Varun Narayan Email & Phone Number

United States

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

- Worked with Dr. Carlos Goller in investigating differential gene expression in Delftia acidovorans strains (SPH-1 and Cs1-4) using Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing and developing optimized bacterial transcriptomics methods with improved detection sensitivity - Established refined qPCR and RT-PCR protocols, demonstrating statistically significant increase in gene expression levels with 2.5-fold higher expression in the Cs1-4 strain responding to gold chloride exposure; characterized bacterial growth through IC50 curve analysis to determine optimal gold chloride concentrations (450-700 μM)- Quantified structural differences in bacterial biofilm formation using LionHeart fluorescence microscopy with time-lapse imaging, revealing distinct strain-specific clustering patterns under environmental stressors- Currently optimizing RNA extraction methods, SPH-1 strain-specific primer design, and RT-qPCR standardization to improve experimental reproducibility; presented findings at 2023 NCSU Summer Research Symposium alongside two undergraduate students

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

- Worked with Dr. David Bullock and other course lab members in engineering and expressing a CaMPARI fusion protein in E. coli and CHO cell systems through molecular cloning, achieving verified protein expression via Western blot analysis (75 kDa bands) with 6.92-fold increase under lactose induction- Optimized protein purification through glutathione affinity chromatography, achieving peak fluorescence in elution fractions (300.4 μg and 180 μg protein concentrations through Bradford analysis); implemented calcium signaling pathway studies using CaMPARI as fluorescent indicator- Executed precise molecular cloning techniques including PCR primer design and Gibson Assembly transformation (> 65% DNA recovery efficiency and > 260 colonies); conducted comprehensive protein analysis through Western blot, SDS-PAGE (20 - 75 kDa), and Bradford assays (R² = 0.994) for a standard curve- Demonstrated differential responses to Bortezomib treatment and successfully validated calcium sensitivity through EGTA chelation controls; presented findings to the NCSU Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biotechnology faculty and professors

Sanford, North Carolina, United States

- Designed and implemented an automated Microsoft Power Automate workflow to track and monitor priority change control metrics from gene therapy manufacturing operations; streamlined communication between QA representatives and reduced timeline delays by 30% for critical hemophilia B product releases - Led a value stream mapping initiative with other fellow interns for 25 Quality Assurance Validation workflows supporting hemophilia B gene therapy manufacturing using Microsoft Visio; optimized processes through the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to eliminate redundant steps and enhance operational efficiency in cGMP production- Collaborated with other interns in developing a Microsoft Power BI dashboard that integrated SAP manufacturing data and validation metrics for gene therapy products, with emphasis on raw material traceability and quality control - Designed visualizations tracking critical raw material parameters (plasmid DNA, cell culture media, buffer components) and automated alerts for certain expiration dates and stability testing requirements, ensuring cGMP compliance across manufacturing lots in Sanford, NC.

* Provided comprehensive research support services to students, faculty, and staff by facilitating access to academic databases, scholarly articles, and literature reviews; guided patrons in navigating digital library resources and conducting effective literature searches * Managed circulation of educational materials including course textbooks and technology equipment (VR headsets, cameras, gaming equipment); trained users on proper setup and operation of multimedia devices and HDMI connectivity * Delivered exceptional customer service at DH Hill Library's information desk by addressing patron inquiries, resolving technical issues, and providing guidance on library resources and services; maintained thorough knowledge of library systems and policies to ensure efficient assistance