Vidya Chandrasekaran

Vidya Chandrasekaran is a Professor at the School of Science, Saint Mary's College of California, specializing in the Department of Biology. Her research integrates neurobiology, genetics, and molecular biology to explore dendritic growth regulation and organ formation mechanisms.

• Education: PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from University of California, Berkeley; PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Chandrasekaran's work focuses on dendritic growth regulation in sympathetic neurons, particularly the role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and microRNAs. She also investigates genetic conservation in organ formation using Drosophila as a model organism. Her research spans neurodevelopmental processes, signaling pathway interactions, and proteomic changes during neuronal injury.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in dendritogenesis, gene-editing accessibility, and neurotoxicity assessment through zebrafish models. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches bridging cell biology, genomics, and neurophysiology.

Scientific awards and grants:

• NIH AREA Grant (2017–present)
• Department of Education HSI-STEM Grant (2016–present)
• National Science Foundation S-STEM Grant (2014–2017)
• Saint Mary's Faculty Research Award (2016–2018)

Chandrasekaran has taught courses in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Human Physiology since 2024. She previously chaired the Department of Biology (2013–2016) and contributed to institutional initiatives like the Core Curriculum Implementation Committee.