Dr. Poulami (Pol) Sarkar

Associate Specialist, Dept. of Entomology, UCR

email: pol.sarkar@ucr.edu

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology, 2018. Bose Institute, Kolkata

Masters in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, 2012. Bose Institute, Kolkata

Research Experience

2021-2024 Postdoctoral Research Scholar, University of Florida

2018-2021 Postdoctoral Student, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Israel

Biography

Pol’s research focuses on plant-insect-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on psyllid vectors, Candidatus Liberibacter species, citrus viruses, and plant immune responses. She combines molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to understand disease transmission and host defense mechanisms, with the goal of developing sustainable strategies for crop protection. Pol earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Bose Institute, India, and completed postdoctoral training at the Agricultural Research Organization (Volcani Center), Israel, and the University of Florida before joining UC Riverside.

Currently, Pol's research aims to uncover how evolutionary interactions among pathogens, insect vectors, and host plants shape host range, disease emergence, and crop resilience.

Awards

2024 Distinguished Postdoctoral Mentor Award, University of Florida

2019 Postdoctoral Scholarship, ARO, Volcani Center, Israel

2014 Senior Research fellowship for Ph.D., Bose Institute, Kolkata

2010 Institute Fellowship for Masters degree, Bose Institute, Kolkata