Rajarajan Ramakrishnan

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher working at the intersection of chemical ecology and entomology, with a focus on the chemical communication of disease-vector organisms with Prof. Rickard Ignell group. My research investigates how host-derived volatile compounds influence insect attraction and behavior, aiming to improve our understanding of host–vector interactions and support the development of innovative and environmentally sustainable vector-control strategies.

I received my Ph.D. from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, where my research focused on insect pheromone biosynthesis and the functional characterization of genes involved in chemical communication. This work contributed to advancing knowledge in sustainable forest pest management.

My research career has included international experience at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany. Through these collaborations, I have developed interdisciplinary expertise in molecular biology, chemical ecology, and insect behavior.

My work has been recognized through multiple grants and awards for Best Publication. In addition to research, I have experience in teaching, scientific communication, and project management, as well as industry experience in quality control and bioinformatics applications. I am particularly interested in translating fundamental discoveries in insect chemical communication into practical solutions for environmental sustainability and public health.

Our research focuses on understanding the chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying insect communication, particularly in disease-vector species. By integrating chemical ecology, molecular biology, and behavioral studies, I aim to uncover how insects detect and respond to chemical cues in their environment.

Key research areas include:

Chemical communication in insects
Host–vector interactions
Host-derived volatile cues influencing insect behavior and their molecular mechanisms.
Through interdisciplinary approaches, our research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases and agricultural pests.

I have experience in teaching and mentoring students in areas related to chemical ecology, entomology, molecular biology, and insect behavior. I have supported undergraduate and graduate students through laboratory training, research supervision, and guidance in scientific writing and experimental design.

• Ph.D.- Forest Biology (Oct 2019 - Nov 2024)- Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
      - Research focus: Molecular underpinning pathway genes for pheromone biosynthesis from the bark beetle, Ips typographus.
• M.Sc., Microbiology (2011-2014) – Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
• B.Tech., Biotechnology (2006-2010) – Anna University, Chennai, India