Professor, at Saveetha medical college and hospital, India.
Dr. K. Rekha is a distinguished microbiologist and Professor at Helix Research Lab, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she specializes in virology, antimicrobial resistance, nanotechnology, and environmental microbiology. Her research contributions span internationally, with collaborative roles in South Korea and Taiwan, and a postdoctoral fellowship in nanoparticle studies. She has mentored Ph.D. scholars, published in high-impact journals, and presented at numerous national and international symposia. Dr. Rekha has received awards for academic excellence and is recognized for her innovative research in biosciences, including patent achievements and esteemed journal reviews. Driven by a commitment to scientific advancement and academic mentorship, she continues to make impactful contributions to global health through microbial innovation and natural product pharmacology. 🌱🔬
Professional Profile
Scopus
Google scholar
🎓 Education
Dr. Rekha holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2011–2016) from Tamil University, where she explored antiviral potentials of medicinal plant extracts and synthesized silver nanoparticles for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) treatment. Her M.Phil. in Biotechnology (2003–2004) and M.Sc. in Microbiology (1999–2001) were both completed at Bharathidasan University, India, where she laid the foundation for her scientific research career. She began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Microbiology (1997–1999) from the same institution. Her educational path is defined by interdisciplinary exposure across microbiology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. Her doctoral work included extensive analysis of phenolic compounds and nanoparticle-mediated viral inhibition. Her academic mentors include Dr. C. Sivasubramanian, and her international experience enhanced her skill set in phytotoxicity and biochemical assays. Her diverse academic background laid the groundwork for a research career that bridges traditional knowledge and modern biomedical innovation. 📚🧪
🧪 Experience
Dr. K. Rekha brings over 20 years of rich academic and research experience, with roles across India, South Korea, and Taiwan. She currently serves as Professor at Helix Research Lab, Saveetha Institute, where she mentors scholars and leads research on infectious diseases. From 2022 to 2024, she was a Research Professor at Sejong University, South Korea, working on the links between hypertension and cancer. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at MIET College, India (2018–2022), and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Konkuk University, South Korea (2016–2017), focusing on plant-microbe interactions. She also worked as a Research Assistant at National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan (2005–2008), contributing to IBDV and protein studies. Starting her academic career as a Lecturer at St. Joseph’s College (2001–2005), Dr. Rekha has also taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international exposure shaped her innovative and global approach to research. 🌍📖
🔬 Research Interest
Dr. K. Rekha’s research centers on microbiology, nanotechnology, plant-derived antiviral compounds, and environmental biotechnology. Her doctoral research investigated the biosynthesis and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles from Momordica charantia, demonstrating efficacy against IBDV. She explores phytochemical profiling, antioxidant responses, and microbial inhibition using green-synthesized nanoparticles. In recent years, she extended her research to examine correlations between hypertension and cancer, and she uses computational biology to identify therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders. Her interests include epidemiology, enzyme inhibition, and biosafety of nanoparticles. She also engages in biotechnological applications of algae for biofuel production and has published on anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal extracts. As a passionate advocate for nature-based therapies and sustainable biotechnology, she works at the intersection of traditional herbal sciences and modern nanomedicine. 🧬🌿⚗️
🏆 Awards
Dr. K. Rekha has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for her academic excellence and research innovation. She qualified for India’s prestigious National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship and Assistant Professorship in 2004, conducted by ASRB. In 2023, she received the Excellent Poster Presentation Award from the Korean Society of Environmental Health and Toxicology for her innovative work on optimizing algae conditions for biodiesel production. Her patent, titled “A method for preventing microbial contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables”, granted in 2023, reflects her translational research impact. She also serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals published by The Lancet, Springer, Elsevier, and Wiley. Her consistent contributions to microbial science and natural product biotechnology have earned her a place among globally respected scientists. 🏅🔖📄
📚 Top Noted Publications
Dr. Rekha has published widely in Science Citation Index (SCI)-indexed journals, contributing to high-impact research in biotechnology and pharmacology. Her recent publications include:
1. Drug Repurposing for Lassa Virus
-
Journal: Journal of Computational Biophysics and Chemistry
-
Publication Year: 2025
-
Details: I couldn’t locate specific information about this paper. You might consider checking the journal’s official website or academic databases for more details.
2. Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Treatment
-
Authors: Rekha Thiruvengadam, Durai Singh Carmelin, Benod Kumar Kondapavuluri, Srisugamathi Gurusamy, Baskar Venkidasamy, Muthu Thiruvengadam
-
Journal: Clinica Chimica Acta
-
Publication Date: March 28, 2025
-
DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2025.120267
-
Summary: This paper discusses the role of biomarkers in the treatment of lung cancer, focusing on their potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.CoLab
3. Antidiabetic Algae Peptides Study
-
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
-
Publication Year: 2025
-
Details: Specific information about this study wasn’t found in the available sources. For more details, please refer to the journal’s publications or relevant scientific databases.
4. PGP Actinomycetes Consortia Study
-
Journal: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
-
Publication Year: 2025
-
Details: I couldn’t find specific details about this study. You may want to consult the journal’s archives or academic search engines for more information.
5. Bioactive Nanoparticles for Oxidative Stress
-
Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
-
Publication Year: 2025
-
Details: No specific information was located regarding this paper. Checking the journal’s official publications or scientific repositories might provide the needed details.CoLab+1MDPI+1
6. Pomegranate in Cancer Prevention
-
Journal: Food Science & Nutrition
-
Publication Year: 2025
-
Details: While the exact paper wasn’t found, several studies highlight pomegranate’s potential in cancer prevention:
-
Pomegranate extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer progression.
-
Compounds like punicalagin and ellagic acid in pomegranate have shown anticancer activities in various studies. PubMed+1PubMed+1MDPI+4Bentham Science+4SpringerLink+4
Conclusion
Dr. K. Rekha is a highly accomplished and dedicated researcher with a diverse academic portfolio, consistent international research contributions, and a strong record of mentorship and publications. Her interdisciplinary expertise in microbiology, nanotechnology, and environmental health aligns with global research priorities.