Mariya Khodakovskaya, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Sudipta Seal

Mariya Khodakovskaya is a Professor of Plant Biology and Director of the Applied Science Graduate Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  She is known for her pioneer work in the area of crop improvement by the introduction of carbon-based nanomaterials in agricultural practice. Her current work is focused on the establishment of new applications of wide range nanomaterials for Plant Biotechnology and Plant Agriculture. Laboratory of Dr. Khodakovskaya achieved significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of positive effects of carbon nanomaterials in planta. Her group is also actively involved in comprehensive risk assessment of new nanobiotechnologies developed for plant crop improvement.  The work of Dr. Khodakovskaya was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF-EPSCoR), USD-NIFA, Department of Defense (DOD), NASA-EPSCoR, Arkansas Science, and Technology Authority (ASTA), and industry (Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Inc.) Dr. Khodakovskaya is the author of multiple interdisciplinary research articles, patent applications, and book chapters. In order to commercialize her work, she founded a new biotechnological company “Advanced Plant Technologies, LLC.