Isaiah Pabuayon

Isaiah Pabuayon is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University, part of the Davis College. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech and a B.S. in Biology from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. His research focuses on developing climate and environment-resistant crops through integrative approaches, emphasizing genetic and biological mechanisms to enhance crop productivity under resource-limited conditions. Key areas include salinity tolerance in rice via transgressive genotypes and chromatin remodellers, and leveraging wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) genetic diversity for stress adaptation.

His work spans transcriptomics, epigenetics, and systems biology, with innovations in bicarbonate transporter engineering and hyperspectral imaging for stress monitoring. He has contributed to understanding how physiological networks and genetic interactions maximize plant performance under drought and salinity. Notable studies involve exploring cryptic gene functions unlocked through introgression and the role of the qDTY12.1 gene in drought yield maintenance. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with agricultural applications to address global food security challenges.

Publications highlight advancements in plant stress tolerance mechanisms, with a focus on rice and sorghum. Collaborations include the International Rice Research Institute and Louisiana State University. No awards are explicitly listed, though his work has implications for crop improvement in harsh environments.