Kanthasamy

I have always gravitated toward chemistry and biology as it relates to how chemicals interact with the human body, particularly how toxic chemicals affect the nervous system and the brain. When my grandfather developed neurological symptoms after being exposed to agricultural chemicals, it became personal, and I was further fueled to expand my knowledge.

The brain is an amazing organ, but we understand very few things about it. Learning how neurotoxic chemicals affect parts of the brain is critical to developing any treatment strategy. That is the focus of our work at the Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, and we’ve secured tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to support our fight against Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

We are interested in doing translational work that involves early diagnosis, even before symptoms develop. We are also using the gut microbiome to improve brain function and develop novel treatment strategies. And the Isakson Center is working with the UGA College of Pharmacy for drug development.

In my work, I graduate Ph.D. students who go on to become renowned scientists. What is most gratifying for me is when former students become my colleagues and collaborators on current projects. Also, seeing the support and enthusiasm from the public for our work with neurodegenerative disease is amazing. It motivates me every day.