Siva K. Gandhapudi

Dr. Gandhapudi joined the MIMG faculty in 2024, where his research is centered on exploring innovative approaches to modulate T cell-mediated immune responses for clinical benefit in cancer and infectious diseases. His work uses novel immunostimulatory molecules and their combinations to generate cytotoxic T cells capable of targeting and killing tumor cells or pathogen-infected cells. His ongoing cancer immunotherapy research investigates the potential of combining novel cancer vaccines with immunotherapy agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-targeting cytokines. In the infectious disease research, his work focuses on developing universal influenza vaccines using T-cell activating vaccine technologies. 

In addition to his research, Dr. Gandhapudi serves as Co-director of the Flow Cytometry Immune Monitoring Core (FCIM) at the University of Kentucky.  FCIM is a state-of-the-art facility fully equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation for high-speed flow cytometry, cell sorting services, and a wet lab for immunology research. The facility provides instrument access and immune monitoring services to both internal and external investigators performing pre-clinical, translational, or clinical research in Immunology.  Dr. Gandhapudi oversees FCIM research activities and daily operations, leveraging his expertise in flow cytometry and immune assays to support cutting-edge research in cancer and infectious diseases.   

Dr. Gandhapudi earned his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Kentucky in 2009, focusing on the effects of physiological stressors on T-cell function. He then completed postdoctoral training in vaccine development at the University of Louisville and in T-cell development and human immunology at the University of Oklahoma. In 2015, he returned to the University of Kentucky as a staff scientist, where he established an independent research program in vaccine development.