Ms. Aruna Barade | Haematology | Young Scientist Award

Research Interests: 🧬🔬

Telomere biology, Molecular biology, Genetics, Tissue engineering, Immunology, Stem cells, Bone marrow failure

Academic Profile: 📚🎓

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (2019 – 2023): Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. Affiliated to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India. Thesis Title: “Elucidating the role of mesenchymal stromal cells, immune and telomere biology in regeneration and differentiation of Haematopoietic stem cells” Advisor: Dr. Eunice Sindhuvi, Professor, Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Ranipet Campus, Kilminnal Village, India. Master of Technology (Biotechnology) (2014 – 2016): Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India. Dissertation Title: Injectable, shape memory cryogels for tissue engineering of human induced pluripotent stem cells. Supervisor: Dr. Murugan Ramalingam, Associate Professor, Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Vellore, India. Bachelor of Engineering (Biotechnology) (2010 – 2014): New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India. Dissertation Title: Optimization of Solid-state Fermentation Process for Enhancing the Yield of Terreic Acid. Supervisor: Mr. R.S. Upendra Raju, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India.

Experience: 👩‍🔬🔍

Research Fellow, Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College, Vellore (July 2016 – present): Working on the pathophysiology of Aplastic anemia under the supervision of Dr. Eunice Sindhuvi and Dr. Biju George. Intern, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Vellore (July 2015 – December 2015): Project on “Injectable, shape memory cryogels for tissue engineering of human induced pluripotent stem cells” under the supervision of Dr. Murugan Ramalingam, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Vellore.

Other Experience: 🎓👩‍🏫

Involved in teaching postgraduate diploma students, briefing them on molecular biology and PCR-based techniques (2019-2022). Conducted a workshop on handling laboratory animals at Christian Medical College, Vellore, June 2019. Completed a basic flow cytometry course organized by ‘BD-NCBS of Centre of Excellence in Cytometry’ at National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, August 2019.

Technical expertise: 🧪🔬

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), Southern blotting, Sanger sequencing, Gene scan, NGS data analysis. Multiparametric flow cytometry (BD GAVIOS, NAVIOS), data analysis – Kaluza software, Flow-FISH method for telomere length measurement. Handling of primary samples and enrichment of target cell population (HSCs and MSCs). Animal handling, Western blotting, ELISA, cell-culture assays. Biomaterial synthesis, iPSC culture, tissue culture.

Awards and Achievements: 🏆👏

Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (IJMPO) award received for outstanding research conducted by a Postgraduate (2022). Indian Council of Medical Research – Senior Research Fellowship 2022. Abstract Achievement Award in “63rd Annual American Society of Hematology meeting and exposition” (2021). Travel Grant awarded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST-SERB, India) to attend the 63rd Annual American Society of Hematology meeting and exposition (2021). Abstract Achievement Award in “60th Annual American Society of Hematology meeting and exposition” (2018). Travel Grant awarded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST-SERB, India) to attend the 60th Annual American Society of Hematology meeting and exposition (2018). Qualified Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) 2016. University 7th rank in Master of Technology (Biotechnology), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India (2016). University 8th rank (Gold medal) in Bachelor of Engineering (Biotechnology), Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka, India (2014). Endowment award for the best academic performance in High School, 2008.