Debmalya Chatterjee

Dr. Debmalya Chatterjee is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. His research laboratory explores the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing seed development, with a special emphasis on maize. He investigates how gene expression patterns are spatiotemporally regulated during kernel formation and how specialized transfer cells facilitate nutrient transport into the developing seed.

Education

• Postdoctoral Research – The Pennsylvania State University (2021–2024)
• Ph.D. Agronomy and Crop Science – The Pennsylvania State University (2021)
• M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Genetics – Punjab Agricultural University, India (2014)
• B.Sc. Agriculture – Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, India (2012)

Research Interests

Dr. Chatterjee’s primary focus is on understanding how complex gene-expression networks orchestrate seed development. Specifically, he studies the formation of transfer cells in maize seeds—these cells are critical for active sugar transport into storage tissues. By dissecting sugar-, redox-, and chromatin-remodeling-mediated gene regulation, his work aims to enable targeted genetic manipulations that accelerate maturation, enhance sugar and starch accumulation, and tailor nutrient composition.

Beyond seed biology, his laboratory examines how maize responds to biotic stresses such as insect herbivory (e.g., Helicoverpa zea and Spodoptera frugiperda) and abiotic stresses such as UV-B radiation. Integrating metabolomics, transcriptomics, and biochemical assays, the team deciphers the signaling cascades and redox networks that underpin plant stress tolerance, with the long-term goal of developing climate-resilient crops.

Recent Publications & Research Trends

Across six recent publications (2016–2025), Dr. Chatterjee has consistently advanced our understanding of maize seed development and plant defense chemistry. His 2025 Plant Cell paper identifies a nuclear protein controlling redox homeostasis during kernel development, while parallel work in Pest Stress and Journal of Pest Science demonstrates how maize and sorghum flavonoids deter major lepidopteran pests. Earlier studies elucidated the role of the unstable factor for orange1 gene in endosperm formation and carbohydrate partitioning, and explored how flavonoid root exudates modulate rhizosphere microbial communities under frost stress.

Advising & Grants

Dr. Chatterjee actively mentors undergraduate researchers at Skidmore College, offering them opportunities to engage in cutting-edge plant biology projects. He welcomes students interested in molecular genetics, metabolomics, and plant–environment interactions to join his laboratory, with funding available through internal grants and undergraduate research awards.

Laboratory & Facilities

The Chatterjee laboratory is housed within the state-of-the-art Center for Integrated Sciences (CIS 110E) at Skidmore College. The facility is equipped for molecular cloning, quantitative PCR, metabolite profiling, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and advanced microscopy, providing an ideal environment for integrative plant biology research.