Prof. Dr. A.K. Kathireshan
Controller of Examinations i/c

27 years of distinguished experience in higher education, with deep expertise in Microbiology and Life Sciences. Associated with VISTAS since September 1994, with wide-ranging contributions to teaching, academic administration, research, curriculum development, examination management, and institutional governance.

• Ph.D. from the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras (2010)
• University Rank Holder – both UG & PG Microbiology, University of Madras
• Controller of Examinations (i/c) , VISTAS – current role
• Director, School of Life Sciences, VISTAS (2021–2026)
• Head, Department of Microbiology, VISTAS (1994–2011; 2013–2024)
• 30+ years of teaching, research & academic administration
• 75+ research publications in international & national journals, plus book chapters
• “Outstanding Teacher Award” – IAAM, 2014
• Executive Council Member, Indian Association of Applied Microbiologists – since 2011
• Chairperson, Board of Studies in Microbiology, VISTAS (2017–2024)
• Research expertise in Metagenomics, Drug Resistance, Plant Microbiome & Marine Bioprospecting
• Chief Superintendent of University Examinations, VISTAS, CA Examinations, UPSC Examinations, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission Group -I Examinations & Valuation Camp Officer, Central Valuation Camp

• Postgraduate Degree in Microbiology – King Institute of Preventive Medicine & Research, Guindy, Chennai (University of Madras)
• Ph.D. – Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras (2010)
• University Rank Holder in both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Microbiology, University of Madras

• Controller of Examinations (i/c) – Current
• Director, School of Life Sciences – Aug 2021 – Aug 2026
• Head, Department of Microbiology – Sep 1994 – Dec 2010, Aug 2013 – February  2024

• Member, Academic Council, University of Madras (2001–2003)
• Member, Staff Selection Committee, University of Madras (2010)
• Chairperson, Board of Studies in Microbiology, VISTAS (2017–2024)

Institutional Committees: Examination Malpractice Enquiry Committee · Student Affairs Advisory Committee · Library Committee · NSS Advisory Committee. NIRF-SDG Committee.

Convener: Chemical Purchase Committee · Chemical Verification Committee

Examinations: Chief Superintendent of University Examinations · Valuation Camp Officer, Central Valuation Camp. Chief Superintendent of CA Examinations, TNPSC & UPSC Examinations.

• Metagenomics · Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance · Plant Microbiome · Bioprospecting of Marine Algae · Microbial Diagnostic Methods.
• Received fund for Developing Point of Care Device for detection of Fungal pathogens in Tea Plantation.
• 75+ research articles published in international and national scientific journals, along with book chapters from reputed scientific publishers.

• Executive Council Member, Indian Association of Applied Microbiologists (IAAM) – since 2011
• “Outstanding Teacher Award”, IAAM – 2014

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kathireshan reflects a sustained commitment to academic excellence, institutional leadership, research advancement, student development, and effective academic administration — shaping the growth of higher education and the Life Sciences.