Dr. Naga Jogayya Kothakota: Associate Professor at Centurion University of Technology and Management Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Naga Jogayya Kothakota is a distinguished molecular biologist and forensic scientist specializing in genetics, genomics, and wildlife forensics. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed significantly to the fields of conservation genetics, molecular ecology, and environmental biology. Currently an Associate Professor at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Dr. Kothakota combines his academic expertise with practical experience in next-generation sequencing technologies and DNA profiling to address challenges in biodiversity conservation and forensic investigations. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology with applied forensic science, aiming to enhance both environmental protection and legal enforcement.
Online Profiles
Education
Dr. Kothakota’s academic journey is marked by rigorous training in biological sciences and biotechnology. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Andhra University in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Biotechnology at Bharathidasan University in 2006, where he developed foundational skills in molecular biology techniques. His doctoral research at Jadavpur University, awarded in 2014, focused on advanced molecular tools and their application in forensic genetics, equipping him with expertise in both fundamental research and applied science methodologies.
Research Focus
His research is centered on the intersection of molecular biology and forensic science, with a special emphasis on wildlife genetics and environmental applications. He explores DNA-based identification methods for endangered species, molecular markers for forensic applications, and the use of next-generation sequencing platforms including Illumina, Thermo Fisher, and Oxford Nanopore technologies. Dr. Kothakota also investigates nanotechnology in forensic science, ecological monitoring through molecular tools, and the synthesis of biomaterials relevant to drug development and environmental sustainability.
Experience
Dr. Kothakota’s career includes both academic and research roles. At the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, he served as a Technical Officer for six years, managing molecular biology projects and sequencing platforms. As an Assistant Professor at JNTU Kakinada, he taught genetics and molecular biology courses, mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. Since 2021, he has been an Associate Professor at Centurion University, initially at the Khurda campus and currently at Vizianagaram, where he leads research projects, supervises theses, and contributes to curriculum development in biotechnology and forensic science.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Kothakota began his research career around 2010 with pioneering work on multiplex PCR assays for the forensic identification of Indian crocodiles, progressing into the development of microsatellite DNA markers and DNA barcoding for reptiles and medicinal plants. Over the years, his interests expanded to nano-forensics and the application of diverse sequencing technologies for environmental DNA analysis and forensic casework. His recent activities involve evaluating next-generation sequencing platforms for forensic science applications and synthesizing nanoparticles with antibacterial properties, showcasing a blend of genetics, nanotechnology, and forensic science.
Awards & Honors
His professional excellence has been recognized through multiple awards. The Best Oral Presentation Award in 2022 at an international conference celebrated his impactful research communication skills. Earlier, the Government of India Fellowship Award in 2008, granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Directorate of Forensic Science Services, honored his contributions to forensic genetics. These accolades reflect Dr. Kothakota’s commitment to advancing forensic science and molecular biology at both national and international levels.
Top Noted Publication
Among his extensive publication record, some landmark works include “Identification of Indian Crocodile Species Through DNA Barcodes” published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences (2013), which set a foundation for molecular wildlife forensics in India. His recent comprehensive review “A Review on Nano Forensics” (IIP Series, 2024) highlights cutting-edge applications of nanotechnology in forensic investigations. Additionally, “Review of Six Different Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Techniques for Forensic Science” (Current Forensic Science, 2024) offers critical insights into sequencing technologies and their forensic utility, marking him as a thought leader in forensic genomics.
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Different DNA Barcoding Techniques in Forensic Botany: A Review (2024)
Published in Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, this comprehensive review co-authored by Dr. Kothakota explores various DNA barcoding methodologies used in forensic botany to identify plant species accurately. The study evaluates the strengths and limitations of these techniques, offering critical insights for their application in forensic investigations. DOI: 10.13005/bbra/3275 -
A FTIR Evident-Based Exploration of the Antioxidant Activity of Five Threatened Cactus Species (2024)
This research article in the International Journal of Experimental Research and Review employs Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze antioxidant properties of endangered cactus species. Dr. Kothakota’s contribution to this interdisciplinary study highlights the application of molecular spectroscopy in plant biochemistry and conservation. DOI: 10.52756/ijerr.2024.v40spl.002 -
Mitochondrial 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene for Forensic Identification of Crocodile Species (2013)
Published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, this article presents a reliable molecular marker based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA for the forensic identification of Indian crocodile species, aiding wildlife crime investigations. -
A Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for the Identification of Indian Crocodiles (2010)
In Molecular Ecology Resources, Dr. Kothakota developed and validated a multiplex PCR assay designed for efficient and precise identification of Indian crocodile species, providing a vital tool for forensic and conservation applications.