· Born at Nagercoil, Tamilnadu, INDIA.
· Moved to the US by choice in 1993 (nearly 25 years ago) and chose to become US Citizen in 2013.
· Multi-cultural, Educated and Widely traveled in Asia,Europe and Americas.
Education:
PhD (Pathology/Microbial Technology), University of Florida
MS Molecular Biology (Belgium)
MS Microbiology (India)
· Job experience (overall 30 plus years):
Teach mainly Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology - lectures and labs. On need basis, teach other courses that am credentialed for at PBSC (biology, environmental science, chemistry)
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Resarch/Teaching at University of Florida, Gainesville/Belle Glade (1994-2008) (11 and 2.5) (13.5 years)
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Research in molecular biology (medical) at Illinois State University (1993-1994) (1 year) (2008 - present)
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· Academic Accomplishments:
US Patent issued based on doctoral research
13 Peer-Reviewed Publications
23 Abstracts
23 Talks/Posters at state/national/international conferences,and several invited talks to industry, state and non-profit agencies
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Professional Development/Community Service/Volunteer Activities:
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Promote College affordability through sustained efforts to increase textbook affordability (free custom E-Books & OER)
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Engage in volunteer service to community, promote STE(A)M Outreach (organize free STE(A)M events (STEAM FESTs, STEM SATURDAYs), advise Science Club) and at the South Florida Science Center&Aquarium
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Help create active learning space for students (NS129 Study Hall Sessions collaborating with SLC and volunteers)
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Alumni engagement at personal level and through collaboration with partner agencies in community
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Mentoring adjunct and peer faculty
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Advise and support students with recommendations for their programs/jobs, job referrals
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Invited Talks at AFC Region V Conference, PBSC Development Days, CTLE (PTLC)/Wellness workshops, Lunch-n-Learn
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Professional Development opportunities for students and peer-faculty
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THRIVE is my preferred Pillar of Excellence that will serves as a foundation to build a team of professionals at grassroot level with focus on care, compassion and connectivity to increase student success.
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Like nature, and to travel and meet/interact with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds
Awards and Recognitions:
2021 Heroes in Medicine Awards: "Health Care Educator Hero" select finalist
2021 Recognition by WPTV for Asian&Pacific Islander Heritage Month
2020 MLK Leadership Award for Faculty
2019 STEM Champion Award Winner (2019), Nominee (2018)
2019 10-Year Service Award at PBSC
2018 Bravo Award for STEM Outreach (Nominee 2013 (van donation), 2015 (USDA Grant execution), 2016 (E-Boooks/OER)
2017 South Florida Science Center's Award of Excellence for Volunteer Service.
2015 NISOD Award of Excellence in Teaching
2014 5-Year Service Award at PBSC
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