Arijit Mukherjee

Dr. Arijit Mukherjee is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Arkansas, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University (2007) and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008-2012) before joining UCA in 2012.

His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly nitrogen fixation mechanisms in legumes and non-legumes. Key areas include transcriptomic analysis of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) associations, molecular regulation of nodule-like structures, and extremophile symbiosis for space agriculture. Research employs cutting-edge genomics tools to investigate gene expression patterns during plant-bacteria interactions.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on functional genomics of plant-microbe systems, with recent work exploring rice-PGPB interactions under stress conditions, Mars soil simulant compatibility, and evolutionary aspects of nodulation. Research consistently integrates molecular biology with agricultural applications.

Mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in molecular techniques and genomics. Current lab investigates PGPB applications for sustainable agriculture and extraterrestrial farming.