About Me

Prasanth Chelikani is an Assistant Dean and Professor of Physiology. He graduated with a BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) degree followed by an MVSc in reproductive physiology from Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Tirupati, India, and a PhD in animal science from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He then pursued post-doctoral training in gastrointestinal physiology at the VA Medical Center/Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. He was one of the founding faculty at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, before joining the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Instruction

He teaches primarily in physiology-related courses including the Form and Function, and Clinical Presentations courses.

Research

His research program is on understanding the mechanisms by which signals generated from the gastrointestinal tract, and other peripheral tissues, regulate energy balance and metabolism. The Chelikani lab primarily uses rodent models to gain insights into the mechanisms by which dietary, pharmacological and surgical interventions promote weight loss and improve metabolic health using a range of physiological and molecular techniques. Knowledge gained from this research is expected to guide the development of more effective strategies for treating obesity and associated complications in humans and pets, as well as enhance feed efficiency of production animals. Current projects are on understanding the mechanisms of weight loss and protection against hypertension and stroke by dietary protein and prebiotic fiber.

Service

He is a fellow of the Obesity Society and a member of Obesity Canada and the American Society for Nutrition. He also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for several journals and granting agencies.