Clarksville, TN – Dr. Raj Dakshinamurthy has been appointed as an associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies at Austin Peay State University. In these dual roles, he will be responsible for promoting and expanding research and scholarship throughout the University, as well as providing strong direction and leadership in the College of Graduate Studies.
As associate provost for research, he will be responsible for the integration of graduate, undergraduate and faculty research in the university programs and leadership and oversight of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The associate provost serves as the chief research officer of the University.
In the role as dean of graduate studies, he will be responsible for providing strong direction in defining the mission and goals of the college through strategic planning, program development, research, scholarship and community service. Additionally, the dean facilitates interactions between the college and University administration.
“I greatly look forward to working with President White, Provost Gandy and with my colleagues to advance this great university,” Dr. Dakshinamurthy said. “Our combination of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students and a renowned faculty create a unique synergy at APSU. I am looking forward to finding ways to strengthen the training we provide to students, and integrating these activities and leveraging scholarship opportunities across campus.”
Dr. Dakshinamurthy has received a number of honors, including the WKU Ogden College of Science and Engineering Advising Award (2015), WKU Research Recognition Award, Most Prolific Proposer (2015, 2014, 2013), Bucks for Bright Ideas Kentucky Innovation Network Entrepreneur Award (2014), American Chemical Society Travel Award (2012) and the WKU Research Recognition Award (2010).
In his role as director of the chemistry graduate program at Western Kentucky, Dr. Dakshinamurthy proposed the inclusion of a new research intensive master’s program, which aimed to prepare science graduates as entrepreneurs. As an advisor and mentor to young students, he has guided 12 graduates, 30 undergraduates and 10 Gatton Academy (KY) students for their excellence in research.
As a researcher, Dr. Dakshinamurthy has more than 30 publications related to the field of biomedical sciences, and has secured a patent for a method of synthesis of hold nanoparticles capped with drugs. He has been awarded nearly $1 million in grants as a principal or co-principal investigator.
Dr. Dakshinamurthy received his bachelor’s degree and dual Masters of Science and Philosophy from Bharathidasan University in India, and his Ph.D. in biochemistry and structural biology from the University of Arkansas.
