Dr. Surinder Chopra
Professor
Department: Plant Science
College: College of Agricultural Sciences
Address: 252 AgSci Building
Phone: 814-865-1159
E-mail: sic3@psu.edu
Website: http://plantscience.psu.edu/directory/sic3
Biotechnological Improvement of Plant Metabolites for Tolerance Against Insect Pests.
Students will participate in the ongoing research to perform biochemical analysis of plant phenolic/flavonoid compounds. The goal is to find plant chemicals that can protect other plants from insect attacks. This research will help with reduction of usage of synthetic pesticides on crops.
Genetic and Epigenetic Pathways of Maize Seed Development and Role of Reactive Oxygen Species
Student will learn and perform gene expression analysis to understand the role of specific genes, metabolites, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are required for healthy seed development. Students will also learn about DNA methylation aspects that regulate plant gene expression during seed development.