SARASWATHY VAIDYANATHAN

Research Fellow | Molecular Biologist | Image Analysis Specialist
Lowell, US.

About

Highly accomplished PhD-level molecular biologist and image analysis specialist with 5+ years of comprehensive research experience in oncology, virology, and environmental biology. Expert in developing advanced immunofluorescence panels, machine learning-driven image analysis pipelines, and molecular assays. Proven leader in academic settings, adept at mentoring researchers and communicating complex scientific findings to diverse audiences.

Work

Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI)
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Research Fellow

Boston, MA, US

Summary

Leading advanced research in medical oncology, developing multiplexed immunofluorescence panels and machine learning pipelines for pancreatic cancer pathology analysis.

Highlights

Developed multiplexed immunofluorescence panels to precisely evaluate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathology using human tissue specimens.

Assembled an innovative image analysis pipeline leveraging machine learning to process extensive tissue data and comprehensively analyze the tumor microenvironment of PDAC.

University of Massachusetts Lowell
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Graduate Research Assistant

Lowell, MA, US

Summary

Conducted advanced biological research for PhD, focusing on developing and optimizing assays and image analysis pipelines to study immune cell organization and environmental pollutant effects.

Highlights

Developed and optimized singleplex and multiplexed RNA-ISH assays to elucidate the spatial organization of diverse immune cells in threespine stickleback fish splenic tissue.

Created novel image analysis pipelines using HALO and Qupath, accurately quantifying changes in splenic organization of threespine stickleback fish.

Performed traditional pathology techniques, including H&E staining, to assess splenic organization and evaluate the histopathological effects of a common environmental pollutant.

University of Massachusetts
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NSF- NRT Trainee (Sustainable Water Innovations in Materials- Mentoring, Education & Research (SWIMMER))

Lowell, MA, US

Summary

Participated in a National Science Foundation research traineeship focused on sustainable water innovations, integrating mentoring, education, and research.

Highlights

Engaged in interdisciplinary research and training within the Sustainable Water Innovations in Materials (SWIMMER) program, applying scientific principles to environmental challenges.

Contributed to educational initiatives and research projects, enhancing expertise in sustainable water solutions and scientific mentorship.

University of Massachusetts Lowell
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Graduate Teaching Assistant

Lowell, MA, US

Summary

Provided instructional support and mentorship to undergraduate students in biological sciences, enhancing their laboratory and theoretical understanding.

Highlights

Assisted in delivering course content and laboratory sessions for biological sciences, improving student comprehension of complex scientific concepts.

Provided direct guidance and feedback to a diverse student body, contributing to their academic success and practical skill development in laboratory techniques.

National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB)
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Research Assistant

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Summary

Conducted extensive virology research focusing on Newcastle disease virus, developing protocols, engineering genetic systems, and managing undergraduate research projects.

Highlights

Developed immunofluorescence, cell culture, and plaque assay protocols, elucidating the role of non-structural viral proteins of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in viral replication.

Engineered a reverse genetics system for NDV by constructing a full-length recombinant NDV genome, enabling advanced studies of viral function.

Constructed mutant clones of nonstructural viral proteins using site-directed mutagenesis, successfully identifying nuclear localization signals critical for viral activity.

Managed multiple research projects, successfully training and overseeing four undergraduate researchers, and taught histology, microscopy, and image analysis techniques.

Lupin Limited
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Research Intern (Biotech Division R&D)

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Summary

Contributed to biotechnology R&D by constructing gene clones for monoclonal antibodies and assisting with critical biochemical assays.

Highlights

Constructed clones of heavy and light chain genes of monoclonal antibodies using TOPO-TA cloning vectors, supporting therapeutic development efforts.

Assisted in glucose estimation assays, providing crucial data for biochemical analysis within the R&D division.

Volunteer

Graduate Pathogen Research Club
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President

Lowell, MA, United States of America

Summary

Led a graduate student organization focused on pathogen research, fostering community and scientific discussion.

Highlights

Presided over the Graduate Pathogen Research Club for three years, organizing regular meetings and scientific events.

Fostered professional development and networking opportunities for graduate students in pathogen research, enhancing collaborative efforts.

Society of Integrative & Comparative Biology
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Student Journalist

Remote, MA, United States of America

Summary

Communicated scientific findings to a broader audience through journalistic writing for a professional society.

Highlights

Authored engaging science news articles for SICB, translating complex research into accessible content for a wide audience.

Enhanced public understanding of integrative and comparative biology through compelling and informative scientific journalism.

Biorender
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Student Ambassador

Remote, MA, United States of America

Summary

Represented Biorender, promoting its tools and resources within the scientific community and facilitating adoption.

Highlights

Advocated for Biorender's scientific illustration platform, engaging with peers and promoting its utility for research communication.

Supported the adoption and effective use of advanced scientific visualization tools among students and researchers, enhancing presentation quality.

St. Michaels School Science Fair
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Regional Judge

Boston Metropolitan Area, MA, United States of America

Summary

Judged student projects at a regional science fair, providing feedback and encouraging scientific inquiry.

Highlights

Evaluated and provided constructive feedback on numerous student science projects at a regional fair in 2020 and 2023.

Inspired young scientists by recognizing their achievements and fostering interest in STEM fields.

