Work with thought leaders and academic experts from Texas A&M University

Researchers on NotedSource with connections to Texas A&M University include Dr. Gerald Cleaver, Ph.D. Physics, Jayashan Adhikari, Mario I. Suárez, Dr. Mohammed Abdoelatef, Aayudh Das, Ph.D., Giuliana Noratto, Melinda Haughey, Naveen Adusumilli, Murli Manohar, Ximena Quintero, Wesley Highfield, Ph.D., Carol Vargas Bautista, PhD, Yujin Wen, Purboja Purkayastha, Jennifer Lueck, Ph.D., Dr. Scott Brooks, Sevketcan Sarikaya, Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD., Rodolfo Aramayo, Ashlyn Elick, M.S., Ryan Lefers, Parker Gutjahr, Janeen Sharma, David Baker, Megna Murali, Dr. P Blaise Collins, PhD, Charles Babendreier, Salim Rouayheb, Charles Lively III, PhD, Victoria Tepe Beahm, M.S., Meghan Roche, Aubrey Franklin, Zeynep Sevimli Yurttas, Ph.D., MARCELO LAPREA-BIGOTT, Lindsey Hranitzky, Sharon Rock, Xi Luo, Doug Frantz, Alan Brewer, Tom Copeland, Camp Bradshaw Boyd, Walter Paczkowski, Colby Humphrey, and Susannah Williamson.

Dr. Gerald Cleaver, Ph.D. Physics

Waco, Texas, United States of America
31 Years Experience
Professor of Physics, Baylor University
Experience

Texas A&M University

Visiting Assistant Profsesor / 20002001

Post-Doctoral Researcher / 19982000

Research Expertise
String Theory
Cosmology
Quantum Gravity
Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics
And 4 more
About
Dr. Gerald B. Cleaver is a highly skilled and experienced problem solver. He especially enjoys projects simultaneously requiring large- and small-scale analysis, wherein logic meets creativity, and abstract thinking is applied to real-world situations. Cleaver is a dedicated leader with over 22 years of management experience of research groups, and is an eloquent communicator with more than 24 years of teaching experience. He directs the Early Universe Cosmology and Strings (EUCOS) division of Baylor University's Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics, and Engineering Research (CASPER) and has advised the dissertation research of 20 M.S. & Ph.D. students (13 graduated, 8 current). During his 2013 to 2022 tenure as Physics Graduate Program Director, Cleaver coordinated the graduate programs of over 100 students and managed the \~ $700K teaching assistantship budgets. Working with faculty colleagues, he doubled the physics graduate student enrollment from 25 in 2013 to the present 52. Cleaver was written over 85 peer-reviewed research journal articles and 25 conference proceedings. He has spoken at more than 70 conferences and workshops. Cleaver is co-author of one physics textbook and has authored six book chapters and an encyclopedia entry.

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Jayashan Adhikari

Houston, Texas, United States of America
9 Years Experience
Texas A&M University
Education

Texas A&M University

Ph.D., Food Science and Technology / May, 2025 (anticipated)

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Texas A&M University

Graduate Student Researcher / September, 2019Present

I collaborated on a USDA-funded project to implement continuous flow high-pressure homogenization (CFHPH) for improving the sensory and nutritional quality of fruit-based beverages. I developed and validated methods to quantify bioactive compounds, optimized analytical instruments, and applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for flavor analysis. Using chemometrics, I correlated chemical composition with sensory profiles and optimized homogenization processes to assess their impact during storage. My research compared CFHPH with high-temperature short-time (HTST) processing, highlighting its effects on bioavailability and gut microbiota, showcasing my expertise in advanced technologies and process optimization.

Research Expertise
Chemometrics
Analytical Chemistry
Sensory Science
Product Development
Food Safety
And 1 more
About
I am a researcher with expertise in food chemistry, processing, sensory science, and applied statistics, with experience in both academia and industry. I specialize in analytical techniques and data analysis to enhance product quality and consumer experiences. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and cricket, as well as listening to 90s rock music.

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Aayudh Das, Ph.D.

Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
10 Years Experience
Scientist at Garuda therapeutics, specialized in Genomics and Computational Biology
Education

Texas A&M University

Master's in Biochemistry, Biochemistry & Biophysics / May, 2016

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Texas A&M University

Graduate research assistant / July, 2014May, 2016

Research Expertise
Transcriptomics
Genomics
Proteomics
Computational Biology
Metabolomics
And 10 more
About
I am a dedicated Scientist-I at Garuda Therapeutics, where I specialize in computational biology and genomics within the R&D department. My work primarily revolves around developing and optimizing pipelines for variant calling using Strelka2 and GATK4 with Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify oncogenes in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This involves extensive work in the qualification and validation of these pipelines for regulatory filings, as well as leveraging databases such as ClinVar, COSMIC, and DepMap to craft targeted oncogenes panels for deep sequencing. I also apply Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for downstream sequencing to validate CRISPR knockouts, including the identification and validation of CRISPR off-targets using techniques like rhAMPseq and Induce-seq. Additionally, my expertise extends to single-cell sequencing analysis and understanding structural variants with Optical Genome Mapping (Bionano). Prior to joining Garuda Therapeutics, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in computational biology at Pennsylvania State University, where I honed my skills in identifying climate-adaptive variants and conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to uncover resistance genes against parasites and other stressors. My academic journey began at the University of Vermont, where I explored abiotic stress resistance genes using transcriptomics and developed a robust understanding of RNA-seq data analysis, from assembly to gene annotation. My work is driven by a passion for leveraging computational and genomics tools to address pressing challenges in biology and healthcare, combining my rigorous academic training with a practical, solution-oriented approach to research and development.

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Naveen Adusumilli

10 Years Experience
Warner Bruner Endowed Professor, Associate Professor- Extension Economist -Louisiana State University
Education

Texas A&M University

PhD, Agricultural Economics / May, 2012

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Research Expertise
Soil and Water Policy
Production Economics
Agronomy and Crop Science
Earth-Surface Processes
Water Science and Technology
And 25 more
About
Naveen Adusumilli is an accomplished agricultural economist with a strong background in conservation policy-related research and extension work. He completed his PhD in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University in 2012, focusing on the economics of water resource management in agriculture. During his doctoral studies, he conducted extensive research on the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and the role of water markets in mitigating these impacts. After completing his PhD, Naveen joined Louisiana State University as an Extension Economist. In this role, he worked closely with farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to provide economic analysis and recommendations for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. He also conducted outreach programs to educate farmers about the latest research findings and best practices in the field of agricultural economics. Naveen's research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and he has presented at more than 100 farmer group meetings and national and international conferences. He has also received several awards and grants for his research contributions, including the Emerging Scholars Award in 2017 from the Southern Agricultural Economics Association and, in 2021, the Chair Leadership Award for his contributions to Soil and Water Conservation Society. from the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association. In addition to his work in academia, Naveen has also collaborated with various government agencies and international organizations on projects related to agricultural development and resource management. His expertise in agricultural economics has been sought after by organizations such as the Foundation for Agricultural Research, the National Institute for Water Resources, Foreign Agricultural Services, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the World Bank. Naveen is a dedicated and passionate economist who is committed to finding solutions for the complex challenges facing the agricultural industry. Through his research and extension work, he continues to make valuable contributions to the field of agricultural economics and drive positive change in the world of farming.

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Murli Manohar

16 Years Experience
Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University
Education

Texas A&M University

Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology / May, 2012

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Research Expertise
Inter-specific interactions
Chemical signaling
Biopesticides
Plant Science
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
And 17 more
About
Instrumental in leading the development of Ascribe technology from start-up to successful execution. Skilled in identifying and capitalizing on emerging technologies and executing R&D strategic objectives to accelerate the product development process and increase customer centricity across different markets. Excel in overseeing cross-function projects with substantial R&D budgets to transform scientific discoveries into market-ready products. Tech leader and inventor with solid business acumen, holding patents for successful start-up and market-ready products. Expert at developing high-performing teams for commercializing new, differentiated, and disruptive products. Experienced researcher with effective communication and interpersonal skills; known for expanding business by collaborating with industry leaders, academic researchers, and contract research organizations. Passionate about driving innovation and delivering impactful results for business growth and market expansion. As a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Plant Science, I bring a strong background and expertise in agriculture and biopharmaceutical research. But more than that, I am driven by a deep passion for advancing Agtech, Foodtech, and Biotech solutions. My mission is to harness the power of nature to create sustainable and effective products that can enhance plant and human health.

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Wesley Highfield, Ph.D.

Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
13 Years Experience
Professor and Deputy Director of IDRT with deep expertise in Natural Hazard Management
Education

Texas A&M University

Ph.D., Urban and Regional Science / May, 2008

College Station, Texas, United States of America

Texas A&M University

Masters, Urban Planning / May, 2004

College Station, Texas, United States of America

Texas A&M University

B.S., Renewable Natural Resources / May, 2001

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Texas A&M University

Professor / September, 2022Present

Deputy Director, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas / January, 2021Present

Associate Professor / August, 2016September, 2022

Assistant Professor / September, 2011August, 2016

Research Expertise
natural hazards
hazard mitigation
spatial analysis
flood risk
flood risk reduction
About
Dr. Highfield ’s research focuses on flood and hurricane impacts, mitigation and recovery at local, state and federal levels. He has received $10.8 million in external research funding from state and federal sources. He is the Deputy Director of the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas and a Professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Sciences at Texas A&M. During his tenure at Texas A&M, he has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and 10 books and book chapters. Dr. Highfield’s research has had measurable impacts on flood mitigation policy at state and federal levels. He has chaired four doctoral committee and over 30 master’s committees and has also served as the departmental master’s degree coordinator for six years and the Ph.D. program coordinator for four years.

