Certificate course in Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Methodology
03.2020
MSc Clinical Virology
09.2012 - 11.2014
I have done Master’s degree in Clinical Virology, a course primarily focussed on Public Health Virology.
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)
09.2007 - 06.2011
I have done my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and interned there.
Laboratory Supervisor
04.2022 - Present
As a seasoned Laboratory Supervisor specializing in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, I am dedicated to driving cutting-edge research and ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory. With a background in life sciences, I bring extensive experience to the table, overseeing day-to-day activities, maintaining a culture of safety and compliance, and managing resources efficiently. Leading a team of talented researchers, I foster collaboration, provide guidance, and coordinate impactful research projects in adherence to rigorous protocols. My commitment extends to implementing quality control measures, managing state-of-the-art equipment, and facilitating meticulous data analysis. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the forefront of scientific discovery in the realm of stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Senior Laboratory Researcher
04.2021 - 03.2023
As a professional in the field of DNA sequencing and laboratory management, my expertise encompasses a range of crucial responsibilities. These include Illumina DNA library preparation, managing sample inventory, tracking, and library planning. I also coordinate laboratory activities within my team, ensuring smooth operations. Additionally, I perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleic acid using advanced instruments such as Nanodrop and Qubit. I excel in library preparation using the Illumina DNA PCR free protocol, employing both manual and automated processes with the Tecan freedom evo and Opentrons OT-2 systems. Furthermore, I am proficient in setting up and maintaining the NovaSeq 6000 sequencer, handling reagent cartridges and flowcells, and loading samples for sequencing. I also conduct thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis of the generated sequence data. Finally, I contribute to sample sheet preparation and collaborate with the bioinformatics team for seamless data analysis and interpretation.
Clinical Virologist
11.2015 - 05.2021
I held many roles and responsibilities and worked under various research projects as follows.
Senior Research Officer (Project Co-ordinator) | Jul 2019 – May 2021
Department of biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India funded ‘Translational Research Consortium for Establishing Platform Technologies to Support Prophylactic and Therapeutic Strategies for Dengue Discovery to Proof-of-Concept’ and Department of biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India funded ‘Translational research consortium for Chikungunya virus’ (PI: Dr G Arunkumar)
Research Officer | Oct 2018 – Jun 2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA funded ‘Burden and Risk of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Geographical Zones of India (BRIDGE)’. (PI: Dr G Arunkumar)
Laboratory Manager | Mar 2018 – Sep 2018
World Health Organization – Southeast Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) funded ‘Comprehensive sentinel surveillance for Influenza A (H7N9) in India’. (PI: Dr. G Arunkumar)
Study Manager | Nov 2015 – Feb 2018
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA (CDC) funded ‘Hospital Based Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance (AFI) in India. (PI: Dr. G Arunkumar)
As a researcher, I lead the flow cytometry and Luminex laboratory, utilizing my hands-on expertise in BSL 2 and BSL 3 environments. I am well-versed in virological techniques, such as TCID50, PRNT, HA, HAI, classical virological and molecular techniques. Genomic sequencing using Sanger and Illumina MiSeq platforms, cell culture, virus isolation, ELISA, ELISPOT, and TaqMan array are all part of my repertoire. Furthermore, my proficiency extends to planning and designing biosafety laboratories, including BSL 2, BSL 3, and BSL 4 facilities.
Having served as a Quality Manager in the country’s largest NABL-accredited virology laboratory in compliance with ISO 15189:2021, I possess a thorough understanding of quality management systems in diagnostic virology.
As an academician, I contribute to the education of master’s students, lecturing on subjects such as basic virology, systemic virology, flow cytometry, laboratory design, cell culture techniques, and parasitology. With my wealth of practical experience and in-depth knowledge, I aim to inspire and educate the next generation of virologists.
Overall, my multidimensional expertise in clinical virology, research, laboratory management, quality assurance, and academia positions me as a valuable asset to any team or institution in the field of virology and public health.
For outstanding effort to control Nipah Virus oubtreak
2016
In 2018, India faced a severe public health crisis with the outbreak of the Nipah virus. Originating in the state of Kerala, the Nipah virus outbreak sent shockwaves throughout the country and garnered global attention. The virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans, caused a range of symptoms, including fever, respiratory distress, encephalitis, and, unfortunately, a high mortality rate. Swift action was taken by the Indian government and health authorities to contain the outbreak, implementing rigorous surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control measures. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, virologists, epidemiologists, and public health officials played a crucial role in minimizing the spread of the virus and providing timely medical interventions. The Nipah virus outbreak in India served as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by emerging infectious diseases and highlighted the importance of preparedness, rapid response, and international cooperation in safeguarding public health.