- Department of Biotechnology
- Department of Botany
- Department of Zoology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Commerce and Business Management
- Department of English and Second Languages
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition
- Department of Geology
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics
- Department of Nutrition and Dietitics
- Department of Physics and Electronics
- Department of Business and Mangement(M.B.A)
Department of Food Science and Nutrition
The Department of Food Science and Nutrition was established in the academic year 2020–2021, recognizing the growing importance and vast potential of this field in health, industry, and research. The management introduced this program with a vision to equip students with strong scientific knowledge and practical skills essential for emerging career opportunities.
The department welcomes students who are passionate, dedicated, and committed to academic excellence. It aims to provide a strong foundation in core concepts of food science and nutrition, enabling students to confidently pursue careers in academia, research, healthcare, and the food industry.
A key focus of the department is experiential learning through project work, encouraging students to actively participate in research activities. Students are guided and motivated to present their work through paper publications, poster presentations, and PowerPoint presentations at seminars and conferences, fostering scientific communication and professional development. The department envisions nurturing intellectual curiosity and a spirit of inquiry among students. Emphasis is placed on practical training and hands-on experiences, which strengthen theoretical understanding and develop problem-solving abilities. Through laboratory work, field visits, and industry exposure, students gain real-world insights into the discipline.
Vision
To emerge as a Centre of Excellence in Food Science and Nutrition by promoting outcome-based education, innovative research, and skill-oriented learning, and by nurturing competent professionals who contribute to food safety, public health, and sustainable development.
Mission
- To deliver quality, outcome-based education in Food Science and Nutrition through a dynamic and updated curriculum.
- To foster research culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship through project-based learning, publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- To strengthen experiential learning via laboratory training, internships, field exposure, and industry–academia partnerships.
- To inculcate scientific temper, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills aligned with global standards.
- To promote nutrition awareness, food safety, and community engagement for societal well-being.
- To enhance employability, leadership, and lifelong learning skills to meet national and global challenges.
Message from the Head of the Department
Dr. G. Vikram M.Sc., B.Ed., Ph.D.
Dean, Life Sciences & Head, Department of Food Science and Nutrition
"Welcome to the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. We are pleased to present a dynamic academic environment committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. Established in 2021, the department offers Undergraduate programs in Food Science and Quality Control, and Nutrition and Dietetics, along with Postgraduate programs in Food Technology (2022) and Nutrition and Dietetics (2024). These programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the food industry, healthcare sector, and research domains. With a multidisciplinary approach, the department integrates food science, technology, and nutrition to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills to address challenges in nutritional security, food safety, and public health. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through laboratory training, research projects, internships, and industry exposure. Students are encouraged to engage in innovative research, product development, and value addition of agricultural produce, while gaining competencies in quality assurance, food safety standards, and entrepreneurship. The department strives to nurture scientific temper, critical thinking, and leadership, preparing students to excel as food technologists, nutritionists, dietitians, and researchers, contributing meaningfully to societal well-being and sustainable development. We wish all our students a successful and fulfilling academic journey. All the very best!"
Board of Studies (BOS) - Food and Nutrition
Chairman: Dr. G. Vikram (Chairman, Head, Dept. of Food and Nutrition)
External University Experts & Members:
- Prof. Y. Venkaiah (Professor, Department Zoology, Kakatiya University, Warangal)
- Prof. E. Narayana (Professor, Department Zoology, Kakatiya University, Warangal)
- Dr. A. Ravinder (Asst. Professor, Department of Food Technology, Loyola Academy)
- P. Joseph Raju (Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Satavahana University, Karimnagar)
