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Title

Associate Professor

Office Building

Avera Health and Science Center

Office

261

Mailing Address

Avera Health and Science 261
Pharmaceutical Sciences-Box 2202C
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

Education

• B.S. in chemistry, minored in biology | Andhra University, India
• M.S. in biochemistry | Osmania University, India
• Ph.D. in biochemistry | Mysore University, India
• Postdoctoral | University of Melbourne Australia, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Academic Interests

Dr. Chandrasekher's research focus is on inter-cellular interactions, i.e growth factor and extracellular matrix signal cross-talk between different corneal layers for the promotion of cell adhesion, migration and proliferation during corneal epithelial wound healing. Recently, he has initiated studies on developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to corneal wounds and dystrophies. This research led to the development of novel extracellular matrix based biomaterial that is being patented.

• Cell signaling
• Growth factors and extracellular matrix
• Cornea and wound healing
• Lens and cataract

Academic Responsibilities

• Teaching
  • Pharmaceutical Biochemistry -  PHA 323
  • Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology – PHA 352, PHA 353
  • Advanced Concepts in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics – PHA 725
  • Advanced techniques in Pharmaceutical Sciences – PHA 846
  • Introduction to Pathophysiology – PHA 320/NURS 323
  • Advanced concepts in Pharmacology – PHA 840
  • Independent study - PHA 398
• Research
  • Mentoring graduate students for their Ph.D dissertation.
  • Mentoring undergraduate student research. 

Committees and Professional Memberships

Committees

• 2018-present, University Academic Affairs
• 2018-present, College of Pharmacy Curriculum and Progression
• 2013-2019, University Senate

Professional Memberships

• Member, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
• Member, American Assocation for the Advancement of Science

Awards and Honors

• April 28 - May 2, 2019, Session moderator, Corneal Epithelium Wound Repair and Healing, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.
• 2009-2013, NIH Grant Reviewer, Study section member for multiple National Eye Institute grant review panels.
  • ETTN F-12 (B), SBIR/STTR Sensory Technologies, June 2013, February 2013, November 2012, June 2012, February 2012, November 2011, July 2011 (editorial reviewer), February 2011, June 2010, March 2010, June 2009, October 2009.
  • ETTN-E (52) R, Anterior Eye Diseases-conflict (RO1, R21s) June 2011, June 2010, March 2010, June 2009, October 2009.
• 1988-1990, International Visiting Scientist Fellowship, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Grants

• NIH RO1 - Growth factor-mediated cell signaling mechanisms in lens, 2000-2005
• South Dakota Board of Regents 2010 center pilot grant, 2013
• ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Academic Excellence Fund, 2013
• ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Research Support Fund, 2015, 2017
• Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission (SACM), Washington DC, 2013-2015

Patents

• Novel extracellular matrix-based Biomaterial Composition and Methods for Ocular and other therapeutic
  applications (patent pending).

Areas of Research

Dr. Chandrasekher's area of expertise is in cell and molecular biology, more specifically on growth factor- and extra cellular matrix (ECM)- mediated signal transduction mechanisms. His focus is on inter-cellular interactions, i.e growth factor and extracellular matrix signal cross-talk between different corneal layers for the promotion of cell adhesion, migration and proliferation during corneal epithelial wound healing. His current focus is on developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases related to corneal wounds and dystrophies and the bioengineering of corneas for transplantation purposes. Recently, his laboratory developed a novel extracellular matrix based biomaterial (patent pending).