Navam Hettiarachchy
Professor
University of Arkansas
USA
Biography
Dr. Hettiarachchy did her Ph.D. from University of Hull, Yorkshire, England (Biochemistry, Molecular) and M.S. from University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland (Biochemistry, Enzymology). She completed her B.S. from University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (Chemistry).Dr. Hettiarachchy's research program is focused on basic and applied food proteins and peptides with an integrated approach to value addition in nutraceuticals, natural antioxidants, and antimicrobials from Arkansas-grown crops, and industry co-products. Protein research involves extraction, separation, purification, characterization, and identification using state-of-the art instrumentation and technologies, and conducting functional and functionality properties, as well as nutrient interactions, and mechanisms. Biotechnology is used in preparing bioactive peptides and researched for anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-Alzheimer’s activities with mechanisms and genomics in human cell lines. Extracts derived from plant and industry-co-products including proteins and peptides are investigated for antioxidants, and antimicrobials activities with an integrated approach to meet current and future evolving research demand. Research also involves creating commercially feasible technologies of focused research aimed at conducting collaborative basic and applied research with food companies.
Research Interest
Basic and applied food proteins and peptides with an integrated approach to value addition in nutraceuticals, natural antioxidants, and antimicrobials from Arkansas-grown crops, and industry co-products.