Professor and Chair Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Professor of Urology
Medical College of Georgia; Augusta University
Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
Augusta, GA, USA
Dr. Vinata Lokeshwar is Professor and Chair Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University (MCG-AU) USA. She also has a joint appointment in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology.
Dr. Lokeshwar received her Ph.D. degree in Molecular biology from St. Louis University, MO and completed her Post-doctoral research training in cell biology at the University of Miami with the American Heart Association and National Cancer Institute/NIH fellowships. She joined the Department of Urology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, Miami, FL. Rising through the ranks, she became a tenured Professor and Co-Director of Urology Research before moving to MCG-AU. At MCG-AU, she is the first woman chair of the Department of Biochemistry which was established in 1829, and perhaps the only professor to transition from Urology to Biochemistry! She has developed established research programs in urologic cancer and some benign diseases that focus on on biomarkers and targeted-therapeutics. The major research focus of the Lokeshwar laboratory, is on the theme “bench to bedside and back again”. The laboratory operates on the principle that unmet clinical needs are fulfilled through bench-to-bedside research conducted through collaborations between basic researchers and clinicians. Her research is continuously funded by extramural grants, including the NIH, US Army (DOD). Throughout her career, she has received many honors and awards, including, President of the Society for Basic Urology Research, SBUR Distinguished Service Award (Meritorious Achievement), SWIU/SBUR Award for Excellence in Urologic Research, Distinguished award in Cancer Research from SAA, Jaipur Oratory, outstanding mentor award, and Excellence award in medical teaching. Dr. Lokeshwar has mentored residents, medical and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty. She attributes her achievements to her family, mentees and collaborators and is grateful for their support.
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