Arias, Renee

Renee S. Arias, Ph.D.
Research Pathologist
renee.arias@ars.usda.gov
Phone: +1 (229) 995-7430
Fax: +1 (229) 995-7416
United States Department of Agriculture
Agriculture Research Service
1011 Forrester Dr., S.E.
Dawson, GA USA 39842-0509

Background

Working at the National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Ga., Renee Arias hopes to use RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce aflatoxin contamination of peanut seeds. Aflatoxin is a natural byproduct of mold that grows in the soil; by studying the RNA of Aspergillus mold, Arias could create a peanut variety that turns off the mold’s gene that creates toxin.

Arias was recognized by President Obama in 2016 with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers.

Current Research Project

RNAi Silencing of Aflatoxin Synthesis

Research Locations

Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia

More about Arias

PMIL researcher releases genomes of nine A. flavus isolates

PMIL researcher, Renee Arias, recognized by Obama for contribution to science