Velpula Pavan Kumar
Ph.D Student
n January 2026, I joined the PhD program in the Department of Biology at IISER Tirupati. I was born in Adoni, Andhra Pradesh. Prior to starting my doctoral journey, I completed my graduation at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University. I then pursued my post-graduation in Agricultural Microbiology at Aligarh Muslim University, where I developed a strong interest in plant–microbe interactions and host defense mechanisms.
My current research focuses on decoding cytokinin crosstalk and engineering vascular immunity against Ralstonia solanacearum–induced wilt. Through my work, I aim to understand how hormonal signaling networks regulate plant immune responses, particularly within vascular tissues, and how this knowledge can be used to develop strategies for improving disease resistance.
Apart from my academic interests, I enjoy watching cricket and playing games
