Siva K. Gandhapudi, PhD, MBA

Dr. Gandhapudi joined the MIMG faculty in 2024, where his research focuses on creating innovative methods to modulate T cell-mediated immune responses for clinical benefit in cancer and infectious diseases. His work utilizes novel immunostimulatory agents and their combinations to generate antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses targeting tumor cells or cells infected by pathogens. His ongoing research in cancer immunotherapy aims to enhance tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells by combining peptide-based cancer vaccines with immunotherapy agents like immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulatory cytokines. His infectious disease research concentrates on developing a universal influenza vaccine using T-cell activating vaccine technologies. 

In addition to his research, Dr. Gandhapudi is the Director of the Flow Cytometry Immune Monitoring Core (FCIM) at the University of Kentucky. FCIM is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced instruments for high-speed flow cytometry, cell sorting, and a wet lab dedicated to immunology research. The facility offers instrument access and immune monitoring services to both internal and external investigators engaged in preclinical, translational, or clinical research in Immunology. Dr. Gandhapudi manages FCIM’s research activities and daily operations, utilizing his expertise in flow cytometry and immune assays to advance 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 and T cell-based Immunotherapies.