Dr. K. Vijaya Rachel is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at GITAM Deemed to be University with over 25 years of experience. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Andhra University and has been a recipient of the National Merit Scholarship. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and her research spans multiple domains, protease inhibitors, allelochemicals, genotoxic impurities (GTIs)and biomolecular diagnostics.
Dr. Rachel has successfully led seven funded research projects, including the structural characterisation of Sapindus trifoliatus (Soap Nut) protease inhibitors for antifungal and dermatological applications. She has received funding from prestigious agencies such as the UGC, DBT, and DST-SERB.
One of her key research areas includes the detection and quantification of genotoxic impurities (GTIs) in pharmaceuticals, ensuring drug safety and regulatory compliance. Her recent work, published in Scopus-indexed journals, focuses on the quantitative determination of methyl-4-chlorobutyrate, a potential genotoxic impurity, in Moxifloxacin HCl using GC-EI-MS. Such studies are crucial in understanding the toxicological risks of residual impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Beyond research, Dr. Rachel has played a significant role in academic leadership as Head of the Department, Chair & member of the Board of Studies, and DRC member while also serving on the editorial boards of several international journals. Her scholarly contributions include 53 research publications, 9 book chapters, and a recently published German patent on inflammatory gene SNPs for preeclampsia risk analysis.
Prof. Rachel has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and student development. Her research has been recognized in prominent indexed journals, with articles published in Q1 (1), Q2 (), Q3 (2), and Q4 (2) categories, showcasing her diverse research interests and expertise. She has played a pivotal role in curriculum design for Biochemistry courses, ensuring that the content remains relevant and impactful. She has also made significant contributions to student success through career guidance and fulfilment, helping students navigate their professional paths effectively.
Dr Rachel has guided 5 PhD scholars and one M.Phil, and 4 more PhD scholars are presently pursuing their PhD under her guidance. She has been a key speaker at national and international conferences, sharing her expertise in clinical biochemistry, enzymology, and phytochemical compounds. Prof. Vijaya Rachel has played a significant role in establishing the Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics since its inception. She is a committed teacher and researcher. She has leveraged her research findings to conduct several cancer awareness workshops for the public.
