CV

Summary

Data Science and Bioinformatics leader with 15+ years of experience advancing NGS, Genomics, and ML/AI solutions across Human Health and Plant Health R&D. Proven record building and scaling high-performing teams, delivering ML/NGS platforms, and driving strategy from discovery and regulatory through deployment. Published author (Deep Learning for Genomics), inventor on multiple RNA-based biopesticide patents and publications, and collaborative technical leader.

Skills

• Programming: Python, R, SQL, Bash, C
• Machine Learning & AI: FNNs, CNNs, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Transformers, Generative AI (GenAI), model deployment and monitoring
• Bioinformatics / NGS: Short- and long-read sequencing, RNA-Seq, DNA-Seq, dsRNA-Seq, lincRNA, workflow automation with Snakemake and NextFlow
• Cloud Computing & Tools: AWS, Azure, Docker, PySpark, GitHub, Snowflake, HPC and GPU computing
• Leadership: Team building, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and technical road mapping

Professional experience

• 2025–Present: Director of Data Science and Bioinformatics
  GreenLight Biosciences, Durham, NC
  • Guide the overall strategy for Data Science initiatives, with a primary focus on Genomics, NGS, and the application of advanced ML and AI technologies for the development of RNAi biopesticides.
  • Manage team execution and development, define project roadmaps aligned with organizational goals, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration to deliver key initiatives.
  • Prototype and evaluate innovative ML and Genomics technologies, leveraging new approaches to inform and influence strategy at the organizational level.
• 2023–2025: Head of Data Science
  GreenLight Biosciences, Durham, NC
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive long-term strategy for Data Science and Bioinformatics, aligning initiatives with the organization’s objectives in RNAi product development and NGS analytics.
  • Managed a dedicated team of six professionals, ensuring successful execution of projects related to RNAi products and advanced NGS analytics.
  • Assessed emerging technologies in Genomics, ML, and Computational Biology to identify innovative solutions that could enhance R&D capabilities.
  • Communicated project results and technical findings to both technical teams and executive stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• 2021–2022: Senior Manager, Data Science
  GreenLight Biosciences, Durham, NC
  • Managed a multidisciplinary team across Data Science, Bioinformatics, Software Engineering, and Business Intelligence to support project goals and drive innovation.
  • Led the deployment of ML solutions for mRNA platforms, optimizing workflows for Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies.
  • Served as the Data Science representative on core product development teams, integrating advanced analytics and computational methods into product strategy.
• 2021: Data Science Manager
  GreenLight Biosciences, Durham, NC
  • Built and maintained a unified Bioinformatics and Analytics infrastructure on AWS for seamless data integration, processing, and analysis.
  • Led RNAi target discovery and mRNA design, overseeing preparation of EPA data packages for regulatory submissions and compliance.
  • Delivered critical RNA-Seq insights that directly informed and guided product development.
• 2020: Bioinformatics Data Scientist
  GreenLight Biosciences, Durham, NC
  • Built the company’s RNAi bioinformatics discovery platform, enabling identification of target genes in insects and fungi.
  • Implemented automated algorithms for designing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and streamlined NGS workflows.
  • Designed and deployed scalable cloud infrastructure supporting multiple bioinformatics applications.
• 2016–2019: Science Informatician
  CyVerse, University of Arizona, AZ
  • Integrated the Work-Queue MAKER genome annotation pipeline into the Jetstream cloud for scalable, efficient genome annotation.
  • Streamlined deployment of bioinformatics tools and workflows in the CyVerse Discovery Environment using Bioconda and Biocontainers.
  • Constructed an evolutionary analysis pipeline for Long-intergenic Non-Coding RNA (lincRNA) using RNA-Seq data.
  • Expanded the CyVerse suite of bioinformatics tools by adding over 150 new applications.
  • Supervisor: Dr. Eric Lyons
• Earlier roles
  • 2019–2020: Data Science Fellow / Technical Consultant — Insight Data Science
  • 2018–2019: Research Associate, Co-PI — University of Arizona
  • 2015–2016: Research Associate — Oregon State University
  • 2010–2015: Postdoctoral Fellow — University of California, Davis
  • 2006–2009: Research Technician — University of Nottingham, UK

Selected patents

• RNA-based control of powdery mildew, US 12,077,763 (2024)
• RNA-based control of lepidopteran pests, US App. 17/925,204 (2023)
• RNA-based control of botrytis, US App. 17/815,196 (2023)

Full patents can be found at my Google Scholar profile.

Selected publications

• Smeele, Z. E., … Devisetty, U. K., … & Lester, P. J. (2026). An RNA interference biopesticide reduces reproduction of the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor by down-regulating embryo development pathways. Pest Management Science, 82(3), 2694–2707. doi:10.1002/ps.70406
• De Neef, E., Velásquez-Zapata, V., … Devisetty, U. K., & Sridharan, K. (2025). A bioinformatic ecological risk assessment framework for externally applied double-stranded RNA-based biopesticides. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM).
• Devisetty, U. K., De Neef, E., Gordon, E. R., Velásquez-Zapata, V., Narva, K., Mézin, L., Cahon, P. M., Witwer, K. W., & Sridharan, K. (2025). A bioinformatics framework for human health risk assessment of externally applied dsRNA-based biopesticides. Computational Toxicology, 33.

Full publications can be found at my Google Scholar profile.

Education

• Ph.D., Agriculture (Crop Genetics), University of Nottingham, UK, 2005–2009
• M.Sc., Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, G.B.P.U.A.T, India, 2001–2003
• B.Sc., Agriculture, A.N.G.R.A.U, India, 1996–2000

My full-length C.V can be found here.