Shaw M. Akula

Shaw M. Akula is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. His research focuses on viral pathogenesis, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), with emphasis on miRNA biomarkers and host-pathogen interactions. Dr. Akula holds a BVSc from Veterinary College and Research Institute (India), MVSc from Madras Veterinary College, and PhD from South Dakota State University.

• Education:
• BVSc: Veterinary College and Research Institute, India
• MVSc: Madras Veterinary College, India
• PhD: South Dakota State University
• Research Interests:
• COVID-19 molecular pathogenesis
• miRNA biomarkers for viral diseases
• Antiretroviral therapy side effects
• Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) viral research
• Lab Leadership: Director of BSL-3 lab for SARS-CoV-2 studies

His work spans virology, immunology, and translational medicine, with collaborations in drug efficacy testing and long-COVID models. Dr. Akula has advised 13 graduate students (9 MSc, 4 PhD) and authored books like A Guide to PhD Success and Beyond the Future.