Padmavathi Alwar Ramanujam

NAME: Padmavathi
POSITION TITLE: Scientific Officer-D, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
EDUCATION / TRAINING
• B.Sc., Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, 2007
• M.Sc., Biotechnology, Alagappa University, 2009
• Project trainee, Indian Institute of Science, 2009
• Ph.D., Biotechnology, Alagappa University, 2011-2015
• Post-Doctoral Researcher, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand: 2015-2016
• Principal Investigator (SERB-NPDF) at University of Madras, 2017

A. Personal Statement
I am a microbiologist focusing on bridging microbial pathogenesis with translational infection-control solutions. My research targets biofilm biology, with special emphasis on inhibiting the Candida albicans yeast-to-hyphal transition, a central virulence mechanism. I have developed innovative strategies, including nanocomposites, self-assembled monolayers, and self-disinfecting PDMS-based surfaces for biofilm and biofouling control in healthcare and marine environments. These approaches aim to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by attenuating virulence rather than killing pathogens. My work integrates microbiology, materials science, and applied engineering, and has been published in reputed journals.
B. Positions and Honors
Positions
• Scientific Officer-D, BARC Facilities, Kalpakkam, India (2020–present)
• KSKRA Fellow, BARC Facilities, Kalpakkam, India (2018–2020)
• National Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Madras, India (2017–2018)
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand (2015–2016)
• ICMR - Senior Research Fellow, Alagappa University, 2012-2015
• UGC - RFSMS - Junior Research Fellow, Alagappa University, 2011-2012
• Lecturer, Sri Paramakalyani College, India (2009–2010)
Academic and Professional Honors
• KSKRA Fellowship, Department of Atomic Energy, India, 2018-2020
• National Postdoctoral Fellowship, Science and Engineering Research Board, India, 2017
• Prince of Songkla University Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015-2016
• State Eligibility Test (SET) for Lectureship, 2012
• Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and V.O. Chidambaram Endowment Scholarship, 2008-2009
• IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship, 2008
Memberships in Professional Societies
• Society for Biofilms, Microbiome, and Water Research (Founding Member), India
• Life member - BRSI, India
• Global outreach Member- ASM, USA
• Member - OWSD
C. Contributions to Science
1. Natural antibiofilm agents from marine microorganisms
Identified bioactive metabolites from coral-associated bacteria that disrupt quorum sensing and biofilm formation in pathogens.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Biofouling, 2014
• Padmavathi AR and Pandian SK, Indian Journal of Microbiology, 2014
2. Nanomaterials targeting microbial virulence
Demonstrated that copper oxide nanoparticles inhibit bacterial biofilms and C. albicans’ morphological transition and virulence.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Biofouling, 2019.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Biofouling, 2020.
3. Functionalized self-disinfecting surfaces
Engineered organosilane and PDMS nanocomposites with scalable antibiofilm properties for healthcare and marine use.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 2025.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Microbial Pathogenesis, 2024.
• Padmavathi AR et al., Surfaces and Interfaces, 2021
• Padmavathi AR et al., Materials Letters, 2021
Complete List of Published Work in My Bibliography:
‪Dr. Padmavathi AR‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬
D. Funding
Completed
• SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship: Efficacy improvement of Fluconazole with phytochemicals to combat the virulence of multidrug resistant Candida albicans (2017–2018)‪