The journey of Periannan Kuppusamy began in Tamil Nadu, India, where his academic promise was evident early. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Government Arts College, Namakkal, in 1975, followed by a Master’s degree in General Chemistry from Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, in 1977. These formative years laid the groundwork for a scientific career marked by precision, discipline, and intellectual rigor.
His scholarly ascent continued at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he completed his PhD in Chemistry in 1985. At IIT, he cultivated not only technical excellence but also a deeper appreciation for how fundamental science can translate into real-world impact—an ethos that would define his entire career.
Periannan Kuppusamy: From Chemistry to Medicine – A Transformational Journey
Following his doctorate, Periannan Kuppusamy was selected for the prestigious NIH Fogarty Fellowship, spending two formative years at the National Institute on Ageing (NIH) in Baltimore. This period marked a turning point. Working alongside renowned biophysicists Dr. J.M. Rifkind and Dr. J.L. Zweier, he began an intellectual migration from chemistry into physics, biology, and medicine.
At the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he served as a Research Fellow and later faculty member in the Department of Medicine, Dr. Kuppusamy helped bridge the worlds of spectroscopy and biomedical imaging. It was here that his lifelong mission crystallized: to develop technologies capable of non-invasively visualizing oxygen, free radicals, and metabolic processes within living systems.
Building Centers of Excellence at Ohio State University
In 2002, Periannan Kuppusamy joined The Ohio State University, a move that would significantly amplify his scientific influence. He was appointed William D. and Jacquelyn L. Wells Chair in Imaging Research, a role he held from 2005 to 2013. During this period, he also served as Associate Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Director of the Center for Biomedical EPR Spectroscopy and Imaging.
At Ohio State, Dr. Kuppusamy built one of the world’s most respected EPR research programs, transforming the institution into a global hub for oxygen imaging and free-radical biology. His work exemplified interdisciplinary leadership—integrating engineering, radiology, internal medicine, and physics into a unified scientific vision.
Periannan Kuppusamy: Pioneering EPR Oximetry and Imaging
At the heart of Periannan Kuppusamy’s legacy lies his pioneering work in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) oximetry. His laboratory developed implantable oxygen-sensing probes, most notably the OxyChip, a revolutionary device that allows repeated, real-time measurement of oxygen levels in tissues.
This innovation transformed cancer research by enabling clinicians to directly assess tumor oxygenation, a critical factor influencing the success of radiation therapy. His widely acclaimed lectures, including “Sense & Sensibility”, reframed how oncologists understand hypoxia and treatment resistance.
Beyond oncology, Dr. Kuppusamy pioneered 3D spectral-spatial EPR imaging, making it possible to visualize metabolism and free-radical generation in post-ischemic tissues such as the heart—advancing cardiovascular diagnostics and therapy in unprecedented ways.
A Global Authority with Measurable Impact
The scientific influence of Periannan Kuppusamy is vast and measurable. He has authored over 400–500 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating more than 24,000 citations, a testament to the enduring relevance of his work. His research has been continuously supported by major funding bodies, including the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
He holds multiple patents related to oxygen measurement technologies, with OxyChip currently in clinical trials, signaling a direct pathway from laboratory innovation to patient care.
Honors, Awards, and International Recognition
The global scientific community has repeatedly recognized the extraordinary contributions of Periannan Kuppusamy:
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Silver Medal from the International EPR Society (2006) for biomedical imaging innovation
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Doctor of Medicine (Honoris Causa) from the University of Pécs, Hungary (2008) for cardiovascular research
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Lumley Award for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research from Ohio State University (2011)
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Doctor of Letters (2012) from the International Tamil University for contributions to digital Tamil education