Dr. Priya Josson Akkara is a highly accomplished academician, researcher, and leader who currently serves as the Head of the Department of Life Sciences at the School of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, Bengaluru. With an illustrious and multifaceted career spanning 27 years, she brings together a rich blend of 17 years of dedicated teaching, 5 years of intense research, and 5 years of invaluable industry experience. Her past academic leadership includes serving as the Head of the Biochemistry Department at Garden City University, Bangalore, alongside teaching roles at prestigious institutions such as Cochin University of Science and Technology, St. Teresa’s College, and Shyamala Reddy Dental College. Furthermore, her industry and applied science acumen are highlighted by her impactful work in industrial biotechnology and professional training at Biozeen (Bangalore Biotech Labs Ltd.) and her expertise in analytical instrumentation and pharmacology research at the Science Analytical Facilities, Kuwait University.
Dr. Akkara’s interdisciplinary research footprint spans biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, immunopharmacology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and sustainability sciences. She has published over 20 peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact international journals indexed in globally recognized databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and Springer Nature. Her authored works explore cutting-edge themes, including nanomaterials in biosensors, pharmacological drug studies, wound healing, the antimicrobial properties of natural compounds, and sustainable biotechnology practices. Demonstrating a keen eye for modern technological integration in life sciences, she successfully filed a patent in 2021 focusing on plant trait enhancement utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists is evident through her mentorship, having guided numerous undergraduate and postgraduate student projects that seamlessly integrate laboratory research with sustainable community applications.
Her exceptional contributions have earned her prestigious national and international accolades. Dr. Akkara is the recipient of the AICTE Lilavati Award for Women Empowerment in Environment, Sanitation & Hygiene (2022), the NPTEL Top Performing Mentor Award from IIT Madras (2024), Research Excellence Award from Kristu Jayanti College (2024) Distinguished Researcher Award (2025), and the Literacy Leader Award for Blended Learning (2025). A staunch advocate for ecological responsibility, she has spearheaded vital green initiatives, securing top national honors like the Clean and Smart Campus Award, which marked a National First Prize for her university, and contributing significantly to her institution’s Platinum Band ranking in the Sustainable Institutions of India Green Ranking 2025.
In addition to her research and teaching prowess, Dr. Akkara is a pillar of academic governance and professional service. She contributes actively to curriculum design and quality standards as a member of the Boards of Studies and Examination across multiple universities, including Bangalore University, Jain University, and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. At Kristu Jayanti University, she serves as a member of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Her leadership further extends to environmental advocacy as the Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and Coordinator of the Environment Club, where she drives sustainability-focused education. As an ISO 9001-2008 qualified internal auditor, she regularly lends her expertise to higher education institutions like AICTE and IGNOU as a resourceful speaker, and conducts comprehensive academic, environmental, and energy audits. Through this rare combination of high-quality patented research, exemplary leadership, and community-focused sustainability initiatives, Dr. Priya Josson Akkara exemplifies true scientific excellence.
