Devanshi Khokhani

Devanshi Khokhani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on beneficial and pathogenic plant-microbe interactions, particularly bacterial pathogens like Ralstonia solanacearum and symbiotic relationships involving nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. She teaches courses including PLPA 8105 (Plant Bacteriology) and PLPA 3004 (Microbes for Sustainable Crop Production). Her lab investigates virulence mechanisms, tripartite microbial interactions, and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Dr. Khokhani serves on multiple committees, including the Education Committee (2023-2025), Faculty Council, and BSL-3 Advisory Committee. She is a Senior Editor for Phytobiomes and reviews grants for NIFA and NSF. Outreach activities include educational events like 'Tiny Friends and Foes of Soybeans' for elementary students.

Her lab members include graduate students Milo Chiu and Pranaya Kaki, and former members such as Molly Veregge. Key publications highlight bacterial wilt in ginger, virulence mechanisms in Clavibacter nebraskensis, and mycorrhizosphere interactions. Research projects include USDA-funded studies on phytopathogen inhibitors and biocontrol strategies for corn pathogens.