Reddy says she hopes to make science fun for her students while inspiring them to seek new challenges in their research
Arubala P. Reddy, Ph.D. joins the Nutritional Sciences department as Research Assistant Professor. Reddy earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology, a Master of Philosophy in Animal Physiology, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Neuroendocrinology) from Rani Durgawati University and the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health and Sciences University.
Reddy says the past 25 years of her science career have been inspired by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, which was invented by American biochemist Kary Mullis in 1990.
"I became so passionate about science when I learned about PCR technology," Reddy said. "Kary Mullis developed PCR technology in 1990 and ever since then, I have always found a way to include any form of PCR in my research."
When working at the Research and Development of Invitrogen Biotech Company, Reddy's own experiments were used to develop Taq, Polymerase, and PCR. She then went on to work in the diagnostic molecular biology field, working in the Human Genome Project at the NIH, developing a Rotaviral vaccine at the Food and Drug Administration Virology Lab, developing a nonhuman primate tissue repository for the NIH, and initiating the first cancer tissue repository at the Lombardi Cancer Center and Howard University.
Reddy said she was drawn to Texas Tech because she noticed how remarkable and intelligent students in the undergraduate and graduate research programs were. Having experience working in many areas of basic and clinical research, Reddy said she wanted to teach these students in the lab and the classroom, with her wish being the next generation of students develop an interest in biomedical sciences, learn to troubleshoot, and enjoy the technical aspects of research.
"I teach all my students to enjoy their favorite type of research," Reddy said. "Clinical research is beautiful. Research is my hobby, and when your profession becomes your hobby, it's the best feeling. The Human Sciences Department has one of the strongest clinical research and teaching programs. My research triangle consists of Depression, Diabetes, and Dementia (the 3Ds as I call it) which will fit perfectly in this department."
For Reddy, the College of Human Sciences feels like a place she can call home because of its warm collegiality.
"Everyone is so welcoming, and they are helping me to improve my knowledge in teaching and research," Reddy said. "They help me find a perfect balance between grueling grant writing, teaching, and research. With shared knowledge, we can reach our goal of better health and better teaching."
Research experience is important to Reddy where her students are concerned. She has set up her lab in a way to provide various research experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students. With her research experience and interests being in the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroanatomy, neurobiology, animal behavior, histology, and bioinformatics focusing on obesity, stress, and dementia, Reddy says there is ample opportunity for all students to learn.
"I want to teach the students that science is fun," Reddy said. "Thoughtfully set up your goal, obtain the knowledge, and start your research. If you succeed, you are good; if you fail, don't worry. Your journey and experiences will teach you to troubleshoot and fix your mistakes. As a teacher, simplifying the science to my students is my goal, and seeing them challenged is my reward."