Vikas Rao Email & Phone Number

California, United States

Sunnyvale, Ca, Us

Sunnyvale, Ca, Us

Sunnyvale, Ca, Us

Dallas, Texas, Us

I co-developed proof-of-concept design through 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks/OnShape) and FDM 3D printing. I performed PCR on 3D printed modules yielding results comparable to the reference PCR tests through rigorous protocol and design improvements. I designed and SLA 3D printed prototypes to test different DNA purification protocols. I successfully optimized the workflow to achieve over 20% improved DNA yield. I tested and compared numerous DNA extraction and purification kits I identified the most efficient kit and developed novel DNA test assays using PCR and Isothermal Amplification techniques. The DNA assay development involved primer design, reagent and reaction conditions optimization, evaluation of microbiological assay performance and data analysis.I translated traditional assays into technical requirements for our proprietary instrument and communicated them to contract developers. I partook in weekly meetings where we verified the design changes, conceived new ideas and refined the design. I employed COMSOL and Finite Element Method Magnetics tools to run thermal and magnetic simulations to improve DNA microfluidic cartridge design and automated DNA purification process. This cut costs and improved yield. I developed detailed working SOPs for all design, testing and microbiological processes in the lab. I performed characterization of individual subsystems, identified points of failure, proposed alternative pathways, tested solutions and subsequently communicated the new requirements to the suppliers. I used vector designing concepts and contributed to app and website UI design. I regularly presented result data and demonstrated the successful working of prototype to investors and stakeholders.

Dallas, Texas, Us

I was responsible for executing day-to-day activities in the wet lab. I procured commercially available PCR kits for label-free DNA amplification testing on reference instruments and visualization through Gel-Electrophoresis and Imaging. I applied surface chemistry concepts to immobilize strands of DNA on different inert surfaces in order to achieve Solid Phase PCR. I tested cell commercial PCR kits on our proof-of-principle model using a LabVIEW program that was designed in-house. I actively participated in conversations with vendors to set up relevant lab consumables, kits and other materials for DNA quantification and purity testing. I also characterized various materials for non-specific DNA binding and reaction inhibition. I carried out in-vitro culturing of non-pathogenic bacteria and performed cell lysis, DNA extraction, and isolation studies.

Richardson, Texas, Us

I was a teaching assistant for the Digital Circuits course (BMEN 3370) for two semesters from fall through spring. I assisted the professor by handling all responsibilities pertaining to the lab aspect of the course. I helped the undergraduate students run experiments and perform tasks in the lab that encompassed complex combinational logic, sequential logic, application of hierarchical design and state diagrams, basic usage of NI ELVIS FPGA board and LabVIEW. Additionally, I was responsible for grading weekly assignments, conducting weekly office hours to clarify conceptual questions for the students, proctoring exams and providing detailed ABET evaluations at the end of each semester. Through the duration of this assistantship, I received complete scholarship for grad school.

Richardson, Texas, Us

As a graduate researcher at the Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Lab, I assisted R&D efforts involving the design and characterization of flexible biosensors for non-invasive biomarker detection. I developed immunoassay protocols for the detection of different biomarkers using label-free Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). I aided in sensor design and electrode layout using SolidWorks, conducted calibration on newly fabricated sensors, monitored its continuous performance for successful diagnostic implementation. I performed surface-modification of biosensors with proteins, characterized performance, and reduced noise using a range of optimization efforts.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire , Gb

I was part of a 48-hour medical technology hack-a-thon organized by the Consortium of Affordable Medical Technologies (CAMTech, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston) at GE's John. F. Welch Research and Technology Center, Bengaluru. As a part of a team of creators, engineers, and doctors, I identified the pressing need for early detection of respiratory distress symptoms in infants. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in infants and the mortality rate can be drastically reduced by early diagnosis. We conceptualized an abdominal belt designed to monitor breathing patterns, body temperature, and blood oxygen level - three vital signs indicative of pneumonia. This device, 'Pneu-Monitor' was intended to be used by untrained personnel on infants younger than 1-year-old. A simple green and red light on the belt indicated that the baby was in good health or that it needed immediate attention respectively. The Pneu-Monitor was estimated to cost less than $10, required none to minimal training to operate and had a revolutionizing impact on infant mortality and health. Our team presented a prototype at the end of the hack-a-thon to industry experts along with a roadmap for further development and commercialization. We went on to secure the 'Support and Incubation Award' sponsored by Dayanand Sagar Institute to accelerate this project. We also filed a provisional patent for the product (Intellectual Property of India).

Bangalore, In

During the senior year of my undergraduate program, I was part of a team that developed a piezoelectric biosensor for rapid diagnostics. I helped identify the cost-benefit advantage of piezo sensors compared to other biosensing transducers, procured piezo sensors of varying frequencies and performed initial testing. On narrowing down the best sensor for this application, I co-developed the prototype that consisted of the bio-sensor module and frequency meter circuitry. I aided in the characterization of the biosensor and established the working relationship between the frequency change of the piezo-sensor and the microbial load applied to it. We utilized the antibody-antigen agglutination principle used in blood group typing to establish the proof-of-principle. We hypothesized that the sensor surface can be modified to test different diseases and blood samples can be used to perform rapid screening tests. It cost less than $30 to build the sensor and the total time to result took less than 30 minutes. This was significantly faster and cheaper than existing conventional screening methods. With a more sensitive piezo-sensor, the sensitivity can be increased up to 3 orders of magnitude which can replace classic confirmatory tests for diseases while requiring only a third of the time. Our team presented this work at Manipal Institute of Technology, India and emerged as runners-up in the paper presentation event which lead to a conference publication 'Quartz Crystal Microbalance biosensor for rapid detection of agglutination reaction as a function of frequency change.'

Bangalore, Karnataka, In

I interned at the Computer Science and Automation department where I utilized computational biology tools to identify potent drugs in order to tackle Dengue infection. Age-old Indian tradition dictates the use of Neem (Azadirachta indica) to combat viral infections. Recent scientific studies proved Neem's effectivity but it is still poorly understood. I coupled information about relevant anti-viral small molecules with bioinformatics tools such as AutoDock to simulate the interaction between viral proteins of different Dengue serotypes (DENV 1 - 4) and small ligand molecules of Neem. I also conducted simulation studies for interaction between human proteins and Neem ligands. I analyzed the binding energy for every pair of ligand-protein complex and identified the most potent Neem ligand which can function to block receptors on human and viral cells. Additionally, I carefully examined the docking site using PyMol which revealed chemical complementarity, thus corroborating the hypothesis. I concluded that Neem ligand small molecules have an affinity to bind to both crucial receptors on the human cell and the viral capsid proteins. This blocks the entry of the virus into the human cell by rendering the virus incapable of attaching to receptor sites. This study forms a strong basis for future research into Neem as an antiviral agent.

Karnataka, In

During the summer internship, I worked with a team to evaluate six turmeric species (Curcuma longa) for their oil yielding potential, chemical composition, and anti-bacterial properties. I prepared the turmeric samples in three different ways (fresh, dried and cured) and performed Hydro-distillation to separate out the essential oil. I extracted curcuminoids using solvent extraction method and conducted High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) to obtain chromatograms. I procured bacterial organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus coagulans and subcultured them using nutrient agar. I added extracted turmeric oleoresin to the culture, analyzed the bacterial growth and characterized the inhibition zone. Through this project, I learned to use complex GC and HPLC equipment for analytical chemistry and to identify, quantify and purify individual components of the extracted mixture.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor Of Engineering (B.E.), Biotechnology