received his B. Sc. Degree in Zoology from the University of Mysore in 1977 and his postgraduate degree in Zoology with Genetics specialization in 1979 from the same University. In 1987 he obtained his Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry (Environmental Toxicology) from University of Mumbai. For the past forty years he has been teaching genetics, immunology, molecular biology and physiology to undergraduate students. He has previously published a book on Immunology. Dr. Rao retains his research interest in liver toxicology and is actively involved with environmental toxicology programme and has been publishing research papers in reputed toxicology journals. At present he is carrying out research on second generation biofuels and plant derived antidote for snake venoms.