Dr. Prasanthi Cheekurumelli is an experienced Microbiologist, academician, researcher, and scientific mentor with extensive expertise in microbiological techniques, marine biology, protein analysis, molecular studies, and applied biotechnology. She is currently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at St. Ann’s College for Women, Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam, a position she has held since November 2020.

Her academic career includes teaching and research positions at Andhra University, Aditya Degree College, and TSR & TBK College, providing her with substantial experience in undergraduate and postgraduate education, laboratory training, student mentoring, and academic administration.

Research Experience & Scientific Expertise

Dr. Cheekurumelli's research has included investigations of the economically important mud crab species Scylla serrata and Scylla olivacea, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from crab hemolymph. Her research has incorporated protein extraction, SDS-PAGE, biochemical characterization, homology modelling, molecular docking, and protein–ligand interaction studies.

Her broader technical expertise includes microbial culturing, serological and biochemical testing, DNA extraction, protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, and ion-exchange chromatography. Her work reflects an interdisciplinary connection between microbiology, marine biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and computational approaches.

Research Publications

Dr. Prasanthi has established a diverse publication record covering microbiology, marine organisms, natural products, antimicrobial activity, environmental studies, food microbiology, plant-based bioactive compounds, and applied biological sciences.

Her research publications include studies on:

• Molecular docking and protein–ligand interactions
• Comparative evaluation of Scylla crab species
• Protein variation in crab hemolymph
• Phytochemical metabolites and antimicrobial activity of wild mushrooms
• Biodegradability of face masks and effects on plant growth
• Marine algae from the Visakhapatnam coastal region
• Essential oils and antioxidant activity
• Natural versus chemical hair dyes and hair flora
• Medicinal plants and antibacterial activity
• Food spoilage caused by microbial activity
• Nutritional and therapeutic properties of wheatgrass

Her continuing publication activity through 2026 demonstrates sustained engagement in multidisciplinary research.

Books & Academic Contributions

In addition to journal publications, Dr. Cheekurumelli has contributed substantially to academic literature. She has served as Chief Editor of Handbook of Research Methodology for Social Sciences, Volume III and has authored/published books including:

• Biosafety and IPR
• Practical Microbiology
• Microbial Terminology
• Principles of Bacteriology and Microbial Techniques
• Introduction to Microbiology

These publications demonstrate her commitment to strengthening microbiology education and providing accessible academic resources for students and researchers.

Awards & Scientific Recognition

Dr. Cheekurumelli has received several recognitions for her academic and research contributions, including:

• Young Scientist Award at the International Scientist Awards 2020 on Engineering, Science and Medicine.
• Best Scholar Award at the 2nd International Research Awards on Science, Health and Engineering.
• Recognition associated with her research and innovation activities in microbiology and applied sciences.

These achievements highlight her growing recognition as a scientist and academic professional.

Patents & Innovation

A notable strength of Dr. Cheekurumelli's profile is her involvement in intellectual property and scientific innovation. She holds rights associated with patents/design registrations including:

• “Wealthy Wheat Drops” – Patent Application No. 202441031962.
• “Method and System for Microscale Dehydration of Vegetables” – Patent Application No. 202441032325.
• “Wearable Women’s Safety Assistance Device” – Design No. 422483-001.
• Real-Time Glucose Monitor via Sweat Analysis – International design patent/design registration.

Her involvement in multiple innovations demonstrates an orientation toward translating scientific concepts into practical technological applications.

Editorial & Peer-Review Contributions

Dr. Prasanthi actively contributes to the scientific publishing community as an editorial board member and peer reviewer. She has served as an editorial board member of the American Journal of BioScience and has undertaken reviewing responsibilities for journals in environmental science, medical research, pathogen research, biotechnology, bioresource technology, and biological sciences.

Her peer-review activities contribute to maintaining scientific quality, research integrity, methodological rigor, and publication standards.

Teaching & Academic Leadership

With several years of teaching experience across microbiology and marine biological sciences, Dr. Cheekurumelli has demonstrated strong capabilities in classroom teaching, laboratory instruction, curriculum support, student mentoring, research supervision, and departmental leadership. Her current role as Head of the Department of Microbiology reflects her academic leadership and institutional responsibilities.

Professional Development & Scientific Engagement

She has participated in numerous conferences, workshops, and technical training programmes, including programmes in plant tissue culture, molecular modelling and docking, metabolomics, crop simulation, genomics, and RNA profiling. She has also maintained professional associations through memberships in scientific and microbiological organizations.

Research Vision & Impact

Dr. Cheekurumelli's career demonstrates a combination of academic leadership, research productivity, scientific publication, book authorship, intellectual property development, and professional scientific service. Her research interests span microbiology, marine biotechnology, natural products, antimicrobial activity, food microbiology, environmental microbiology, and molecular approaches.

Her ability to combine teaching and mentorship with research and innovation positions her as an active contributor to microbiological sciences and higher education.

Eligibility for Iconic Women Scientist Award

Dr. Prasanthi Cheekurumelli is eligible for the Iconic Women Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels. Her candidature is supported by her sustained career as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology, extensive teaching experience, multidisciplinary research contributions, numerous research publications, academic book publications, scientific awards, and active participation in peer review and editorial activities.

Her involvement in multiple patents and design registrations, together with research spanning marine microbiology, antimicrobial compounds, molecular biology, natural products, food microbiology, and environmental applications, demonstrates innovation and scientific versatility. Her achievements as a Young Scientist and Best Scholar, combined with her academic leadership and commitment to research and education, provide a strong basis for recognition under the Iconic Women Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels.