aakanksha pathania
Research Scientist I at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR)
scientist @ nibr | biomaterial/tissue engineer |3d bioprinting enthusiast
ha 12 year since realized powerfully medicine affect lives- patient ’ also family ’ important efficacy ‘ right ’ drug interacting body . 10 year ago , realized doctor prescribed drug , engineer ‘ made ’ . 'm recent graduate , specialized engineering biofabricated micro-devices 3d printed tissue model create functional in-vitro disease model . worked multidisciplinary project amalgamating cell biomechanics , tissue engineering , biomaterials , molecular biology cancer biology , experience largely comprises developing optimizing drug testing 3d tissue model mimic body 's physiology ex-vivo . speak required , learn time . firm believer human curiosity , power medicine persistence beat odds , spend day finding solving problem , gaining exceptional experience scientific outlook . key competency : technical/hands-on ability : aseptic technique , 2d/3d mammalian cell culture maintenance ( primary cell ) , organoid development , polymer synthesis , biofabrication , molecular biology technique instrument : microscopy ( phase-contrast/fluorescence/confocal ) , uv-vis spectrophotometer , plasma-etcher , 3d bioprinter ( sla , inkjet ) , respirometer software/languages : imagej , autodock , gwyddion , matlab , python , java ( beginner ) , c/c++ ( intermediate ) , autocad ( beginner ) , 're looking someone 'll value relationship , add result , multiply effort divide work : 'm man ! please email know contribute organization !
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis-institutes-for-biomedical-research
Research Scientist I
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C560BAQF9a3HtfqlRQA/company-logo_100_100/0/1625136537896?e=1655942400&v=beta&t=B051-wyNyhpzHiTIZbVmoEET-67JIQ4ESC0OOSO2lnk
Merck Research Laboratories
https://www.linkedin.com/company/merck-research-laboratories
Research And Development Specialist
As part of the Cellular Pharmacology: Centralized Cell Culture team at MRL Boston, I'm investigating cytotoxic drug responses in Tcell-Tumoroid co-cultures. In this potential direction, I'm independently expanding both PBMC and CRC tumoroid human donor/ xenograft lines to develop assays that target downstream disease biomarkers.

My work also includes managing cell culture (suspension, adherent) requests from other scientists and scaling them up for further drug screening and/or assay development studies and cryopreservation.
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
University at Buffalo Engineering and Applied Sciences - UBEAA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-at-buffalo-engineering-and-applied-sciences---ubeaa
Graduate Student Research Assistant
As a Research Assistant at Microtissue Engineering and Biomechanics Lab at UB, my main focus is to develop 3D printed biomimetic tumor models for drug testing. Currently working with organoid culture, I aim to test tumor organoid viability in a restricted hydrogel environment to observe their metastatic and angiogenic potential. 

Additionally, I'm expanding micro-tissue arrays using replica molding and lithographic techniques as models to optimize drug concentrations for reversal of Idiopathic Lung Fibrosis (IPF).
Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area
UB Campus Dining & Shops
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ubcampusdiningandshops
Student Trainer
I encourage people to realize their potential, communicate and work towards making campus dining a wholesome, fulfilling and fun experience for all. In the meantime, you'll see me decorating cakes and cookies in the bakery.
Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area
https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C510BAQEiM5ZgfVZhnA/company-logo_100_100/0/1519881924275?e=1655942400&v=beta&t=VVVGJuLoIkPnVAbtAa8HGNVILy1p1Z-0WsHbkxHxscE
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr.-b.-r.-ambedkar-national-institute-of-technology-jalandhar
Undergraduate Researcher
Jalandhar Area, India
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-cellular-and-molecular-biology
Research Intern
Chosen as a research intern at the Stress Biology and Molecular Medicine lab out of 3000+ UG and PG applicants. 

What I learnt: Was assigned a project on heat shock protein (HSP-90) analogue TRAP-1, wherein I imbibed techniques like RT-PCR, Gene expression analysis, DNA/RNA extraction, SDS-PAGE, Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry, UV-VIS Spectrophotometry, Respirometry and 2D cell culture.

