B.S. Chemistry

M.S. Philosophy University of Hyderabad, India 

Ph.D. Chemistry Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio

Dr. V. Prakash Reddy Professor of Chemistry at Missouri S&T died in Cleveland, Ohio on April 18, 2024, after a short battle with illness.
Dr. Reddy was born on February 10, 1955 to Narasimha Reddy V and Soundaramma in Narayanagiri Village of Telangana State, India. He earned a M.Phil. from the University of Hyderabad, India and a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He conducted postdoctoral research at both Syracuse University and the University of Southern California before joining the chemistry faculty at Missouri S&T as an Assistant Professor in 2001. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006, and to Professor in 2015. A researcher in the fields of synthetic and bioorganic chemistry, Dr. Reddy had an issued patent, three provisional patent applications, published two books and over 100 research articles. He also edited several journals in chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. He was known as one of the exemplary educators in the department of chemistry offering courses in organic chemistry at all levels and was well respected by students over the years. Dr. Reddy was also a kind-hearted mentor who always found time for his students and has graduated several students with PhD, who went on to lead successful careers in academia and industry. During his time at Missouri S&T, he was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Faculty Fellow, an honorary member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and won recognition as one of the top 2% highly cited researchers in his field. Dr. Reddy was also a philanthropist and financially supported the education mission in schools in his village in India. Dr. Reddy was an accomplished and well-respected scientist who will be remembered for his contributions to organofluorine chemistry, passionate teaching, and kind-hearted spirit.
Dr. Reddy is survived by his sisters Aruna Devi Billa and Swarupa Rani Alooru.
Funeral arrangements are with Null & Son Funeral Home, and visitation is on April 28, 1-4 pm at 1010 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401.
In tribute to Dr. V. Prakash Reddy’s legacy and his profound dedication to his career at Missouri University of Science and Technology, we invite memorial donations to bolster scholarships for students within the Chemistry department. Kindly make checks payable to the university, accompanied by a note specifying the gift's designation to the fund in memory of Dr. V. Prakash Reddy. Send payment to: Missouri University of Science & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 104 Schrenk Hall, 400 W. 11th Street, Rolla, MO 65409.