Position(s):
Auxiliary Professor, Dept. of Bioscience & Biotechnology

Office: 103 Stratton Hall

Phone: (215) 895-5802 (Office)
            
Email: vkal@drexel.edu

Ph.D. North Dakota State University

Courses Taught

Bio 151: Applied Biology
Bio 212: Biotechnology
Bio 480/680: Plant Molecular Genetics & Genomics
Bio 501: Biochemistry Laboratory
CBFEIII/TDEC122: Chemical & Biological Foundations of Engineering

Plant Molecular Genetics & Genomics

Physical mapping, Characterization, Evolution and Organization of Complex Genomes
Along with my collaborators, we are pursuing radiation hybrid mapping of the wheat genome. Wheat is the single most important source of plant protein in the human diet, and the genome mapping and sequencing techniques are complex because of its large polyploid genome. We have successfully adapted the mammalian radiation hybrid method for physical genome mapping and this project will provide opportunities for student training and research.

Molecular Genetics of Resistance of Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) to rust caused by the fungal pathogen Uromyces appendiculatus
Another area of research that I have been involved in is the genetic and molecular analysis of signal transduction pathways to disease resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with Dr. Phillip McClean at North Dakota State University. We identified a previously unknown gene that is required for rust resistance in common bean and the work relating to the identification and genetic analysis of the mutants was published in Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions, 2000, 14:16-25. Screening 23,000 plants derived from seed that was irradiated by fast-neutron bombardment identified this gene, Crg . We are investigating the relationship of this gene to the classical Ur-3 locus for rust resistance in bean.

To view some of Dr. Kalavacharla's published work [...click here...]

Post-Docs and Graduate Students

Personal/Laboratory Website(s):