How I Applied: Identified the role of TRAP-1 in regulating tumor metabolism in the presence of hypoxic conditions. Subsequently, TRAP-1 showed a 30% over-expression in response to chemically induced hypoxia in tumor cells as compared to regular cancerous phenotype.
Hyderabad Area, India
https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C510BAQFUzGm5-1zLiQ/company-logo_100_100/0/1529904393082?e=1655942400&v=beta&t=cQVSdwOrCIndN5Hkp-rMibjtePJmmk43GiS2ZFSxAKw
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science - MS
University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ub-seas/
Focus Areas: Biomechanics, Biomaterials (polymer synthesis), 3D cell/organoid culture, Microfabricated tissue devices
https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4D0BAQGADsdWLcUXGw/company-logo_100_100/0/1592336092925?e=1655942400&v=beta&t=q6U2Lr6BtYOG68ndOHIExxAUwqcsPBoScT97wFfSfcI
Biotechnology
Bachelor of Technology - BTech
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
https://www.linkedin.com/school/dr.-b.-r.-ambedkar-national-institute-of-technology-jalandhar/
Focus Areas: Genetic Engineering, Immunology, Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocess Calculations
Runner-Up, BME Poster Competition 2020
UB Department of Biomedical Engineering
First Place- Shut Up and Dance
National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
Consistent winner at the annual cultural youth-fest 'Utkansh' for 3 years
International summer course on Biotechnology and Process Engineering for Biofuels Production
Global Initiative of Academic Networks, IIT Kharagpur
Presented award for participation and  successful course completion on the basis of test evaluations at the end of the course.
National Conference on Applications of Biotechnology in Industry and Society
TEQUIP II  Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology
Participated and Presented my work on "Alleviation of Cadmium Induced Phytotoxicity in B. Campestris, an oil bearing plant". 
Volunteered as a student organiser in charge of guest reception and event scheduling.
Biomedical Micro/Nanotechnology
BE572
Biopharmaceuticals
BTX 403
Biosensors
BTX427
Drug Design
BTX429
Genetic Engineering
BTX204
Heat and Mass Transfer
CHX382
Immunology
BTX307
Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology
BTX402
Metallic Biomaterials
BE551
Object Oriented Programming
CSX207
Protein Engineering
BTX324
Rehabilitation Engineering
BE553
Drug testing on engineered lung micro-tissues for a potential anti-fibrosis therapy
Pulmonary fibrosis is progressive disease marked by stiffening of lung tissues, consequently leading to severe organ malfunctions.

With such severe implications and no cure, the need for anti-fibrotic therapies becomes evident. Additionally, the lack of in-vitro biomimetic disease models that expediate the translation of anti-fibrotic drugs into clinical settings poses a major roadblock.

Previously developed in-vitro disease models partially mimic the tissue physiology but lack tissue remodeling or high-throughput screening capabilities. Taking all these limitations into consideration, the present study recapitulates dynamic changes in tissue mechanics during fibrogenesis on a micro-pillar array platform. 

Additionally, the micro-tissue model also presents potential utility in multi-parameter, phenotypic analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of a novel test drug provided by an industry collaborator.

Preventative treatment with the test drug reduce tissue contractility, thus preventing tissue stiffening and declining tissue compliance in fibrotic disease model.
 
