For Raj Roy, science isn’t just a field of study – it’s a way of thinking. Focusing on bioinformatics, genomics, and molecular interactions, Roy’s graduate research seeks to uncover how fall armyworm, a major agricultural pest, develops resistance to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) crops. While Roy spends a lot of time in the lab, he enjoys reading, music, and engaging discussions. Roy embraces challenges as opportunities to learn and is always looking for ways to grow and contribute to the scientific community.

Q&A with Raj Roy

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
What can I really say? I am just a guy from India who came to the USA for higher education. I love science, working in the lab, brainstorming ideas, reading books, listening to music, and having deep debates.

What is your current concentration, and why did you choose this field of study?
My current concentration is bioinformatics, genomics and molecular interactions. Given my background in molecular biology and interest in evolutionary processes underlying resistance, it was an easy choice.

What is your current research question?
I am looking at the Vip3Aa resistance mechanism in fall armyworm (FAW).

What impact does your research question have?
Fall armyworm is a global pest capable of devastating agriculture on a massive scale unless controlled, specifically because of the high level of insecticide resistance already present in the population. Close to 40% of the world population feed on rice as a staple of their diet, and fall armyworm feeds on rice as well. Bt crops are one of the best ways to control this insect, and among the commercialized Bt toxins, only Vip3Aa is still highly effective in controlling FAW. However, resistance emergence is inevitable and only a matter of time; my research seeks to understand the mechanistic and genetic underpinning behind the resistance.

Can you tell us more about your research?
I am looking at understanding the mechanisms and hopefully identifying genes underlying the resistance phenotype. The identification of the gene, if possible, will make it possible to screen effectively for Vip3Aa resistance in field, optimizing the resistance monitoring. However, even if nothing else, it adds to the body of resistance research and improves our understanding of insect biology, which is a benefit in and of itself.

What challenges have you faced in answering your research question?
Oh, I have faced plenty of challenges. I wanted to be the first to truly identify a receptor for the Vip3Aa in FAW, but my attempts were not completely successful. There were several times when I was unable to perform the experiments to my satisfaction, but for every failed experiment I learned how to improve, and that makes those failures worth it. However, in the moment it was very disappointing.

What academic course has been your favorite and why?
I enjoyed every single course because they all broadened my understanding in different areas. If I had to choose one though, I would select insect taxonomy. It was the first time in a long time that I was doing something completely outside my comfort zone. This class forced me to dig deep, and I am genuinely thankful for that.

How has your academic training in the department prepared you for your future career?
I want to be in academia and be a professor. This PhD journey has allowed me to think critically about research questions, weigh alternative outcomes, and think of different ways to tackle research questions. I also got the chance to mentor students and take a course on undergraduate teaching which should help me in my goal.

What do you believe is your biggest academic achievement?
Honestly, for me, getting the EPP Outstanding PhD Student award. It was the acknowledgment of my hard work, and it felt really nice.

What has been the highlight of your graduate school experiences so far?
Getting to the meetings and interacting with scientists with decades of experience and having them be interested in what I do.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
I am part of Manthan the Indian student association in UTK. Until this semester, I also had a Dungeons and Dragons group with my friends.

What are your favorite things to do on campus?
I am mostly in the library or the gardens when I am not working on campus. So probably one of those two.

What are your favorite hobbies?
This one is easy. I love reading books, listening to music, podcasts, and gaming.

Any advice you would like to share with a prospective student?
In my experience, this is one of the most welcoming places I have been to. The people here are super helpful and they truly care. The amount of growth opportunity is quite a lot; if someone can take advantage of it they will flourish.

If you could share one thing about your experience in the department, what would it be?
I was able to host our own edition of Family Feud at the winter banquet. It was the first time I did something like that and it was fun to do.

Is there anything you would like to add?
It’s easy to tunnel vision into the research and forget everything else, but that’s not the best outcome. It’s probably better to know the world around you without compromising your work.