Dr. Yalla Vara Prasad Mettikolla is a seasoned professional whose expertise spans the realms of biomedical sciences, pharmacy, and research innovation. With a rich academic background and extensive hands-on experience, he has made significant contributions to the fields of molecular biology, pharmacology, and biomedical imaging.
Educational Excellence
Dr. Mettikolla’s journey of academic brilliance began with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in 2001. He furthered his expertise with a Master of Pharmacy from Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, India, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the bioconjugation of methotrexate with PAMAM dendrimers. His pursuit of excellence culminated in earning a Doctorate of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), Fort Worth, TX, in 2010. His dissertation, Single Molecule Kinetics in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Transgenic Heart, under the guidance of Dr. Julian Borejdo, stands as a testament to his deep scientific inquiry and innovative approach.
Professional Experience
Dr. Mettikolla has seamlessly blended academic knowledge with professional practice. As a pharmacist at A&P Pharmacy INC and a former Pharmacy Manager at Shri Balaji Drugs INC, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational skills in pharmaceutical management.
His research journey is equally commendable. As a Research Assistant at UNTHSC, Dr. Mettikolla contributed to numerous projects involving tissue sample analysis, data validation, and mentoring students under the SMART and McNAIR programs. His tenure as a Research Associate at USV Limited in Mumbai, India, involved downstream processes of Eptifibatide peptides, showcasing his versatility in pharmaceutical research.
Skills and Expertise
Dr. Mettikolla possesses a robust skill set that bridges biology, pharmacology, and technology:
- Laboratory Techniques: Proficiency in imaging and microscopy, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and handling experimental animals.
- Advanced Research Tools: Expertise in confocal ALBA microscopy, total internal reflection microscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging.
- Data Analysis: Skilled in statistical tools like SPSS, SigmaPlot, and GraphPad.
- Technical Proficiency: Adept at using Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and Webex for seamless project execution and communication.
Research Contributions
Dr. Mettikolla’s work has been recognized at various prestigious platforms. He has presented at international conferences and authored posters on topics like single-molecule kinetics, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and advanced imaging systems for muscle contraction studies. His notable presentations include:
- The Fluorescence Lifetime of a Single Actin-bound Fluorophore During Contraction of Skeletal Muscle (Biophysical Journal, 2009).
- Single Molecule Kinetics in the Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy RLC-R58Q Mutant Mouse Heart (Biophysical Journal, 2010).
Impact on Science and Healthcare
Dr. Mettikolla’s work transcends the laboratory, impacting healthcare practices and technological advancements. His ability to integrate cutting-edge imaging techniques with practical applications in pharmacology positions him as a leader in biomedical research and pharmaceutical sciences.
Looking Ahead
With a career marked by innovation and dedication, Dr. Yalla Vara Prasad Mettikolla continues to inspire and lead in the scientific community. His commitment to advancing biomedical sciences and pharmacy ensures a lasting impact on research, healthcare, and education.
Explore more about Dr. Mettikolla’s journey, achievements, and insights as he continues to push the boundaries of science and innovation.