- Dr. G. Renuka (Expert for Special Courses, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Pingle Government College for Women(A), Hanamkonda)
Industry Expert & Alumni:
- Kurapati Abhilash (Expert from Industry)
- Shivakrishna Pabba (Alumni Member)
BOS Members: M. Lakshmi Pujitha, M. Sravanthi, G. Saujanya, P. Pradeep M.Sc, R. Ruchitha, Ch. Keerthana
UG / PG Programs Offered
| Program / Level | Courses (Unique Subjects) |
|---|---|
| Food Science and Quality Control (FS) Undergraduate (UG) |
FSZC, FSBC, FSMIC, FSBZ, FSMIZ |
| Nutrition & Dietetics (ND) Undergraduate (UG) |
NDZC, NDBC, NDMIC, NDBZ, NDMIZ |
| Food Science Technology (FS) Postgraduate (PG) |
Food Science Technology |
| Nutrition & Dietetics (ND) Postgraduate (PG) |
Nutrition & Dietetics |
Course Syllabus & Certification Resource Drive Links
Departmental Faculty List
| S.No | Name | Qualification | NET / SET / TET | Experience (Yrs) | Publications | Books / Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. G. Vikram | M.Sc., B.Ed., Ph.D., PG Diploma in Patent Laws (NALSAR) | TG SET 2017, TET-2022 | 25 | 47 publications | 4 Book Chapters |
| 2 | M. Lakshmi Pujitha | MSc in Food science and technology | --- | 06 | 02 publications | Communicated |
| 3 | M. Sravanthi | MSc in Food science and technology | --- | 06 | 02 publications | Communicated |
| 4 | G. Saujanya | MSc Microbiology (Ph.D) | --- | 06 | 01 publication | Communicated |
| 5 | P. Pradeep | MSc in Food science and technology | --- | 06 | 02 publications | Communicated |
| 6 | K. Archana | Msc Microbiology, Diploma In Nutrition and Dietetics (AAFT) | --- | 08 | 01 publication | Communicated |
| 7 | M. Swapna | MSc in Food science and technology | --- | 04 | --- | --- |
| 8 | R. Ruchitha | MSc in Food science and Nutrition | --- | 05 | --- | --- |
| 9 | Ch. Keerthana | MSc Biochemistry | --- | 02 | 03 publications | --- |
| 10 | N. Ramya | MSc Applied Nutrition | --- | 01 | ---- | --- |
Our Institutional Collaborations & MOUs
Department Activities / Club Activities
Clinical Internship & Public Health Diet Camp: For B.Sc. Nutrition students, a three-month technical internship module was organized at Samraksha Hospital under the clinical supervision of Dt. Saritha Sree. Alongside practical training, the department successfully conducted a comprehensive Free Diet Camp focused on health metrics screening, evaluation, and community wellness guidelines.
Industrial & Academic Institute Visits
- ICMR-NIN Corporate Training Field Visit: Final Year B.Sc. Nutrition Students successfully completed a professional field visit to the premier ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad to learn baseline research paradigms.
- MSME Technical Competency Framework: A separate one-month practical certificate internship was successfully organized at the MSME Baking Technology Center, Hyderabad to enhance food technology processing skills.
National Seminars & Extension Guest Lectures
- One-Day National Seminar on Lifestyle Management: Coordinated a major National Seminar titled "Nutritional Management of Modern-Day Lifestyle Crisis", inaugurated by Dr. Y. Venkaiah (Chairperson BOS, Dept. of Zoology, Kakatiya University) and Dr. Saritha Sree (Clinical and Community Nutritionist).
- Scientific Extension Guest Lecture Series: Organised domain lectures featuring Prof. Estari Mamidala (Kakatiya University) and Dr. K. Rajender Rao (Scientist ‘F’ and HoD, Animal Facility, ICMR-NIN) who presented on "Gene-Diet Interaction: Epigenetics".
FoSTaC Training Program on Advanced Manufacturing
To assure student readiness for industrial food safety standards, the department hosted a professional FoSTaC Training Program on Advanced Manufacturing. Sessions were delivered by master trainer Dr. Anjaneyulu Chaganti, Director of Food Safety India Pvt. Ltd., evaluating FSSAI manufacturing protocols, quality checks, and hygiene compliance systems.
"Maasika Mahotsav" Menstrual Health Awareness Program
The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics organized "Maasika Mahotsav", an extensive campus-wide outreach module aimed at raising awareness about menstrual health, clinical hygiene, and specialized physiological nutrition. This program was organized in active association with the Women Empowerment Cell and IQAC, VDPGC.
Faculty Achievements
Dr. G. Vikram
- Received the prestigious SPR Young Scientist Award in Biotechnology from the SOCIETY FOR PLANT RESEARCH (VEGETOS) during the International Conference cum Workshop on Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics at Pondicherry University, Tamil Nadu.
- Inducted as an Associate Fellow (2023) of the Telangana Academy of Sciences (TAS) in recognition of outstanding contributions to Science & Technology.
Mrs. M. Lakshmi Poojitha
- Secured the Second Prize in Oral Presentation at the National Conference “NUTRIZIONE” held at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai.
- Awarded the Best Poster Award for her research titled “Development of Wafers Incorporated with Pearl Millet and Barnyard Millet” at the 2nd Telangana Science Congress, jointly organized by Kakatiya University and the Telangana Academy of Sciences.
