Aakanksha Pathania
Research Scientist I at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR)
Scientist I @NIBR | Biomaterial/Tissue Engineer |3D Bioprinting enthusiast
It has been 12 years since I realized how powerfully medicines can affect lives- not only patients’ but also their families’ and how important efficacy of the ‘right’ drug interacting with the body is. 10 years ago, I realized Doctors only prescribed drugs, but engineers ‘made’ them. 

I'm a recent MS graduate, specialized in engineering biofabricated micro-devices and 3D printed tissue models to create functional in-vitro disease models. Having worked in multidisciplinary projects amalgamating Cell Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Molecular Biology and Cancer Biology, my experience largely comprises developing and optimizing drug testing on 3D tissue models that mimic body's physiology ex-vivo. 

I speak when required, and learn all the time. A firm believer in human curiosity, the power of medicine and persistence to beat all odds, I spend my days finding and then solving problems, gaining exceptional experiences and scientific outlook.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Technical/hands-on abilities: Aseptic technique, 2D/3D mammalian cell culture and maintenance (primary cells), Organoid development, Polymer Synthesis, Biofabrication, Molecular Biology Techniques

Instruments: 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)


So, if you're looking for someone who'll value relationships, add results, multiply efforts and divide the work: I'm your man! 

Please email me to know how I can contribute to your organization!
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis-institutes-for-biomedical-research
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
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Research Scientist I
Merck Research Laboratories
https://www.linkedin.com/company/merck-research-laboratories
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
Research And Development Specialist
University at Buffalo Engineering and Applied Sciences - UBEAA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-at-buffalo-engineering-and-applied-sciences---ubeaa
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
Graduate Student Research Assistant
UB Campus Dining & Shops
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ubcampusdiningandshops
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
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Student Trainer
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr.-b.-r.-ambedkar-national-institute-of-technology-jalandhar
Jalandhar Area, India
Undergraduate Researcher
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-cellular-and-molecular-biology
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
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Research Intern
Master of Science - MS
Focus Areas: Biomechanics, Biomaterials (polymer synthesis), 3D cell/organoid culture, Microfabricated tissue devices
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
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University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ub-seas/
Bachelor of Technology - BTech
Focus Areas: Genetic Engineering, Immunology, Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Industrial Biotechnology, Bioprocess Calculations
Biotechnology
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
https://www.linkedin.com/school/dr.-b.-r.-ambedkar-national-institute-of-technology-jalandhar/
UB Department of Biomedical Engineering
Runner-Up, BME Poster Competition 2020
Consistent winner at the annual cultural youth-fest 'Utkansh' for 3 years
National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar
First Place- Shut Up and Dance
Presented award for participation and  successful course completion on the basis of test evaluations at the end of the course.
Global Initiative of Academic Networks, IIT Kharagpur
International summer course on Biotechnology and Process Engineering for Biofuels Production
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.
TEQUIP II  Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology
National Conference on Applications of Biotechnology in Industry and Society
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
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.
Drug testing on engineered lung micro-tissues for a potential anti-fibrosis therapy
Development of Biomimetic 3D Prostate Cancer model using GelMA Encapsulated Organoids
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
Production and evaluation of the physical attributes of the turmeric based probiotic beverage using Lactic Acid Bacteria
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.
TRAP1 negatively regulates OXPHOS independent of hypoxia
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.
Identification of Molecular Targets of Capsaicin by in-silico methods
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.
Alleviation of Cadmium-induced phytotoxicity by the application of Indole-3-acetic acid in Brassica campestris L, an oil-bearing plant
Social Services
Team Cultural Affairs
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).
Associate Cultural Secretary
Education
Superprof
https://www.linkedin.com/company/superprof
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.
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Tutor
Education
The BEST Program
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.
Tutor
Science and Technology
UB STEM-UP Career Fair
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.
Student Volunteer
University at Buffalo
www.youracclaim.com
CTSI Responsible Research
https://www.youracclaim.com/badges/cd703e29-6947-4df7-b4a2-03e1a333d582/linked_in_profile
Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.labroots.com
328-3802-20
P.A.C.E training: 3-D Organoid Models for Differentiation of PSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3802/confirm
Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.labroots.com
328-3729-20
P.A.C.E training: CAR-T Generation for Identity, Purity and Potency Assay Testing
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3729/confirm
Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.labroots.com
328-3746-20
P.A.C.E training: Cutting Edge Viral and Non-Viral Delivery Platforms for T-Cell Engineering and Beyond
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3746/confirm
Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.labroots.com
328-3834-20
P.A.C.E training: Impact of liquid biopsy in advanced HER2+ breast cancer tumors: a followup study
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3834/confirm
Nexcelom Bioscience
www.labroots.com
328-3778-20
P.A.C.E training: Investigation of NK cell-driven tumor immunity using novel image cytometry detection method
https://www.labroots.com/credit/pace-credits/3778/confirm
University of Edinburgh School of Engineering
www.coursera.org
MB9ZB6LL2EZC
Data Science in Stratified Healthcare and Precision Medicine
https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/verify/MB9ZB6LL2EZC
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-b7086a1a9
Noida
Aakanksha Pathania
Student at FDDI Noida
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-a3608020b
New Delhi
Aakanksha Pathania
Intern at Eye 7 Chaudhary eye centre
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-78762676
Delhi, India
Aakanksha Pathania
WASH Professional
https://in.linkedin.com/in/aakanksha-pathania-442102185
Delhi, India
aakanksha pathania
Student at FDDI