I was born and raised in Tirupati, India, surrounded by a rich culture of work, community, and simplicity . Growing up, the world felt big, but possibility felt even bigger. I was fascinated by science early on, not because I understood complex ideas, but because I understood that science was a pathway to answers. I wanted to understand how life worked and how illness took hold of the human body. That curiosity would eventually take me across three countries and shape a lifelong career dedicated to neuroscience and the study of Alzheimer’s disease.

Growing Up in India

My early years in India shaped my values more than I realized at the time. I learned the importance of education not just as a tool for personal advancement, but as a way to contribute to others. I was taught that knowledge carries a responsibility, and that motivated me to pursue my studies fully. I worked hard in school and focused on science because I could sense that research was more than academic. It had the potential to change lives.

India is a place where families, teachers, and communities invest deeply in the success of their young people. I carried their confidence and commitment with me as I moved into the next phase of my life. It was time to pursue higher learning somewhere that would push my understanding of science further.

Studying in London

Moving to London to pursue my PhD was both exciting and intimidating. London was a completely different world. I went from the familiar warmth of home to a bustling city full of energy, global influence, and new ways of thinking. I had to learn not only advanced scientific techniques, but also how to build a life in a new country.

My doctoral studies were demanding and rewarding. I gained not only scientific training, but also the discipline and organization required to be a serious researcher. I learned how to structure questions, test ideas, work within a team, and push through long hours in the lab. Looking back, those years in London helped me build the foundation I would rely on for the rest of my career.

While the science was intense, it was the cultural experience that rounded me as a person. I met people from all over the world, each with different perspectives and strengths. I learned how to communicate across backgrounds and how different scientific traditions can blend to create powerful results.

Crossing the Atlantic

After completing my PhD, an opportunity came that would change my life. I was offered a chance to conduct postdoctoral research through the Intramural Research Program at the National Institutes of Health, under Dr. Francis Collins in Bethesda, Maryland. This was not just another academic milestone. It was a chance to contribute to research at one of the most respected scientific institutions in the world.

I still remember arriving in the United States, hopeful, grateful, and determined. Working at the NIH was both a challenge and an honor. I was surrounded by researchers whose work shaped the direction of global science. Every day felt meaningful because the research being done had an impact. We were not just studying biology. We were trying to understand diseases that affect families, caregivers, and entire communities.

Discovering My Path in Neuroscience

At the NIH, my interest in neurodegenerative diseases deepened. Alzheimer’s disease presented one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. It affects millions of people and yet remains difficult to fully treat or prevent. I became focused on the role of mitochondria, oxidative stress, and amyloid beta in the progression of Alzheimer’s.

My work with transgenic mouse models strengthened my belief that research must be both rigorous and compassionate. We are not studying cells and molecules only to publish papers. We are studying them because real people are waiting for progress. This mindset has guided my entire scientific path.

Building a Career in American Academia

My research journey eventually brought me to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, where I have continued my work as a professor and researcher. Over the course of my career I have been honored with recognitions including becoming a Fellow of the American Neurological Association, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

These honors represent something larger than my own achievements. They represent a lifetime of support from mentors, institutions, students, collaborators, and family. No scientific career is built alone. It is always the result of shared effort.

Giving Back and Supporting the Future

Through the Reddy Family Foundation, my family and I have been able to support student scholarships and educational opportunities. I believe strongly that students deserve the same chance I had to pursue their potential, even if they come from modest beginnings. Education can change a life. It certainly changed mine.

A Life Shaped by Movement and Purpose

Sometimes when I look back, I see my journey not as a straight line, but as a series of steps taken with curiosity and commitment. Leaving India, studying in London, and building a career in the United States have all been chapters in a larger story. Each chapter brought challenges, growth, and new understanding.

Today, I continue to study neurodegenerative disease, publish research, and mentor the next generation of scientists. I am as curious now as I was as a young student in India. That curiosity has carried me across oceans, across cultures, and across decades of scientific exploration. It continues to inspire me every single day.