Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Honors & Awards
Publications
Professional Enhancement Initiatives
Professional Highlights
Ph.D. Research Highlights
Instruments Handled
currentations
NCBI GenBank Submissions & Accession Numbers
Generic
Chakravarthy Nallathambi

Chakravarthy Nallathambi

Jeddah,Saudi Arabia

Summary

Accomplished Laboratory Manager with a Ph.D. Biotechnology and two decades of experience in aquatic disease diagnostics. Leads the Fish Health & Safety Laboratory for a Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture project in Jeddah, specializing in pathogen detection and disease control. Expertise includes WOAH-listed diagnostics, genomics research, and biosecurity measures. Proven track record in training and developing effective laboratory practices to enhance operational efficiency.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
6018
6018
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Laboratory Manager

Saudi Aquaculture Society – Fish Health Safety Laboratory (MEWA Project)
Jeddah
2022.05 - 2026.02
  • Lead laboratory operations for marine and freshwater biosecurity projects, ensuring accurate diagnostics and timely reporting.
  • Manage sample collection, logistics, field team training, and adherence to biosecurity standards.
  • Conduct molecular, microbiological, and pathological diagnostics (PCR, qPCR, histopathology, microbiology).
  • Confirm infections through amplicon sequencing using Sanger (di-deoxy) sequencing on SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer.
  • Standardized and validated major viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogen detection methods (WSSV, IHHNV, DIV1, TSV, AHPND, IMNV, YHV, EHP, VNN, IRIDO, KHV, SVCV, TiLV, etc.).
  • Ensured compliance with WOAH standards for certification of imported/exported aquatic products.
  • Gained international recognition through eight consecutive years of successful participation and passing in University of Arizona’s Proficiency Testing (Ring Test) for major shrimp pathogens.
  • Successfully participated in and excelled in CSIRO’s Asia-Pacific Proficiency Testing Program for VNN, Iridovirus, KHV, and SVCV.
  • Led foodborne pathogen identification (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Clostridium spp., Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, etc.).
  • Oversaw ISO/IEC 17025 documentation, SOP development, quality manuals, and method validation/verification.
  • Conducted inter- and intra-laboratory comparison testing and blind sample analysis for quality assurance.
  • Prepared monthly, half-yearly, and annual reports for MEWA on disease trends and surveillance outcomes.
  • Managed multidisciplinary teams, laboratory budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure efficient operations.
  • Provided continuous training to staff, technicians, and students on laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
  • Stayed updated with emerging technologies to enhance laboratory efficiency and reliability.

Laboratory Specialist

Al Mandryah Company – Fisheries Research Centre (Ministry of Agriculture)
Jeddah
2013.06 - 2022.04
  • Conducted molecular diagnostics and disease monitoring for economically important fish and shrimp pathogens in Saudi Arabia.
  • Developed molecular diagnostic protocols for WOAH-listed diseases to prevent pathogen outbreaks.
  • Performed tissue sampling, nucleic acid extraction (manual and automated systems), and real-time PCR assays.
  • Optimized PCR controls, analyzed data, and interpreted results; conducted basic sequence analysis and genotyping.
  • Carried out pathology and microbiological studies following strict methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable data.
  • Operated and maintained standard laboratory equipment, including PCR/RT-PCR thermocyclers, ultra-centrifuge, automated extraction systems, and microscopes.
  • Managed lab documentation, case analysis, and implementation of SOPs and best practices.

Assistant Professor

Rajalakshmi Engineering College (Affiliated to Anna University)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2011.02 - 2013.06
  • Developed curriculum and course content for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students in Biotechnology.
  • Taught subjects including Microbiology, Genomics & Proteomics, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics.
  • Mentored PG and UG students, achieving 100% academic results, and guided research projects.
  • Prepared exercises, assignments, and assessments, addressing student queries effectively.
  • Conducted research on molecular cloning, gene expression, and in silico analysis of immune-related genes (BTG1/TOB) from Asian seabass.
  • Functionally characterized silver nanoparticles synthesized from Cynodon dactylon.

Senior Research Fellow

Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2005.06 - 2011.01
  • Conducted field surveys and biosecurity assessments at fish and shrimp aquaculture farms under DBT & ICAR-funded projects.
  • Collected and analyzed samples using PCR, qRT-PCR, and microbiological techniques to identify disease causes.
  • Generated cDNA libraries for shrimp (P. monodon) and fish (L. calcarifer); amplified immune-related genes (CuZnSOD, BTG, PmAv, caspase, crustin) using RLM-RACE PCR.
  • Performed temporal and time-specific expression studies of CuZnSOD, revealing upregulation during Vibrio anguillarum infection and its role in innate immune defense.
  • Purified recombinant CuZnSOD protein and evaluated therapeutic potential against V. anguillarum.
  • Assessed oxidative stress and molecular markers (GST, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, LPO, ROS) to study inflammation and antioxidant response in Asian seabass.
  • Investigated the role of biomarkers in early embryonic development, contributing to improved fish health and potential novel therapeutic strategies.