Pathogen Research Working Group
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Discussion Leader (Training Needs)

Lowell, MA, United States of America

Summary

Led discussions on identifying and addressing training needs within a pathogen research working group.

Highlights

Facilitated strategic discussions to identify and address critical training gaps for pathogen researchers.

Contributed to developing recommendations for enhancing skill development and educational resources in the field, improving research capabilities.

Immunobites
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Writer

Remote, MA, United States of America

Summary

Contributed scientific articles to Immunobites, effectively communicating complex immunological concepts.

Highlights

Authored scientific articles for Immunobites, effectively translating complex immunological concepts to a specialized audience.

Enhanced public and scientific community understanding of immunology through clear and concise writing.

University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML)
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Student Ambassador (Graduate Policy & Education Committee)

Lowell, MA, United States of America

Summary

Represented student interests on the Graduate Policy & Education Committee, contributing to academic policy development.

Highlights

Served as a student liaison on the Graduate Policy & Education Committee, advocating for student needs and perspectives.

Contributed to discussions and decisions shaping graduate academic policies and educational initiatives, impacting student experience.

Education

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA, United States of America

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Applied Biology

Amrita School of Biotechnology
Kochi, Kerala, India

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Biotechnology

Avinashilingam University for Women
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Awards

2nd Place, Steven R. Williams Award for Excellence in Graduate Research

Awarded By

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Recognized for outstanding contributions and excellence in graduate-level research.

Charlotte Magnum Student Support

Awarded By

Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology (SICB)

Awarded support for participation and presentation at the SICB annual meeting.

Finalist, Annual Student Research Symposium

Awarded By

UMass Lowell

Selected as a finalist for outstanding research presentation at the annual university symposium in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Trainee Poster Award

Awarded By

The American Association of Immunologists

Received recognition for an exceptional poster presentation at a major immunology conference.

Senior Research Fellowship

Awarded By

Indian Council of Medical Research

Awarded a prestigious fellowship for advanced research in medical sciences.

Best Poster Award in Animal Virology category

Awarded By

Indian Virological Society

Recognized for the best poster presentation in the Animal Virology category at the society's event.

Publications

Spatial profiling of immune cells reveals immune activation centers in threespine stickleback fish. In prep

Published by

In Preparation

Summary

Comprehensive study detailing the spatial organization and activation of immune cells in threespine stickleback fish, providing insights into immune response mechanisms.

Suppression of stickleback splenic B cells and melanomacrophage centers by the cestode Schistocephalus solidus. *Equal contribution. In prep

Published by

In Preparation

Summary

Research exploring the immune suppression effects of the cestode Schistocephalus solidus on stickleback splenic B cells and melanomacrophage centers.

Molecular characterization suggests kinetic modulation of expression of accessory viral protein, W, in Newcastle disease virus infected DF1 cells. Virus Disease

Published by

Virus Disease

Summary

Investigation into the molecular characteristics and kinetic modulation of accessory viral protein W expression in Newcastle disease virus-infected cells.

Molecular phylogenetics of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from vaccinated flocks during outbreaks in Southern India reveals circulation of a novel sub-genotype, Transboundary and emerging diseases

Published by

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

Summary

Phylogenetic analysis of Newcastle disease viruses from Southern India, identifying a novel sub-genotype circulating during outbreaks in vaccinated flocks.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of sulfono hydrazide and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives of 6,6-dimethyl-9-oxo-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydropyrazolo [5,1-b] quinazoline, Journal of Chemical research.

Published by

Journal of Chemical Research

Summary

Study on the synthesis and antiviral properties of novel sulfono hydrazide and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives, demonstrating their potential as antiviral agents.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 4-(7,7-dimethyl-4-(4-(N-aroyl or heteroaroyl and substituted benzyl) 1-piperazinyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-2-yl) morpholine derivatives, Archive for Organic Chemistry (Arkivoc)

Published by

Archive for Organic Chemistry (Arkivoc)

Summary

Research detailing the synthesis and evaluation of antiviral activity of specific morpholine derivatives, contributing to the development of new therapeutic compounds.

Skills

Microscopy

Brightfield Microscopy, Epifluorescent Microscopy, PhenoImager (Vectra Polaris).

Molecular Biology

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Plasmid DNA Isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Restriction Digestion, Cloning, RNA and DNA Quantification, RNA Isolation (Trizol method, Kits), Bacterial Transformation, Reverse Genetics Systems.

Pathology Techniques

Immunohistochemistry, Multiplexed Immunofluorescence (mIF), Chromogenic and Fluorescent RNA-in-situ Hybridization (RNA-ISH), H&E Staining, Frozen and FFPE Tissue Sectioning, Phenocycler Fusion.

Cell Culture

Plaque Assay, Transfection, Mammalian Cell Culture, Primary Cell Culture.

Digital Image Analysis

FIJI (ImageJ), HALO, InForm, Qupath, Machine Learning for Image Analysis.

Data Analysis & Computer Skills

R, R Studio, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), BioRender.

Research & Development

Protocol Development, Experimental Design, Scientific Writing, Grant Writing, Literature Review, Problem-Solving.

Leadership & Mentorship

Project Management, Team Leadership, Undergraduate Mentorship, Science Communication, Public Speaking, Curriculum Development.

Virology

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Viral Replication, Viral Protein Analysis.

Oncology Research

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), Tumor Microenvironment Analysis.