In conclusion, the application of fibrotic microtissue arrays to screen and predict therapeutic efficacies of novel drug compositions opens up possibilities for personalised treatment of fibrosis.
Development of Biomimetic 3D Prostate Cancer model using GelMA Encapsulated Organoids
Production and evaluation of the physical attributes of the turmeric based probiotic beverage using Lactic Acid Bacteria
Used Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) as a starter culture to ferment turmeric extract based beverage sample. The probiotic potential of the beverage was evaluated by accessing the physical attributes like Total Titrable Acidity, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant activity
TRAP1 negatively regulates OXPHOS independent of hypoxia
Individually investigated the role of nuclear-encoded, mitochondrial heat shock protein, TRAP1 in tumor metastasis, using IMR-32 cell phenotypes exposed to chemically induced hypoxia. Results obtained by gene expression analysis of TRAP1 and hypoxia-responsive genes (VEGF, SOD1, SOD2, HIF-1-alpha), Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) and ATP measurements.
Identification of Molecular Targets of Capsaicin by in-silico methods
Used in-silico methods like virtual screening and molecular docking to identify molecular targets of Capsaicin, a protein known to possess analgesic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Prediction and shortlisting of the most effective and stable targets was done by using web-servers like PharmMapper and PharmaGist. Molecular docking of the short-listed target proteins with capsaicin was performed using AutoDock software, considering parameters like structure-receptor relationship, binding energies and conformational constraints.
Alleviation of Cadmium-induced phytotoxicity by the application of Indole-3-acetic acid in Brassica campestris L, an oil-bearing plant
Checked local soil samples near the industrial area for the presence of cadmium. Locally growing mustard plant was chosen as a model system to investigate the effect of cadmium on growth, productivity, biochemical characteristics like chlorophyll and leaf protein content, activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. The toxicity induced by cadmium was further nullified to some extent by the application of Indole-3-acetic acid.
Social Services
Team Cultural Affairs
Associate Cultural Secretary
Raised funds and managed the budgets (worth ₹17 lakhs INR) of the annual cultural fest, UTKANSH (2016-2018), which saw a footfall of 5000+ students from all over India every year.

Led a team of 20+ students to co-ordinate, schedule and ensure the successful execution of extra-curricular events in the university throughout the year (2016-2018).
Education
Superprof
https://www.linkedin.com/company/superprof
Tutor
Contribute custom sessions for students requiring mentorship or help with middle/high school STEM concepts and syllabus.
Help students prepare for high school entrance and other competitive exams.
https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E0BAQEYXfNzW0y_AA/company-logo_100_100/0/1629794995703?e=1655942400&v=beta&t=5jA9hvhfaKFtFXedYW9TigF8Shf8rXmFkbxqoonbycI
Education
The BEST Program
Tutor
As a part of UB's BEST initiative to empower children (most of whom are refugees), I'm currently mentoring 5-8th graders who struggle with English (ENL) and communication.
Science and Technology
UB STEM-UP Career Fair
Student Volunteer
Assisted company representatives from companies like ACV Auctions, Moog, Cytocybernectics to manage respective booths, 
Directed interested students to the right companies.
Managed the help center.
https://www.youracclaim.com/badges/cd703e29-6947-4df7-b4a2-03e1a333d582/linked_in_profile
CTSI Responsible Research
www.youracclaim.com
University at Buffalo
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3802/confirm
P.A.C.E training: 3-D Organoid Models for Differentiation of PSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons
328-3802-20
www.labroots.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3729/confirm
P.A.C.E training: CAR-T Generation for Identity, Purity and Potency Assay Testing
328-3729-20
www.labroots.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3746/confirm
P.A.C.E training: Cutting Edge Viral and Non-Viral Delivery Platforms for T-Cell Engineering and Beyond
328-3746-20
www.labroots.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3834/confirm
P.A.C.E training: Impact of liquid biopsy in advanced HER2+ breast cancer tumors: a followup study
328-3834-20
www.labroots.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3778/confirm
P.A.C.E training: Investigation of NK cell-driven tumor immunity using novel image cytometry detection method
328-3778-20
www.labroots.com
Nexcelom Bioscience
https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/verify/MB9ZB6LL2EZC
Data Science in Stratified Healthcare and Precision Medicine
MB9ZB6LL2EZC
www.coursera.org
University of Edinburgh School of Engineering
Aakanksha Pathania
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-b7086a1a9
Student at FDDI Noida
Noida
Aakanksha Pathania
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-a3608020b
Intern at Eye 7 Chaudhary eye centre
New Delhi
Aakanksha Pathania
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-78762676
WASH Professional
Delhi, India
aakanksha pathania
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-442102185
Student at FDDI
Delhi, India