Research Area
My interest is in understanding the molecular biology (both genomics & RNA biology) of Type 2 Diabetes and its complications and retinal disorders. How these DNA & RNA (especially small RNA molecules) play a significant role in disease phenotypes among different ethnic groups. I would like to use the findings in the development of miRNA-based therapeutics for these complex disorders. Also, to understand how lifestyle modifications can help the individuals to delay the disease manifestation and progression.
Work Experience
Pre-Doctoral Research Experience
Postdoctoral Research Associate at Khanna Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, UMASS Medical School, Worcester, MA (USA), January 2018 to December 2018. I was involved in strategizing the development of novel therapeutics for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) as well as in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts. I worked with two NIH granted projects: 1) microRNA-based tools to explore molecular mechanisms of RP and 2) development of gene therapy using a mini-CEP290 fragment (mini-gene constructs) to delay photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of LCA.
Pre-Doctoral Research Experience
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CSIR-SRF(July, 2015-July, 2016)Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U
Project Title: Targeted genome analysis of two large diabetic retinopathy cohorts from Northern and Southern India.
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Project Assistant(June, 2011 to March, 2012)Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U
Project Title: UGC-SAP (DRS-I) Determination of genetic and lifestyle risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and its complications.
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BCIL Training, Auroprobe Laboratories(Dec, 2010 to May, 2011)
Project Title:Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis an autoimmune disorder by targeting the specific gene HLA-B27 using PCR Technology.
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M.Sc Dissertation (2007-2009)Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U
Project Title:Cytogenetic damage studies in kidney disease patients undergoing standard hemodialysis therapy (twice per week).
Teaching subject specialization
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Genetics & Genomics, Molecular biology, Immunology
Scientific Activities
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Peer Reviewer: Journal of Diabetes (Wiley online library), Plos One, Molecular Vision Journal of Diabetes (Wiley online library), Plos One, Molecular Vision
Awards and Achievements
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Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Travel Award to attend the Keystone Symposium on “Diabetes and Obesity” held at Keystone, Colorado, USA from 22nd-26th January, 2017.
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DST-SERB (Govt. of India) Young Scientist (Travel and Registration Fellowship) to participate and present the poster in the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Conference, Barcelona, Spain from 21st-24th May, 2016.
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Selected for ICMR-SRF-2016.
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Selected for Basic Scientific Research fellowship for the meritorious students (UGC-BSR)-2015.
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IERG meeting Travel Grant-2015 for the poster entitled “Variants of ADIPOQ gene modulate susceptibility towards Diabetic Retinopathy in a North-West Indian population (Punjab)” in 22nd Annual meeting of the Indian Eye Research Group-ARVO India Chapter at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, from 25th-26th July, 2015.
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Best Poster Presentation Award for the poster entitled “Association Analysis of ADIPOQ gene Polymorphisms in a Diabetic Retinopathy Cohort from North India (Punjab)” in Joint IUBMB-RCB Workshop on Diabetes and Metabolic Syndromes at RCB, Gurgaon, from 24th-29th November, 2014.
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Cleared All India Ph.D. eligibility test for the Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U, Amritsar in 2010.
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Received third prize for Best Oral Presentation in the Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U, Amritsar during M.Sc.
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Punjab State Council for Science and Technology Fellowship, Chandigarh (Punjab) in 2009.
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Secured All India 14th rank in M.Sc. entrance exam for Department of Human Genetics, G.N.D.U, Amritsar in 2007.
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SAF Madanjeet Singh Scholarship from South-Asia Foundation, UNESCO in 2007.