Student Achievements
- Department student candidates D. Krishnaveni, Thahurazaki, and Pragnya secured the Second Prize in the Poster Presentation tier at the One-Day National Seminar on “Recent Advances in Plant Sciences – Issues and Challenges in Crop Improvement (RAPS-ICCI)” at Government Degree College, Narsampet.
Academic Supervision & Institutional Roles
- Ph.D. Research Supervision: Faculty Research Supervisor (Biotechnology) steering part-time Ph.D. scholars at Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology University (BESTIU), Anantapur and Shri Jagdish Prasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU), Rajasthan (Reg. No: JJT/2K9/SC/2007).
- Doctoral Evaluation Panels: Designated External Examiner and Panel Member for Ph.D. thesis evaluations in Biotechnology at Sathyabama University, Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai.
- External Examiner Duties: Serves regularly as External PG Practical Examiner for Food Science and Technology programs across state universities.
- Curriculum Design Leadership: Chairman, Board of Studies (BOS) for Food Science and Nutrition, overseeing modern curriculum design, course structural overhauls, and quality checks.
- Ethics Committees: Member, Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) at Vaagdevi Pharmacy College and BESTIU, contributing to regulatory ethical clearance for animal models.
Google Scholar Citation Index Metrics
| Metric Tier | All Cumulative | Since 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Citations | 525 | 339 |
| h-index | 14 | 10 |
| i10-index | 17 | 10 |
Granted Patents & Innovations Portfolio
- Agricultural Nano-Drug Delivery Device – Design Patent Registration No: 445890-001 (Serial No: 232943, Issued: 13/05/2026).
- Medical Operation Room Trolley – Design Patent Registration No: 353218-001 (Filed: 10 Nov 2021, Granted).
- Advanced Method for Inactivating Cancer Cells in a Human Body – Chemical Patent Application No: 202241072142 (Published, Awaiting Request for Examination).
- Nanogels for Cancer Drug Delivery – Design Application No: 381443-001 (Published, Awaiting Request for Examination).
- Process of Lipids in Biological Systems – Bio-Chemistry Patent Application No: 202241045779 (Published, Awaiting Request for Examination).
Chronological Peer-Reviewed Research Publications List
- T Chandraiah, ND Ediga, R Gudepu, V Godishala. Optimized green synthesis of multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles using Azima tetracantha: Evaluation of antioxidant, anticancer, Ecotoxicological, and dye degradation activities. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 2026.
- Kodati BR, Gudepu R, Sampathkumar Y, Godishala V. Chemical Profiling and Bioactivity Screening of a Cyanobacterium: Phormidium Species as a Source of α-Amylase Inhibitors and Antioxidants. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 11(4): 158-164, 2025.
- Reddy MJ, Gudepu R, Sampathkumar Y, Godishala V. Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia Leaf Extract: Implications for Nutraceutical Development. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 11(4): 172-178, 2025.
- Kodati BR, Sampathkumar Y, Godishala V. Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis of Anabaena Extract: Identification of Bioactive Compounds and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 11(2): 67-74, 2025.
- Reddy MJ, Sampathkumar Y, Godishala V. Exploring the Bioactive Phytochemicals of Tinospora cordifolia via Gas Chromatography mass Spectrometry: Implications for Drug Development and Functional Foods. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 11(2): 52-58, 2025.
- Kurra H, Velidandi A, Pabbathi NPP, Godishala V. Aqueous Cymbopogon citratus Extract Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Part II. Dye Degradation Studies. Eng, 6, 102, 2025.
- Kurra H, Velidandi A, Sarvepalli M, Godishala V. Green-synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Cymbopogon citratus: Synergistic Antibacterial Effects and Food Safety Potential. J Food Chem Nanotechnol, 11(1): 15-24, 2025.
- Kurra H, Velidandi A, Sarvepalli M, Pabbathi NPP, Godishala V. Aqueous Cymbopogon citratus Extract Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Part I. Influence of Synthesis Parameters, Characterization, and Biomedical Studies. Nanomaterials, 15, 328, 2025.
- Kandi V, Vadakedath S, Addanki PS, Godishala V, Pinnelli VB. Clinical Trials: The Role of Regulatory Agencies, Pharmacovigilance Laws, Guidelines, Risk Management, Patenting, and Publicizing Results. Borneo J Pharm, 6(1):93-109, 2023.
