Dr. Ramaswamy named Researcher to Know
Dr. Ramaswamy named Researcher to Know
Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram, DVM, PhD, is one of Illinois Science & Technology Coalition’s (ISTC) 12 Researchers to Know for 2025 who are recognized for innovation, impact and interdisciplinary excellence.
Dr. Ramaswamy is a professor and head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
His work stood out as a powerful example of innovation, impact and leadership in the state’s research ecosystem. The selection process was competitive, and being included among this group of researchers shows the admiration and recognition his contributions have earned.
Dr. Ramaswamy’s research focuses on developing a vaccine against lymphatic filariasis, a tropical parasitic infection affecting over 120 million people in more than 80 countries. Only a few drug treatments are available for this mosquito-borne disease, which is also known as elephantiasis because those with the disease often have disabling and disfiguring swelling that can make their limbs resemble those of an elephant.
Each year, ISTC curates the Researchers to Know list to spotlight faculty whose work stands out not only for its academic merit, but for its relevance, collaboration and reach. Developed through a statewide nomination process that invites universities and research institutions to highlight exceptional talent, the list reflects a collective effort to showcase Illinois’ most impactful scholars. Dr. Ramaswamy was nominated by Mathew Mathew Thoppil, PhD, director of faculty research.