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Carol Vargas Bautista, PhD

16 Years Experience
Consultant
Education

Texas A&M University

Ph.D., Biochemistry / December, 2014

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Texas A&M University

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Researcher / August, 2008August, 2016

Postdoctoral Research Associate - AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Texas A&M University 2015 - 2016 ● Developed interdisciplinary work on molecular crop improvement by studying the role of the BT family of proteins in tomatoes in responding to herbivore stress and standardizing the CRISPR/CAS9 system for tomato genome editing. ● Improved sugarcane and energy cane cultivars for research and development of resistant cultivars. Graduate Research Assistant - Biochemistry and Biophysics Department, Texas A&M University 2008 - 2014 ● Conducted studies of chemical interactions between Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces spp by leveraging applied molecular approaches to understand bacterial competition and transcriptional regulation impacting small molecule production. ● Investigated the regulation of the biosynthesis of antibiotics and other natural products in Bacillus subtilis for pharmaceutical production and drug discovery.

Research Expertise
Microbiology
Microbiology (medical)
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Food Science
And 2 more
About
Strategic leader and project manager with 16+ years of experience leading the design, development, and execution of innovative global research and academic programs. Experienced researcher in areas of Microbiology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Focused on working with key stakeholders and diverse cross-functional teams to ensure the on-time and on-budget delivery of complex, large-scale projects in Life Sciences.

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Purboja Purkayastha

2 Years Experience
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering driving strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, specializing in 3D-printed organ models and AI integration for biotech.
Education

Texas A&M University

Ph.D., Chemical Engineering / December, 2022

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Research Expertise
Mechanobiology
Cellular evolution
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Structural Biology
And 5 more
About
With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University and accolades such as the Outstanding Researcher Award by Women in Science and Engineering, I specialize in pioneering research at the intersection of biotechnology and innovation. My expertise lies in developing cutting-edge 3D-printed vascularized organ models for drug screening, integrating AI for enhanced phenotyping, and securing strategic partnerships. Notably, at Systemic Bio, I led the development of vascularized tumor-on-a-chip assays, securing the startup's first partnership with a top-tier pharmaceutical company. My research on cellular evolution and cancer mechanobiology has garnered international recognition, with high-impact publications and best presenter awards at conferences. As a Global Consulting Fellow at Blue Chapter, I developed strategic go-to-market strategies for AI-driven marketing solutions, showcasing my ability to translate technical expertise into actionable business strategies. Committed to community engagement, I actively mentor students and engage in cultural initiatives. Overall, my multifaceted experiences and dedication to innovation position me as a dynamic leader ready to drive impactful advancements in biotechnology and beyond.

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Ricardo Rodriguez, PhD.

16 Years Experience
Professor in Physics researching machine learning, stochastic control and quantum computing
Experience

Texas A&M

Postdoctoral Researcher / August, 2008August, 2008

Researcher in high energy nuclear physics

Research Expertise
Machine Learning
Quantum Computing
Stochastic Control
Particles and Fields
Data Science
About
Ricardo Rodriguez's current research combines machine learning and stochastic control to solve problems in quantum computing. He is a highly accomplished physicist with a strong background in mathematics. He earned his MSc in Mathematics from Iowa State University, where he used optimal stochastic control to solve problems in portfolio allocation, later receiving his Ph.D in high energy physics from the same institution. After completing his graduate studies, Rodriguez worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Texas A&M, researching high-energy nuclear physics. His work has been published in numerous prestigious scientific journals and cited by other researchers in the field. In 2011, Rodriguez joined the faculty at Ave Maria University as an Assistant Professor of Physics. He taught several undergraduate physics courses and mentored students in research projects, praised for his engaging teaching style and his ability to make complex concepts understandable to his students. Throughout 2016, McPherson College recruited him to develop the curriculum and recruit top students to the science program. He has continued to teach and mentor since then, with high success rates being proof of his dedication to his students.

