Dr. Subba Rao Chaganti is a molecular ecologist and biotechnology specialist with over two decades of experience in microbial genomics, environmental microbiology, and aquatic ecosystem health. He holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and completed advanced postdoctoral training in anaerobic digestion and freshwater microbial ecology.

Dr. Chaganti’s research integrates high-resolution omics approaches—including metagenomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based genome editing—to investigate microbial processes influencing water quality, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and aquatic food web dynamics. A significant focus of his work is on host-microbe interactions, aiming to identify and optimize microbial strains that enhance resilience, disease resistance, and sustainability in both wild and aquaculture-based fish populations.

His research also intersects with food microbiology and viral food safety, particularly through the development of microbial and molecular strategies that support aquaculture health, detect viral and bacterial pathogens, and ensure the safety and integrity of aquatic food systems. He collaborates extensively with academic institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, emphasizing field-based, systems-level solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.

As Director of the Integrated Omics Lab, Dr. Chaganti leads a mission-driven program focused on advancing integrative microbial science to support ecosystem resilience, sustainable resource management, and public health.