Sadanandan E. Velu

Sadanandan E. Velu is a tenured Professor of Chemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), with co-appointments at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and other UAB research institutes. His career spans over two decades at UAB, including promotions from Assistant (2004) to Full Professor (2020).

• Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry (University of Madras, 1993), Postdoctoral training (University of Alabama, Clemson University).
• Research: Focuses on drug discovery for cancer and infectious diseases, targeting voltage-gated ion channels, biofilm formation, and marine-derived therapeutics. Funded by NIH, AHA, and other agencies.
• Awards: Recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010). Serves on NIH/AHA study sections and journal editorial boards.
• Teaching: Offers courses in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Cancer Biology, and co-directs UAB’s Undergraduate Program in Cancer Biology.
• Lab: Trains PhD, MS, and undergraduate students in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and drug development, with projects on biofilm inhibitors, marine alkaloids, and ion channel blockers.