Lekshmi K Edison

Lekshmi K Edison, MS, PhD, PGDBi, MB (ASCP)

Assistant Scientist – Molecular Biology

Department: Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine
Business Phone: (352) 294-4407
Business Email: edison.le@ufl.edu

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About Lekshmi K Edison

Dr. Lekshmi K. Edison holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, a Master’s Diploma in Bioinformatics, and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, where her research focused on the structural characterization and heterologous production of β-glucanases from Streptomyces species. She began her research career in molecular biology at Kerala Agricultural University and later received a prestigious Research Associate Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, India, to pursue postdoctoral research at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, where she investigated the molecular pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She brings over 15 years of research experience and several years of teaching in molecular biology and microbiology.

Dr. Edison’s research focuses on host–pathogen interactions and the molecular pathogenesis of veterinary and zoonotic pathogens, with emphasis on foodborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance. She uses integrated omics approaches to study pathogen virulence and host responses and to identify targets for intervention, including innovative vaccine strategies within a One Health framework. With expertise in molecular biology, immunological assays, and large-scale data analysis, Dr. Edison aims to translate fundamental discoveries into practical solutions for disease prevention, diagnostics, and control. Her work supports the development of vaccines, diagnostic assays, and antimicrobial alternatives to improve food safety, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and advance global One Health initiatives.

Additional Positions:
  1. Laboratory Manager

    2022 – Current · Department of Comparative, Diagnostics and Population Medicine

Accomplishments

  1. American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF)

    American Society of Microbiology

  2. UF Postdoctoral Affairs- Spring 2024 Travel Award

    University of Florida

  3. American Society of Virology Postdoctoral Scholar Travel Award (NIH Supported Grant)

    American Society of Virology

  4. Department of Biotechnology – Research Associateship Award

    Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India

  5. Women Scientist’s Back – to – Lab Research Fellowship Award

    Women Scientist Division, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Education (KSCSTE), State Govt. of Kerala, India

Board Certifications

  • Scientist in Molecular Biology (MB)
    American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Research Profile

Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)

0000-0003-2599-7428

Areas of Interest

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR or AR)
  • Bacterial pathogenesis
  • Bioinformatics
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Diagnostic Microbiology
  • Host-pathogen interaction
  • Infectious Diesease
  • Vaccine immunology
  • Veterinary Diagnostics

Publications

Academic Articles

Presentations

Grants

  1. Agreement for Dr. L. Kalathilparambil Edison

    Role:
    Project Manager
    Funding:
    FL DEPT OF AG AND CONSUMER SER via US DEPT OF AG APHIS
  2. Avian Pathogenic E. coli-Vectored Vaccine for Broad-Range Protection from Infectious Coryza.

    Active

    Role:
    Co-Investigator
    Funding:
    IOWA STATE UNIV
  3. Developing a vaccine against spotty liver diseased caused by Campylobacter hepaticus in commercial layer chickens

    Active

    Role:
    Other
    Funding:
    US DEPT OF AG NATL INST OF FOOD AND AG

Education

  1. Postdoctoral

    College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida

  2. Postdoctoral

    College of Medicine, University of Florida

  3. Postdoctoral

    Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Kerala, India

  4. PhD – Biotechnology

    University of Kerala, Kerala, India

  5. Masters Diploma – Bioinformatics

    Bharathiyar University, Tamil Nadu, India

  6. Masters – Biotechnology

    Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India

  7. Bachelor Degree – Zoology

    Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India

Contact Details

Phones:
Business:
(352) 294-4407
Emails:
Business:
edison.le@ufl.edu
Addresses:
Business Mailing:
PO Box 100123
2015 SW 16TH AVE
GAINESVILLE FL 32610
Business Street:
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
2015 SW 16th Avenue
GAINESVILLE FL 32611