Sailaja Bhogireddy

In her own words ...

Tell us about your background prior to starting to work at UGA.
Before joining the University of Georgia, I accumulated over 15 years of research experience in the fields of plant molecular biology, biotechnology, and functional genomics, with a strong focus on improving the resilience and productivity of cereal and legume crops. I completed my Ph.D. in Biotechnology and began my scientific career at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), where I served as a Senior Scientist in the Agricultural Biotechnology and Crop Improvement division. There, I led several independent and collaborative research projects aimed at dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress tolerance (especially heat and drought) in rice. I was involved in the non-coding RNA regulation, study of transcriptome analyses, RNA-sequencing, and small RNA sequencing, and gained extensive experience in bioinformatics pipelines and molecular breeding.

In addition to my work at ICAR-IIRR, I also served as a Visiting Scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), where my research focused on deciphering genetic variation and gene expression patterns associated with stress-adaptive traits in chickpea and peanut. I collaborated with international research groups on projects related to genomic-assisted breeding and trait discovery in legumes.

Throughout my career, I have developed and optimized molecular protocols, including Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing. My strong foundation in both wet-lab and computational biology has enabled me to handle diverse omics datasets and contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary plant science teams. Prior to joining UGA, my work had already resulted in more than 20 international peer-reviewed publications and had contributed to the advancement of crop biotechnology tools for sustainable agriculture. 

Tell us about your research here at UGA.
At the University of Georgia, I am currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins’ laboratory at the Tifton campus, contributing to the Hy-Gain project, a multi-institutional initiative aimed at engineering asexual reproduction in crops to preserve hybrid vigor across generations. My primary research involves dissecting the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying parthenogenesis and apomixis using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, functional genomics, and advanced plant transformation techniques.

My work specifically focuses on the BBML (BABY BOOM-like) gene, a key regulator of parthenogenesis, and its expression in F1 hybrid backgrounds of cowpea. I am responsible for generating and evaluating transgenic lines, validating gene expression, and performing phenotypic characterization under both greenhouse and field conditions. In addition, I manage multiple transformation events, guide DNA construct design, and analyze segregation and inheritance patterns in the subsequent generations using molecular assays, including qPCR and ddPCR.

I also collaborate closely with partner institutions such as the University of Zurich and UQ, Australia and LAN, Mexico, contributing to the integration of phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptomic datasets to better understand and harness apomictic traits in legumes and other crops. This research is highly interdisciplinary, combining molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, and is aimed at developing innovative reproductive strategies that could significantly enhance seed production efficiency and hybrid seed preservation in agriculture.

This post-doctoral role has expanded my expertise in translational plant biology and equipped me with valuable experience in high-impact, collaborative research aimed at solving real-world agricultural challenges.

What has been the best experience you've had so far at CAES?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at CAES UGA has been the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins, a highly respected leader in the field of plant biotechnology and apomixis research. Working with a scientist of her caliber has been both inspiring and intellectually enriching. Her deep knowledge, visionary approach, and collaborative spirit have not only enhanced my research capabilities but also significantly shaped the way of scientific approach.

Being part of her lab has given me the opportunity to take on challenging yet impactful projects within the Hy-Gain initiative, and her guidance has been instrumental in helping me grow as an independent researcher. Dr. Ozias-Akins fosters an environment that encourages scientific curiosity, innovation, and precision, and that has made my experience at UGA particularly fulfilling.

Additionally, participating events like the IPBGG retreat and plant retreat conducted by UGA offered me platforms to engage with other researchers and stay updated with advancements in the field. These moments of scientific exchange and professional development have been incredibly enriching and motivating.

Overall, the collaborative environment, the alignment of my expertise with the goals of the Hy-Gain initiative, and the chance to contribute to high-impact research have made my time at CAES UGA especially rewarding. 

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
The knowledge and experience I’ve gained at UGA, particularly through the Hy-Gain project, have significantly deepened my understanding of plant reproductive biology. Moving forward, I intend to apply these skills to advance research in crop improvement, particularly in developing sustainable solutions for hybrid seed production, stress resilience, and yield enhancement in food legumes and cereals.

I aim to continue working at the intersection of molecular biology and applied agricultural science, either in academia or industry, where I can contribute to the development of innovative technologies that address food security challenges. The training I received in designing functional genomic experiments, managing transgenic pipelines, and working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams has prepared me well for leadership roles in high-impact research environments.

Ultimately, I want to leverage what I’ve learned to develop novel, field-deployable technologies that benefit farming communities. I also hope to mentor young scientists, just as I have been mentored at UGA, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and integrity. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
UGA has strengthened my adaptability, resilience, and communication skills. Navigating a large, collaborative project with multiple objectives has taught me the value of patience, precision, and persistence. It has also deepened my commitment to the betterment of agriculture and food systems worldwide.

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
To me, agriculture is deeply personal, it’s a way of life, a connection to my roots, and a source of purpose. From my childhood, I have loved walking through our family’s rice farms, watching the crops grow and understanding the care that goes into every stage of cultivation. Those early experiences sparked my fascination with plants and inspired my journey into agricultural research.

Professionally, agriculture has shaped my entire career. My research in plant biotechnology is driven by a desire to improve agricultural systems, making them more resilient, productive, and sustainable, especially for farmers. Personally, agriculture influences how I cook, celebrate festivals, and connect with my heritage, through seasonal foods, farming traditions, and a shared respect for nature.  

What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of work, I love going to the gym and swimming, it helps me stay active, focused, and mentally refreshed. I enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s gardening, going for long walks, beachside strolls, or traveling to new places. I also enjoy cooking, especially trying out traditional recipes using locally grown ingredients, which helps me stay connected to my roots and culture.