Designing research strategy, performing experiments, and exploratory & descriptive data analysis. Data interpretation, storytelling, preparing reports, writing manuscripts, and grant proposals. Organizing research projects, strategic planning, and coordinating with collaborators for effective and timely delivery. Providing technical leadership and consultation to team members and graduate students. Disseminating research through conference & seminars. Projects and highlights:► Pediatrics Rare Neuro-Disorder : • Investigated the mechanism of Hydroxypropyl-beta-Cyclodextrin, which is in phase 2b/3 clinical trial (NCT02534844) and only drug for a type of rare neurodegenerative disorder in children. • Utilized proteomics tools and genome-wide data analysis approach and proposed a model.► Cancer Immunotherapy: • Investigated that anti-tumor drug, Bortezomib (Velcade) modulates anti-tumor response of adoptive T cell therapy.• Investigated anti-tumor synergy between adoptive T lymphocyte and Natural Killer Cells require physical contacts. ✔ Assisted PI developing and writing grant proposal that led to funding from NIH.✔ Published 4 research articles & commentary✔ Advised PhD and MD students on design and statistical analysis of their experiments✔ Presented to diverse audience at international conferences & seminars 🏆 Honored by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Retreat-2017 for best presentation

Focused areas: Neuro-immunology, Molecular Gene Therapy and Nano-medicine.► Nano-medicine for Stroke• Developed Nano-CAT, an antioxidant therapy for stroke using catalase-loaded nanoparticles. Recovered primary human neurons and astrocytes from oxidative injury• Identified oxidative stress-induced manipulation in tumor necrosis factor pathway in astrocytes as a target for stroke therapy► Molecular gene therapy for HIV-associated neurodisorder• Established neuroprotective role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) protein and developed therapeutic strategy for HIV-1-associated neurological disorders• Constructed gene-therapy plasmid vector for astrocyte-specific expression of TIMP-1 protein. Developed novel polymer for plasmid and siRNA delivery in hard to transfect primary human neurons. ► Alzheimer’s disease• Identified a novel self-defense mechanism in human neurons against Alzheimer’s disease. We found that neurons release neuroprotective chemokine, CXCL8 against Amyloid beta toxicity✔ Research findings helped PI to secure RO1 funding from NIH.✔ Published 3 research articles and 2 papers in preparation✔ Advised PhD and undergraduate students on designing projects and troubleshooting✔ Delivered talk & poster presentations in international conference🏆 Honored by Arthur-Falek Young Investigator Award, Early Career Investigator Award and best presentation awards

Focused areas: Assay Development, high-throughput drug screening, Drug resistance & Drug Targets, and Genomics► High-throughput drug screening assay:Genetically engineered Leishmania parasites expressing firefly luciferase gene. Developed a reporter gene assay for drug screening to find new drug candidates using these transgenic parasites. This assay was a game changer, and since then, this assay has been successfully running as a service offered by CDRI in central facility. CDRI screened thousands of compounds synthesized in-house or procured from its partner, Drug for Neglected Disease Institute (DNDi) and discovered many lead molecules and drug candidates.► Genomics and drug resistanceUsing DNA microarray technology, we identified a novel MAPK1 gene of L. donovani (we named it LdMAPK1). We found that this gene was responsible for drug-susceptibility in parasites isolated from patients, as we verified by genetic manipulations. ✔ Research findings helped PI to secure funding from DBT- and DST-India.✔ Published 7 research articles and 1 patent✔ Trained junior research fellows and MS students on designing projects and techniques✔ Delivered talk & poster presentations in national conferences🏆 Honored by Prof. MB Mirza Award for scientific contribution, and Fellowships