Dr. Rakesh Kumar Verma is an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at Mody University of Science and Technology, Rajasthan, with over a decade of research experience in plant–microbe interactions, molecular virology, and stress biology. He has authored 50+ peer-reviewed publications, co-edited a CRC Press volume, and secured ₹20.17 lakh in extramural research funding as Principal Investigator.

He holds one granted patent and four published patents, and has successfully guided three doctoral scholars. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational applications in sustainable agriculture and crop resilience.

• Ph.D. Biotechnology - School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Rajasthan
• M.Sc. Biotechnology - School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology - Bansur PG College, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Dr. Verma's research focuses on harnessing the largely unexplored endophytic microbiome of Thar Desert plants to engineer drought, salinity, and fluoride tolerance in economically important crops. Using 16S rRNA/ITS-based molecular characterisation and functional plant growth-promoting (PGP) assays, his team has identified elite endophytic strains, including Priestiaendophytica and Paenibacillusdendritiformisthat demonstrably improve soybean and tomato productivity under abiotic stress. He is also the Principal Investigator on the project "Development and Validation of Innovative Agrobiological Formulations for Drought Stress Mitigation in Economically Important Legume and Vegetable Crops."

• Present Assistant Professor, Mody University of Science and Technology(MUST), Lakshmangarh