- Mohamed Halith A, Elumalai Sanniyasi, Yuvaraj Sampathkumar, Vijayabaskar Pandian, Vishnu Murugesan Raja, Mohan Priya Arumugam, Pavithra Dhamodharan, Selvaraj Palanisamy, Madhusudhanan Jeyaraman, Vikram Godishala, Kaushik Thamilchelvam. RNA isolation, CDNA Synthesis And Arsenic Methyltransferase Gene (Arsmt) Expression Studies By Rt-Pcr in Three Microalgal Species. International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 12(01), pp. 1795-1801, 2023.
- Yuvaraj Sampathkumar, Elumalai Sanniyasi, Mohan Priya Arumugam, Vikram Godishala, Kaushik Thamilchelvam. Silver nano-particles characterization and imaging of their surfaces, studies of metrology using atomic force microscopy. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, Vol 9, Issue 3, 2022.
- Yuvaraj Sampathkumar, Elumalai Sanniyasi, Mohana Priya Arumugam, Pavithra Dhamodharan, Selvaraj Palanisamy, Vikram Godishala, Madhusudhanan Jeyaraman, Vijayabaskar Pandian, Kaushik Thamilchelvam. Characterization and measurement of silver nanoparticles from saline-tolerant microalgae by scanning electron microscopy. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 10, 70-83, 2022.
- Yuvaraj Sampathkumar, Elumalai Sanniyasi, Mohana Priya Arumugam, Pavithra Dhamodharan, Selvaraj Palanisamy, Vikram Godishala, Madhusudhanan Jeyaraman, Vijayabaskar Pandian, Kaushik Thamilchelvam. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Saline Tolerant Microalgae and their antiviral properties against HIV-1. World Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, 03(02), 024–034, 2022.
- Yuvaraj Sampathkumar, Elumalai Sanniyasi, Vikram Godishala, Vishnu Murugesan Raja, Kaushik Thamilchelvam, Mohana Priya Arumugam, Pavithra Dhamodharan, Selvaraj Palanisamy. Molecular Docking Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Receptor with Bioactive Molecules from Cyanobacteria as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents. International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 11(10), pp. 1609-1612, 2022.
- Kandi V, Vundecode A, Godalwar TR, Dasari S, Vadakedath S, Godishala V. The Current Perspectives in Clinical Research: Computer-Assisted Drug Designing, Ethics, and Good Clinical Practice. Borneo Journal of Pharmacy, 5(2), 161-178, 2022.
- Kandi V, Suvvari TK, Vadakedath S, Godishala V. Microbes, Clinical trials, Drug Discovery, and Vaccine Development: The Current Perspectives. Borneo Journal of Pharmacy, 4(4), 311-323, 2021.
- Vadakedath Sabitha, Kandi Venkataramana, Suvvari Kumar Tarun, Kutikuppala Venkata Simhachalam Lakshmi, Godishala Vikram, Shahapur R. Praveen. The Challenges of Biomedical Waste Management During the Ongoing Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Micro and Nanosystems, 13, 2021.
- Vadakedath S, Kandi V, Mohapatra RK, Pinnelli VBK, Yegurla RR, Shahapur PR, Godishala V, Natesan S, Vora KS, Sharun K, Tiwari R, Bilal M, Dhama K. Immunological aspects and gender bias during respiratory viral infections including novel Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19): a scoping review. J Med Virol, 2021.
- S Kagithoju, V Godishala, M Banala, RS Nanna. Evaluation and Optimization of DNA Extraction Protocol from Leaves of an Endangered Forest Tree Species Strychnos potatorum Linn. F. Indian Forester, 144(8): 742-746, 2018.
- Mahendra Pal, AS Patel, AR Bariya, Vikram Godishala, Venkataramana Kandi. A Review of Biotechnological Applications in Food Processing of Animal Origin. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 5, no. 4: 143-148, 2017.
- Madhusudhan Kairmkonda, Vikram Godishala, Venkataramana Kandi. Identification of Newer Antimicrobial Agents: A Study of Invitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Leaf extracts of Medicinal Plant Aerva lanata. American Journal of Microbiological Research, vol. 5, no. 3: 66-70, 2017.
- Mahendra Pal, Meron Tsegaye, Fikru Girzaw, Hailegebrael Bedada, Vikram Godishala, Venkataramana Kandi. An Overview on Biological Weapons and Bioterrorism. American Journal of Biomedical Research, vol. 5, no. 2: 24-34, 2017.
- Ramana KV, Vikram G. Aerva Lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.: a Potentially Useful Medicinal Plant. Medicinal Plant Research, 5(4): 1-4, 2015.
