Surjeet Kumar Arya, Ph.D.
Functional Genomics | Computational Biology | Pest Management Solutions
A results-driven Research Scientist with over 10 years of experience translating complex biological questions into actionable scientific insights. Expertise in functional genomics, single-cell technologies, and bioinformatics for insect science. Seeking to apply a multidisciplinary skill set to a challenging research and development role focused on crop protection and sustainable agriculture in the industry.
About Me
Core Competencies
- Genomic & Computational Biology: Single-cell RNA-seq & ATAC-seq, Functional Genomics, Transcriptomics, Bioinformatics Pipelines (Seurat, Cell Ranger, DESeq2), RNAi Target Identification.
- Programming & Data Analysis: R, Python, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Biological Database Curation & Development (Shiny).
- Molecular & Lab Techniques: High-Throughput Sequencing Library Prep (NEB Ultra), Single-cell Isolation Protocols, PCR/qPCR, RNA/DNA Manipulation, Protein Expression, Advanced Microscopy (Fluorescence, SEM).
- Cell Culture Management: Expertise in maintaining and analyzing a diverse portfolio of over eight distinct insect cell lines (BCIRL-CAMTech-SfMG1-0611-KZ, BCIRL-SfNS3-0827-TRL, RP-HzGUT-AW1, RP-HzVNC-AW1, BCIRL-AtE-CLG15A, NRCAN-LL-182A, BCIRL-DvWL2-0619-KZ, and BRL-AG-3C).
Featured Projects
Development of the Insect Cell Line Database (ICDB)
Initiated, developed, and curated the Insect Cell Line Database (ICDB), creating a vital public resource that centralizes critical data for insect science and biotechnology. This work was featured in Entomology Today.
How to Cite: A database of crop pest cell lines. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal, 58(8), 719-757.
Technologies: Shiny, R, Database Curation
InsectDB: Non-Model Insect Sequence Database
A specialized resource providing a centralized, curated, and easy-to-use platform for accessing protein and nucleotide sequence data for non-model insect species.
How to Cite: InsectDB: A Curated Sequence Resource for Non-Model Insects. Journal of Biological Databases and Curation.
Technologies: R, Shiny, Python, BLAST, SQL, Database Management
Single-Cell Sequencing & Analysis Pipelines
Pioneered single-cell sequencing of pest insect midguts, establishing optimized protocols that uncovered novel gene targets for next-generation insecticides. Developed standard pipelines for single-cell data analysis using the Shiny App ("scRNAdb").
Technologies: scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, Seurat, Cell Ranger, Python, R
RNAi-Based Pest Control Strategies
Successfully identified and validated novel RNAi-based gene targets in mealybugs through integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Developed robust in-vitro bioassays that accelerated the screening and validation of potential insecticidal genes.
How to Cite: RNAi‐based gene silencing in Phenacoccus solenopsis and its validation by in planta expression of a double‐stranded RNA. Pest Management Science, 77(4), 1796-1805.
Technologies: RNAi, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, LC-MS
Primer Design Tool for Non-Model Insects
A web-based application for designing custom primers specific to non-model insect genomes. It supports sequence upload, parameter customization, and visual output.
How to Cite: Arya et al., 2025. A Web-Based Primer Design Tool for Non-Model Insects. Journal of Molecular Tools and Applications.
Technologies: Python, Flask, Gunicorn, NGINX, HTML/CSS, BioPython
Publications
Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Arya, S. K., & Palli, S. R. (2025). N-alpha-acetyltransferase 40 modulates ecdysteroid action through chromatin accessibility changes near the promoters of 20-hydroxyecdysone response genes in Tribolium Castaneum TcA cells. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- Chen, X., Koo, J., Arya, S.K., Palli, S.R. (2024). Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) is required for maintenance of larval stages of fall armyworm. PNAS.
- Arya, S.K., Douglas, A. H., Palli, S.R. (2024). Deciphering cellular heterogeneity in Spodoptera frugiperda midgut cell line through single cell RNA sequencing. Genomics.
- Arya, S.K., Goodman, C.L., Stanley, D. and Palli, S.R. (2022). A database of crop pest cell lines. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Animal.
- Arya, S.K. et al. Cellular and functional heterogeneity of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) midgut: a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Journal of Pest Science.
- Arya, S.K. et al. RNAi‐based gene silencing in Phenacoccus solenopsis and its validation by in planta expression of a double‐stranded RNA. Pest Management Science.
Book Chapters
- Arya, S.K.,Palli, S.R. SK Arya, S Singh, SK Upadhyay, V Tiwari, G Saxena, PC Verma. Springer.
- Arya, S.K., Moola, A.K., et al. (2024). NBS-LRRs: Role in defense signaling. Defense-Related Proteins in Plants. Elsevier.
- Singh, S., Arya,S.K., et al. (2019). Role of endosymbionts in nutritional uptake of sap sucking insects. Molecular Approaches in Plant Biology and Environmental Challenges.
Contact
Feel free to reach out for collaborations or inquiries.