Krishna Kumar

Professor Krishna Kumar serves as the Robinson Professor of Chemistry at Tufts University, with additional appointments as Professor of Biomedical Engineering and as a Graduate Biomedical Sciences Member in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology. He previously chaired the Chemistry Department from 2006-2009 and again from 2012-2018, and is also a Member of the Cancer Center at Tufts Medical Center.

Dr. Kumar's educational background includes a PhD from Brown University (1996) and a BSc (Honours) from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi (1991). His academic journey has positioned him at the forefront of chemical biology research.

His research focuses on the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine, with particular emphasis on using chemical methods to interrogate biological mechanisms and designing novel molecules for therapeutic applications. Current research directions include G protein-coupled receptors, cell-surface interactions, antibiotic resistance, therapeutic molecule design for Type 2 diabetes, cancer, NASH, Alzheimer's & Parkinson's disease, and peptide penetration through biological barriers.

The Kumar laboratory has developed innovative approaches including mirror image phage display for antibiotic discovery, non-stick cell surfaces for anti-metastatic properties, and strategies for understanding the origin of life. Their work spans organic chemistry, biophysics, cell biology, imaging, and medicinal chemistry, reflecting a highly interdisciplinary approach to fundamental biological questions and their medical applications.

Dr. Kumar has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. His research group continues to push boundaries in chemical biology with both fundamental discoveries and translational applications.