Education

Ph.D. - Biotechnology (Pathology & Microbiology in Aquaculture)

University of Madras
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
11.2011

M.Sc. - Biotechnology

Periyar University
Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
05.

B.Sc. - Microbiology

Periyar University
Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

Skills

  • Molecular & Genomic Techniques: DNA/mRNA extraction and purification, cDNA cloning, PCR/qRT-PCR, RACE PCR, gene assembly, SNP detection, Sanger sequencing (SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer), DNA sequence analysis, primer design, and standardization
  • Protein & Immunological Assays: Protein purification, SDS-PAGE, ELISA (qualitative & quantitative), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, functional characterization of immune proteins
  • Pathogen Diagnostics: Molecular, microbiological, and pathological detection of fish, shrimp, and livestock pathogens; standardization of viral, bacterial, and fungal detection protocols (WOAH-listed diseases)
  • Histopathology & Biochemical Analysis: Histopathological studies, antioxidant and oxidative stress marker assays (GST, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, LPO, ROS)
  • Laboratory Management & QA/QC: ISO/IEC 17025 documentation, SOP development, inter- and intra-laboratory testing, quality control, method validation and verification, and laboratory accreditation compliance
  • Field & Survey Techniques: Biosecurity implementation, aquatic disease surveillance, questionnaire design, field sampling of fish and shrimp farms, and statistical random sampling
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Real-time PCR data analysis, sequence homology analysis, genomic data interpretation, reporting trends, and preparing scientific reports for regulatory authorities
  • Teaching & Training: Curriculum development, student mentoring, hands-on laboratory coaching, and training staff on laboratory protocols and biosecurity practices
  • Software & Databases: Primer3, DNASTAR, Cytoscape, GenMAPP, Chromas, Clone Manager, RasWin, Argus Lab, SPSS (v17), GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel & OneNote, BLAT, BLAST, Ensembl, NCBI genomic & proteomic databases

Languages

Tamil, English (spoken & written), Malayalam, Telugu (spoken)

References

  • Natarajan, Kalaimani, Ph.D, nkalaimani77@yahoo.com, nkalaimani77@gmail.com, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Principal Scientist & Scientist In-Charge, Aquatic Animal Health & Environment Division
  • Tariq, Khan, tariqkhan@sas.org.sa, Saudi Aquaculture Society, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Projects & Quality Control Manager, Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (MEWA) funded projects
  • V. Stalin, Raj, Ph.D, vstalin99@gmail.com, stalin@iisertvm.ac.in, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, India, Associate Professor, Biology

Honors & Awards

Senior Research Fellow – Qualified under DBT & ICAR-funded projects: Gene expression in P. monodon & F. indicus related to microbial infection and environmental stress Assessment of losses in shrimp in brackishwater aquaculture due to diseases, FLORA Fellowship – Awarded by The Biological Association (Reg.127/99, Flora), Tamil Nadu, for Master’s research on Incidence of Bacterial Pneumonia in HIV-positive patients in and around Salem District

Publications

  • Chakravarthy, N. et al. (2012). Intracellular Copper Zinc Superoxide Dismutase (icCuZnSOD) from Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer): Molecular cloning, characterization & gene expression with reference to Vibrio anguillarum infection. Dev Comp Immunol, 36(4):751-5. Link
  • Kalaimani, N., Ravisankar, T., Chakravarthy, N., et al. (2013). Economic losses due to disease incidences in shrimp farms of India. Fishery Technology, 50:80–86. Link
  • Kalaimani, N., Chakravarthy, N. (2008). Anti-oxidant status in embryonic, post-hatch, and larval stages of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Fish Physiol Biochem, 34:151–158. Link
  • Supraja, S., Mohammed Ali, S., Chakravarthy, N. (2013). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cynodon dactylon leaf extract. Int. J. ChemTech Res, 5(1). Link
  • Alavandi, S.V., Babu, T.D., Abhilash, K.S., Kalaimani, N., Chakravarthy, N., et al. (2007). Looseshell syndrome causes low-level mortality in India’s Black Tiger Shrimp. Global Aquaculture Advocate, 10(3):80–81. Link
  • Chakravarthy, N. et al. (2019). Molecular identification and sequence analysis of virion protein 28 (VP28) and virion protein 26 (VP26) from Saudi Arabia WSSV isolates. World Applied Sciences Journal, 37(4):343–353. Link
  • Chakravarthy, N. et al. (2019). Molecular identification of ribonucleotide reductase subunit genes of white spot syndrome virus isolates from Saudi Arabia. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 27(4):318–326. Link

Professional Enhancement Initiatives

  • Completed online workshop on “DNA Sanger Sequencing Data Analysis & Mutation Analysis” – VIT-TBI, Feb 2025.
  • Completed hands-on workshop on “Primer Designing for qPCR Applications” – BIRAC BioNEST Laboratory, VIT-TBI, June 2025.
  • National hands-on training on “Metagenomic Approaches to Identify Bacterial Pathogens & Virulence Transcripts” – Kongunadu Arts & Science College, Coimbatore, India.

Professional Highlights

  • Expertise in molecular and pathological diagnostics for aquatic and livestock diseases.
  • Strong genomics background: gene identification, sequencing, functional analysis.
  • Experience in field-level biosecurity and large-scale disease surveillance.
  • Skilled in lab workflows: validation, verification, QA/QC, documentation.
  • Hands-on experience in inter- and intra-laboratory testing.
  • Strategic planning and R&D lab management.
  • ISO/IEC 17025:2017 documentation, compliance, and audit readiness.

Ph.D. Research Highlights

  • Ph.D. Thesis: Identification, cloning, expression & characterization of CuZnSOD from Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and its role in Vibrio anguillarum infection
  • Abstract & Key Outcomes:
  • Investigated antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, SeGPx, GSH, and vitamin C) during embryonic to 25 days’ post-hatch stages in L. calcarifer, revealing their role in stress alleviation during early development.
  • First identification and characterization of CuZnSOD in Asian seabass using genomic techniques. Full-length cDNA (809 nt) encodes 154 amino acids; protein exhibits conserved Cu/Zn binding sites, disulfide bond, and family signature sequences, highlighting structural and functional homology with other fish species.
  • Identified V. anguillarum as a pathogenic bacterium causing significant mortality; temporal and tissue-specific CuZnSOD expression in infected fish indicated its involvement in innate antioxidant defense.
  • Recombinant CuZnSOD expressed in bacterial systems demonstrated therapeutic potential, enhancing antioxidant activity and gene expression during infection.
  • Conclusion: CuZnSOD and other antioxidants play a critical role in innate immune defense, supporting fish survival under bacterial infection and providing potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Instruments Handled

  • Centrifuges: Ultra centrifuge (Beckman Coulter), high-speed centrifuge (Eppendorf), routine centrifuge.
  • Automated Extraction Systems: MagMAX Express Magnetic Particle Processor (Thermo Fisher), TACO Automatic Extraction System (GeneReach Corp).
  • Electrophoresis & Protein Analysis: SDS-PAGE, agarose gel electrophoresis (BioRad), Gel Documentation Unit (BioRad).
  • PCR & Real-Time PCR Systems: C1000 Touch (BioRad), Veriti, StepOne/StepOnePlus, FAS7500, QuantStudio 5 (Thermo Fisher).
  • Sequencing: SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer (Thermo Fisher).
  • Histology & Microscopy: Microtome (HistoCore MULTICUT – Leica), automatic tissue processor (HistoCore PEGASUS – Leica), paraffin embedding system (HistoCore Arcadia – Leica), compound microscope (Nikon).

currentations

  • “Identification & Pathogenicity of Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum from cultured Asian seabass” – National Conference on New Vistas in Indian Aquaculture, CIBA (ICAR), Chennai.
  • “Quality of cultured tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) affected by LSS and WSSV” – Seminar on Emerging Issues in Fish & Shellfish Quality & Safety, Fisheries College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu.
  • “Bacterial Pneumonia Cases in HIV Patients” – National Biological Congress on Biome & Biosciences, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, CSIR & TNSCST.
  • “Pseudomonas as Super Bugs” – Seminar on Global Strategies in Biological Sciences, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science & CSIR, New Delhi.

NCBI GenBank Submissions & Accession Numbers

  • Submitted 900 ESTs to NCBI GenBank (GR588506–GR588779, GR716996–GR717159).
  • Identified human pathogens from aquaculture products using 16S rDNA analysis (Accession numbers: EU513899–EU518409, EU531803–EU531811).
  • Submitted partial and full-length cDNA sequences of Lates calcarifer CuZnSOD & BTG1 (Accession numbers: HQ318824, HQ318825, JN887886).
  • Submitted Iridovirus isolate laminin-like protein gene and Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus genotype (Accession numbers: MW546826, MW546827).
Chakravarthy Nallathambi