Irina Borovkov

Ph.D. - Genetics
USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia - 1983

M.S. - Plant and Animal Genetics and Cytology
Novosibirsk State University, Russia - 1975

B.S. - Plant and Animal Genetics and Cytology
Novosibirsk State University, Russia - 1973

Graner A., Streng S., Drescher, A., Jin Y., Borovkova I., and Steffenson B.J. Molecular mapping of the leaf rust resistance gene Rph7 in barley. Plant Breeding, 119, 389-392, 2000. 2000 - Publication

Borovkov I., Jennings, J .C., and Lirette R.P. Confirmation of the genomic DNA sequences flanking the 5' and the 3' ends of the insert in YieldGard Corn Event Mon 810. MSL-16776, Sept. 6, 2000 2000 - Publication

Lirette R.P., Cavato, T.A., Reiser, S.E., Beazley, K. A., Borovkov I.G., and Higgins, M. R. DNA Sequence Determination of the 72 bp CP4 EPSPS DNA Insert and the Flanking Soybean Genomic DNA in the Roundup Ready Soybean Event 40-3-2. MSL-16727, Jrme 5, 2000. 2000 - Publication

Lirette R.P., Cavato, T.A., Reiser, S.E., Beazley, K. A., Borovkov I.G., Higgins, M. R., Albee, L.D., and Dixon, D.A. Further molecular characterization of Rormdup Ready Soybean Event 40-3-2. MSL-16646, May 12, 2000. 2000 - Publication

Jemiings, J .C., Borovkov I.G., and Lirette, R.P. Molecular Analysis of com event MON 849. MSL-16080, April, 4, 2000. 2000 - Publication

Cavato, T.A., Mittanck, D.W., Albee, L. D., Rigden, E.C., Borovkov I.G., Sanders, P.R., and Lirette, R.P. Molecular analysis of Corn event MON 863. MSL-16031, July 23, 1999. 1999 - Publication

Balmuth A., Taylor C., Borovkov I., and Rommens C. Isolation of soybean cyst nematode resistance gene candidates. 1998. Monsanto internal publication. 1998 - Publication

Pickering R.A., Steffenson B. J., Hill, A. M., and Borovkov I. G. Association of leaf rust and powdery mildew resistance in a recombinant derived from a Hordeum vulgare x Hordeum bulbosum hybrid. Plant Breeding, 117, 83-84, 1998. 1998 - Publication

Molecular Analyst
Pfizer, St. Louis, MO [2003–2003]

Molecular analyst (Principal investigator)
Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO [1999–2002]

Molecular geneticist
Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO [1997–1999]

Research Associate
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND [1992–1997]

Visiting Scientist
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND [1991–1992]

Senior lecturer
University of Texas at Dallas [2003–Present]
BIOL4380 - Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory BIOL3301 - Classical and Molecular Biology (summer)

Chromosomal location and genetic relationship of the leaf rust resistance genes Rph9 and Rph12 in barley.

1997–1997 Borovkova I.G., Jin, Y., and Steffenson, B.J. 1997. Plant and Animal. Genome V, San Diego, California.

Analysis and mapping of disease resistance related sequences in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and barley (Hordeum vulgare).

1997–1997 Rivkin, M.I., Borovkova I.G., Borovkov, A.Y., Steffenson, B.J., McClean P. 1997. Plant and Animal .Genome V, San Diego, Califomia.

Molecular markers for transferring multiple rust resistance genes in barley.

1995–1995 Borovkova I. G., Steffenson B. J., Jin Y., Rasmussen J. B., Kilian A., Kleinhofs A. 1995. Molecular markers for transferring multiple rust resistance genes in barley. Plant Genome III, San Diego, California.

Molecular marking of the stem rust resistance gene rpg4 in barley

1994–1994 Borovkova I. G., Jin Y., Steffenson B. J., Rasmussen J. B. 1994. APS annual meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Identification of RAPD markers linked with disease resistance in barley.

1993–1993 Borovkova I. G., Steffenson B. J., Rasmussen J. B., Jin Y., Rossnagel B. G., Kao K. 1993.APS annual meeting, Fargo, North Dakota.

Professional Experience

Pfizer:
Molecular analyst, Genomics and Biotechnology Group January-July, 2003
Performed site-directed mutagenesis and cloned DNA sequences for fimctional analysis and expression in multiple systems for oncology and osteoporosis studies. Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO
Molecular analyst (Principal investigator), Regulatory Sciences 1999-2002
Directed molecular characterization of transgenic events for regulatory approval of federal agencies. Implemented research plans in the specific project area. Coordinated work of other team members under pressing timelines. Build putative sequence and restriction map of a near 100 kb genomic region containing a transgene cassette and flanking genomic sequences of a maize transgenic event by using molecular markers, sequence comparison and BAC clones analysis. The generated map was essential for resolving complex regulatory issues and commercial line certification. Contributed to the European approval of Roundup Ready soybean and com lines by successfully resolving molecular structure of complex transgene integration events. Developed a real time PCR assay for high throughput analysis of transgenic lines seed purity evaluation. The assay has been implemented into the SOP for seed quality control.
Molecular geneticist, Disease control 1997-1999
Identified several soybean genes putatively responsible for disease resistance using homology search, EST analysis, transcriptional profiling, and other bio-informatics tools. Initiated and coordinated an interdepartmental effort for mapping, identification and cloning of plant genes involved in pathogen resistance. More efficient resource utilization led to a significant acceleration of a linkage map construction process and successful cloning of a resistance gene. Developed new molecular markers for disease resistant genes in barley for cloning purposes.
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology 1992-1997 
Performed mapping of the resistance genes in barley. By persistent use of different molecular markers was the first one to position three resistant genes on the barley map. Received certificate of recognition from the Department for scientific achievements. Managed molecular biology laboratory, supervised and trained technical personnel and graduate students.
Visiting Scientist, Department of Crop and Weed Sciences 1991-1992
Developed molecular markers (RAPD and RFLP) for identification and distinction of sunflower downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii) races. Improved DNA extraction method for Plasmopara halstedii and was the first one to use RAPD markers for its races identification. 

Professional Skills

• Molecular biology:  Experienced in the most recent molecular biological methods:  DNA and RNA isolation; Southern and Northern blot analysis. DNA and protein analysis methods, different types of electrophoresis, including F IGE; gel image analysis. DNA probe construction; molecular cloning and library (bacterial, lambda and cosmid) construction, dot, blot and colony hybridizations; radioactive and nonradioactive DNA labeling and detection; site-directed mutagenesis; Gateway Cloning Technology. 3'- and 5'- RACE, RT-PCR, PCR amplification, product analysis and cloning, genome walking, TAIL PCR, inverse PCR, real-time PCR (TaqMan, Opticon), fluorescent probes. Molecular markers (RFLPs, AF LP, microsatellites, RAPDs).
• Computer skills: Apple, IBM operative systems. Database sequence searching (Incyte, NCBI, national plant genome databases). DNA analysis: GCG Wisconsin Package, Sequencher, DNA Strider; DNAStar, PrimerSelect (trained in sequence analysis at Monsanto internal classes and Monsanto Sequencing Center seminars). Proficient in genetic map constructing software such as MapMaker, .IoinMap, G-Mendel. Microsoft Office 2000 and NT (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Qualifications Summary

Creative, goal-oriented professional with demonstrated experience in a variety of molecular biology and genetics techniques. Author of more than twenty publications. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. A team player, effectively designing new research projects, troubleshooting and interpreting experimental results. Good communication and presentation skills. Computer literate and trained in DNA analysis bio-informatics tools.