Janani Sickhan Ponnambalam Email & Phone Number

Singapore

Singapore

Government Scientific Advisors Office

Singapore

Intestine-on-Chip PhD Project- Established a human intestine epithelium in an innovative tubular microfluidics platform with relevant physiological forces using two cell lines, normal and cancerous. This work contributes to the development of more accurate and predictive organ-on-chip models for disease research.- Designed and fabricated a microfluidics chip to house the optimized micro-tube and allow for physiologically relevant peristalsis motion. This chip design enables the study of intestinal motility disorders in a controlled and reproducible environment.- Brainstormed and experimented with various relevant parameters of mechanical forces applied to facilitate cell adhesion. This work demonstrates my creativity, problem-solving skills, and microfluidics and cell culture expertise.- Developed an organ-on-chip model used to study intestinal motility disorders' effects on low-grade inflammation. This research has the potential to lead to new insights into the pathophysiology of these disorders and the development of more effective treatments.Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Sensor - Optimized fabrication and testing protocols for a point-of-care COVID-19 detection sensor using aptamers, contributing to the development of a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for this critical disease.- Collaborated with virologists to test the established sensor using pseudo and live virus strains, demonstrating its potential for clinical use.- Organized and managed a one-year project, supervising and mentoring four undergraduate interns and final year project students. Presented weekly updates to the principal investigator, co-authored an IRB application, and submitted the final grant report, demonstrating strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.- Delivered a poster presentation on the project at the IEEE EMBS Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine (MNM) Conference, Hawaii, December 2022, sharing research findings with a global audience of experts.

Singapore

Development of Biochip for Blood Plasma Extraction- Designed, fabricated, and characterized spiral inertial-based microfluidics chips for the efficient and gentle extraction of plasma from human blood.- Modified the trapezoidal cross-section of the channel and the bifurcation region to improve the chip's performance.- The finalized chip achieved a red blood cell (RBC) depletion rate close to 100% while processing 70X diluted blood at a flowrate of 2.6 ml/min with minimal hemolysis.

Singapore

Quantification of Loaded Chlorin e6 Concentrtaion in Gold Nanorods with Varying Drug Payload. - Collaborated with a PhD student to learn about nanoparticle fabrication and conduct basic wet lab experiments, following all safety protocols and best practices.- Investigated the relationship between the concentration of the photosensitizer chlorin e6 in the loading solution and the actual loaded concentration of Ce6 in gold nanorods, contributing to the development of safer and more effective cancer treatments.

Singapore

- Assisted in three inertial-based microfluidics projects, including two external collaborations with Sysmex Corporation and the University of Düsseldorf. Most of the projects involved isolating circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from human blood.- Designed and conducted wet-lab experiments involving human blood, following all safety protocols and best practices.- Processed and analysed daily experimental data, presenting findings at project meetings in a clear and concise manner.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering

- Working on organ-on-chip, specifically inflamed human intestine models. - Optimised exiting microtube technology (developed by current.

Master Of Engineering - Meng, Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Upgraded to PhD Programme

Bachelor'S Degree, Biomedical/Medical Engineering, Honours (Highest Distinction)

A Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate with a passion to work in the biotechnology and healthcare industry. Highly motivated and adaptive.

Bachelor'S Degree, Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Summer Exchange Programme on June 2018

Advanced Level Examination, Science

Activities and Societies: Treasurer, Indian Cultural Society

Ordinary Level Examination, Science

Activities and Societies: Chairperson, Red Cross Youth Society