Jagan Srinivasan

Dr. Jagan Srinivasan is an Associate Professor in the Biology & Biotechnology Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds affiliations with the Bioinformatics & Computational Biology department and directs the M.S. Program in Neuroscience. His academic journey includes a BS from Chennai University (India, 1993), an MS from Goa University (1995), and a PhD from the University of Tübingen and Max Planck Institute (Germany, 2003). Dr. Srinivasan’s research focuses on neurobiology, molecular genetics, and chemical biology, particularly using C. elegans as a model organism to study social communication, sensory behavior, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes hypothesis-driven research and experimental design, fostering critical thinking through hands-on mentorship. Notable contributions include co-authoring studies on neuropeptide signaling and social behavior in C. elegans. Dr. Srinivasan has mentored numerous students, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees. His lab is funded by WPI and NIH grants, exploring topics such as neurodegenerative disease models, microbial aptamers for toxin mitigation, and the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s.

He has received recognition, including the 2020 Annual Faculty Awards for Teaching, Advising, and Research Excellence. His work bridges basic research and translational applications, aiming to uncover practical insights from C. elegans studies for broader scientific and societal impact.