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Rodolfo Aramayo

41 Years Experience
Associate Professor of Biology, Genetics and Genomics at Texas A&M University
Experience

Texas A&M University

Associate Professor / 2004Present

Assistant Professor / 19972004

Research Expertise
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
About
I am a Molecular Geneticist and an expert Molecular Biologists that has formal training and extensive experience in molecular cloning, strain construction (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic), DNA, RNA, and protein purification and characterization. I have a deep understanding of the different processes associated with protein/metabolites production and strains engineering. I am a natural troubleshooter that knows how to find simple solutions to complex problems. I am a natural engineer that understands the intricacies associated with molecular techniques. As a consultant for Industry, I have acquired extensive experience designing industry-related experiments and evaluating results. As a principal investigator, I have been in charge of an active research group and maintained a complex interdisciplinary active laboratory for many years, oriented at both constructing strain and performing detailed molecular characterization at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. I am naturally meticulous and pay special attention to details. This has the benefit of being able to maintain consistency throughout different experimental protocols and to be able to detect subtle experimental behaviors. This academic foundation seamlessly merged with my innate affinity for computers, shaping me into a unique hybrid: a Classical Geneticist and Molecular Biologist with a profound mastery of Computational Genomics and Data Sciences at large. My expertise also extends to developing intricate bioinformatic pipelines tailored for the human genome, characterized by meticulous attention to detail. As a natural engineer, my forte lies in crafting algorithms that adeptly convert intricate biological and genomics data into digital formats, facilitating their seamless integration with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms. I excel at deciphering complexity, translating innovative concepts into reproducible, practical algorithms, and scripting intricate tasks. My proficiency encompasses not only mastery of unix/linux operational systems and their interaction with other computers and Supercomputers, but also my ability to deploy and administer complex web-based computational tools. I am proficient at using version control systems, like Git, using interfaces like github, and gitlab. Moreover, my skill set also includes comprehensive expertise in diverse areas such as Next-Generation Sequencing data analysis, Genome Assembly, and Transcriptome Assembly and Quantification. I have a proven track record of overseeing the successful implementation of advanced Bioinformatics packages and software, across a spectrum of computing platforms. Recently, I have completed an important Industry-related Bioinformatics project aimed at detecting how the expression of Ribosomal proteins affect Human protein production in large scale fermentation processes. My commitment to information sharing has endowed me with substantial experience in elucidating complex concepts to individuals uninitiated in the fields of Genomics and/or Data Sciences, a skill honed over years of teaching and developing teaching tools and materials. My unwavering belief in the primacy of teamwork is the cornerstone of my professional ethos. Throughout my career, I have championed collaboration and nurtured environments conducive to growth. As a Principal Investigator, I have finely tuned my leadership acumen by guiding teams of both undergraduate and graduate students, empowering them to translate their research concepts into well designed experiments, functional code and rigorous testing and verification. I firmly acknowledge that the triumph of any venture hinges upon the collective strength of the team. In summary, I am a highly imaginative professional with an extensive interdisciplinary background. My expertise spans Genetics, the art of molecular manipulation of organisms’ genomes. In addition, I am also proficient in translating complex algorithms into code. My role as a Principal Investigator has empowered me with the capacity to adeptly oversee and mentor teams of budding academics, aiding them in translating their ideas into functional deliverables. Moreover, my immersion in the industry as a consultant has sharpened my aptitude for discerning priorities.

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Ashlyn Elick, M.S.

Texas
2 Years Experience
M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with experience in applied research, leadership development, and data analytics
Education

Texas A&M University

M.S., Industrial-Organizational Psychology / December, 2023

College Station, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services

Leadership Assessment and Development Plan Consultant / August, 2023December, 2023

Collaborated with mid-level counseling management to assess existing leadership strengths and identify areas for growth; created customized leadership development plan, including 25-page technical report

Texas A&M Sponsored Research Services

Job Analysis Consultant / August, 2022December, 2022

Conducted comprehensive job analysis of Financial Analyst position to identify and classify required knowledge, skills, abilities, and duties through incumbent interviews, survey design and administration, and related research

About
Ashlyn Elick is an accomplished Industrial-Organizational Psychologist with a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University. She is passionate about using her expertise to help organizations improve their performance and create positive work environments. Ashlyn's education and experience have equipped her with a wide range of skills in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. As a Teams Research Intern at NASA's Behavioral Health & Performance Lab, she gained valuable experience conducting research on team dynamics and developing interventions to improve team effectiveness. During her time as a Leadership Assessment and Development Plan Consultant at Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services, Ashlyn worked with individuals and organizations to assess leadership skills and develop personalized development plans. She also has experience designing surveys as a consultant for Voices for Children CASA and facilitating employee training programs for United Way of Brazos Valley. Ashlyn's expertise also extends to job analysis, as she has worked as a consultant for Texas A&M Sponsored Research Services, conducting job analyses to ensure that job requirements align with organizational needs. With her strong background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and her diverse experience working with various organizations, Ashlyn is well-equipped to assist organizations in achieving their goals and creating a positive work culture. She is dedicated to using her skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on the workplace.

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