Raphael Ployet is a Research Assistant Professor with the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems Convergent Research Initiative. He is a plant biotechnologist and molecular biologist with expertise in plant physiology, functional genomics, systems biology, bioinformatics, biomass structure and composition characterization.

With international research experience across France, South Africa, and the United States, Ployet has focused on the molecular regulation of wood formation and biomass improvement in species such as Eucalyptus, poplar, and switchgrass.  His current work integrates population-wide studies, microscopy techniques, high-throughput data analysis, genetic engineering, and computational approaches, to enhance bioenergy crops for biofuels and biomaterials. He is also an experienced science communicator and mentor with teaching experience.

Education