Personal profile

Biography

Dr. Vengdesh Letchumanan is a Lecturer at Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences (JCSMHS), Monash University Malaysia. He Leader & Principal Investigator, Pathogen Resistome Virulome and Diagnostic Research Group (PathRiD) in JCSMHS Monash. His leadership and innovative research in the fields of microbiology and diagnostics are instrumental in advancing our understanding of pathogen resistance and virulence. 

His accademic journey began with a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Hons) Degree from Management and Science University (MSU). He further pursued a Master of Science (Molecular Biology) from University Putra Malaysia (UPM). He sucessfully obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Microbiology) in 2019 from University Malaya (UM), Malaysia's oldest and prestigious university. Following his Ph.D., he joined JCSMHS as a Postdoctoral Researcher, where he continued to develop his expertise and contributed to various groundbreaking projects. In October 2019, he transitioned into a full-time academic role, where he has since inspired countless students and fostered a dynamic learning environment. In 2021, he further completed Technology for Education in Clinical Healthcare (EdTech) course offered by the Monash Center for Professional Development. 

Dr Vengadesh's research accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. His extensive publication record, which includes numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, highlights his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. His exceptional contributions to the field have earned him recognition as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists in 2023 and 2024 by Stanford University, a prestigious accolade that underscores his influence and leadership in microbiological research. 

Professional Membership
  1. Member (MRSB), Royal Society of Biology (UK)
  2. Professional Technologist & and Graduate Technologist, Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT)

Research interests

His research focuses on critical public health issues, particularly the antimicrobial resistance (AMR), characterization pathogens, and microbial taxonomy. He also investigates the human microbiome and its intricate relationship with health and disease, exploring how dysbiosis can lead to various health conditions and the therapeutic implications of probiotic interventions. As a passionate microbiologist, he is dedicated to understanding the root causes of gut dysbiosis and developing effective management strategies, emphasizing the potential of probiotics to restore microbial balance and improve health outcomes.

Supervision interests

Dr Vengadesh supervision interest includes the following areas: 

  • Microbiology and molecular biology
  • Antimicrobial resistant pathogen (MDR) (dectection, characterization and management)
  • Human gut microbiome: health and diseases, probiotic interventions, metagenomic analysis

Monash teaching commitment

MED 1100/1200 - Problem Based Learning (PBL) Year 1

MED 1100/1200 - Microbiology Year 1

MED 2100/2200 - Student Project Cases (SPC)

MED 5101 - Scholarly Intensive Placement (SIP)

NUT 1021 - Fundamentals of Human Nutrition

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Microbiology), Prevalence and characterisation of antibiotic resistance profile of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from seafood in Selangor, Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya)

Sept 2014Feb 2019

Master of Science (MSc) (Molecular Biology), Detection of Vibrio cholera & Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood using MPN-PCR based technique, and their molecular characteristics, Universiti Putra Malaysia (University Putra Malaysia)

Dec 2007Sept 2013

Bachelor of Biomedicine (HONS), Kolej Universiti Teknologi dan Pengurusan (Management and Science University)

May 2004Jun 2007

Research area keywords

  • Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens, Microbiome, Microbial Systematics, Microbial Taxonomy

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or