scientist
2020 - PresentTech Innovation Labs
- • Led breakthrough research in AI and machine learning applications
- • Published 15+ peer-reviewed papers in top-tier journals
- • Managed cross-functional teams of 8+ researchers
Research Associate
2018 - 2020University Research Center
- • Conducted advanced research in computational sciences
- • Collaborated with international research teams
- • Secured $2M+ in research funding
Monotropein Biosynthetic Pathway in Blueberries
Employed comparative transcriptomics and synthetic biology to identify gene candidates for monotropein biosynthesis, a bioactive compound with health benefits. Developed machine learning models to associate flavor compounds with monotropein content.
Gene Candidates Identified:
15+
Model Accuracy:
94%
Bioactive Compounds:
8 Validated
Chromosome-Scale Pear Genome Assembly
Led functional annotation of 90,000+ genes across both haplotypes of European Pear genome using MAKER and Braker pipelines. Achieved 97% BUSCO completeness with 90% transcript validation.
Genes Annotated:
90,000+
BUSCO Completeness:
97%
Transcript Validation:
90%
Plant-Herbivore Defense Mechanisms
Investigated trichome-mediated pest resistance and anthocyanin defense systems, leading to insights for natural pesticide development and sustainable agriculture.
Defense Mechanisms:
12 Studied
Pest Reduction:
85%
Natural Compounds:
6 Identified
Multi-Omics Metabolomics Pipeline
Developed robust HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS workflows for quantifying bioactive compounds in crops, with applications in breeding and quality assessment.
Workflows Developed:
4 Robust
Compounds Quantified:
200+
Breeding Applications:
5 Programs
Academic Impact
Demonstrating research excellence through peer-reviewed publications and recognized achievements in plant science
Selected Publications
A chromosome-scale assembly for d'Anjou pear
G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics
(2024)
Pre and Post ingestive effects of Trichomes in Plant-Herbivore Interactions
Journal of Pest Science
(2023)
Surface Warfare: Plant Structural Defenses Challenge Caterpillar Feeding
Springer
(2022)
The multifunctional roles of polyphenols in mediating plant-herbivore interactions
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
(2021)
Eating barbed wire: Direct and indirect defensive roles of non-glandular trichomes
Plant, Cell & Environment
(2020)
Recent Awards & Recognition
First Prize GPSS Research Symposium
2024
TPSC Research Grant
$5,000
2023
Travel Grants from BSA and ASPB
2023-2024
Awards & Service Excellence
Recognized for our commitment to innovation and dedicated to serving our community with exceptional quality and integrity.
Awards & Recognition
2023
Excellence in Innovation Award
Recognized for groundbreaking solutions and commitment to technological advancement in our industry.
2022
Customer Choice Award
Voted as the preferred service provider by our valued customers for outstanding quality and reliability.
2021
Industry Leadership Recognition
Honored for setting new standards and leading positive change within our professional community.
Service Activities
Community Partnerships
Actively collaborating with local organizations to create meaningful impact and support community development initiatives.
Educational Programs
Providing training workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions to empower individuals and foster professional growth.
Sustainability Initiatives
Leading environmental responsibility efforts and promoting sustainable practices across all our operations and partnerships.
Innovation Labs
Hosting collaborative spaces where ideas flourish and breakthrough solutions are developed for tomorrow's challenges.
Ready to Collaborate?
I'm passionate about interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, technology, and sustainability. Whether you're interested in collaborative research, consulting opportunities, or discussing innovative applications of computational biology, I'd love to connect.
ishveen@vt.edu
Current Status
Currently: PhD Candidate at Virginia Tech
Available for: Looking for full-time roles as Research and Development Scientist, Scientist, Research Collaborations, Consulting Projects, Speaking Engagements.
Available for: Looking for full-time roles as Research and Development Scientist, Scientist, Research Collaborations, Consulting Projects, Speaking Engagements.
Based in Virginia Tech, Blacksburg | Open to remote collaborations worldwide|can relocate
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