Natraj Krishnan

Natraj Krishnan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology at Mississippi State University. His research utilizes the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to investigate how circadian clocks regulate oxidative stress responses, neurodegeneration, dopamine signaling, proteostasis, and cellular growth. This work has implications for understanding human health and disease mechanisms.

Krishnan teaches diverse courses including undergraduate biochemistry, protein methods, physiology, genetics, toxicology, and a first-year seminar titled "Nature’s Timepiece," which educates students on biological clocks and sleep-health connections. He emphasizes empowering the next generation of scientists to address future scientific challenges.

Prior to MSU, Krishnan researched disease-resistant silkworms in India, oxidative immunity in wax moths (Netherlands/Czech Republic), and circadian disruption in aging fruit flies at Oregon State University.