- Sabitha Kandi, Vikram Godishala, Pragna Rao, K.V. Ramana. Biomedical Significance of Terpenes: An Insight. Biomedicine and Biotechnology, vol. 3, no. 1: 8-10, 2015.
- K V Ramana, G Vikram, P PadmaWali, Anand K, Mohan Rao, Sanjeev D Rao, Ratna Mani MS, VenkataSarada CH, Ratna Rao. Non Diphtheritic Corynebacteria (NDC) and Their Clinical Significance: Clinical Microbiologist’s Perspective. American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease, vol. 2, no. 3: 83-87, 2014.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Mohammad Hadi Ebrahimzadeh, Pamulaparthi Archana, Rama Swamy Nanna. Eco-friendly and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Strychnos potatorum Linn. F. and their bactericidal activities. 3Biotech, Springer Publishers, 2014.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Althaf Hussain Sk, Vikram Godishala, Rama Swamy Nanna. Role of fungi and fungal extract on Strychnos potatorum seed germination. Research Journal of Biotechnology, 8(11):32-36, 2013.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Archana Pamulaparthi, Rajinikanth Marka, Rama Swamy Nanna. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations in Strychnos potatorum Linn. F. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 22(4): 46-51, 2013.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Mahitha Banala, Rama Swamy Nanna. Role of Biotechnology in production of plant secondary metabolites - A review. International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Bio Sciences, 2(3): 110-128, 2013.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Madhusudhan Kairamkonda, Rama Swamy Nanna. Embryo culture is an efficient way to conserve a medicinally important endangered forest tree species Strychnos potatorum. Journal of Forestry Research, Springer Publishers, 24(2): 279-283, 2013.
- Kairamkonda Madhusudhan, Godishala Vikram, Kagtihoju Srikanth, Talari Samatha, Nanna Rama Swamy. Biotechnological strategies for conservation of an endangered forest tree species Wrightia tinctoria: important in toy making industry. Environmental Biotechnology, Biotech Books Publishers, New Delhi, pp. 107-125, 2013.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Madhusudhan Kairamkonda, Hima Bindu Kurra, Rama Swamy Nanna. Recent advances in elucidating the biological and chemical properties of Strychnos potatorum Linn. f. - A review. Int J Pharm Bio Sci, 3(4): (B) 291-303, 2012.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Shiva Krishna Pabba, Hima Bindhu Kurra, N. Rama Swamy. Antibacterial activity of flower extract of Pongamia pinnata linn. - An elite medicinal plant. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(3): 130-132, 2012.
- Godishala Vikram, Kairamkonda Madhusudhan, Kagithoju Srikanth, Mangamoori Laxminarasu, Nanna Rama Swamy. Zeatin induced direct shoots development and plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Australian Journal of Crop Science, 6(1):31-35, 2012.
- Godishala Vikram, Kairamkonda Madhusudhan, Kagithoju Srikanth, Mangamoori Laxminarasu, Nanna Rama Swamy. Effect of plant growth regulators on in vitro organogenesis in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Journal of Research in Biology, 1(4): 263-268, 2011.
- Godishala V, Mangamoori L, Nanna R. Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Journal of Cell and Tissue Research, 11(1): 2521-2528, 2011.
- Kairamkonda M, Godishala V, Nanna R. Early flowering somaclonal variant of an endangered forest tree species Wrightia tinctoria R. Br: a potential ethno medicinal plant. Journal of Cell and Tissue Research, 11(3): 2949-2953, 2011.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Madhusudhan Kairamkonda, Hima Bindu Kurra, Rama Swamy Nanna. Role of Phytohormones on seed germination of an endangered medicinally important forest tree species Strychnos potatorum Linn.F. Proc. Nascent Tech in Biomedical, Electrical Eng. & Communications, CiiT, pp. 14-16, 2011.
- Srikanth Kagithoju, Vikram Godishala, Madusudhan Kairamkonda, Rama Swamy Nanna. Application of Biotechnological tools in production of Plant Secondary Metabolites. Proc. National Seminar on Current Trends in Plant Sciences, Karimnagar, India, pp. 191-231, 2007.
- Rama Swamy N, Ugandhar T, Praveen M, Upender M, Sharada D, Janaki V, Ghan Singh M, Vikram G. In vitro selection of NaCl, KCl and Mannitol tolerant cell lines in Solanum surattense a medicinal herb. Proc. AP Akad. Sci., 11: 21-28, 2007.