SANKALP NANDA – Unlocking Human Genetics: From Cancer Cells to High-Altitude Secrets

Summary: A self-driven, meticulous and curious MSc graduate specializing in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology skilled at cell culture technologies, animal experimentation, and BSL3 experience, seeking opportunities in the field of product development and management.

EDUCATION

MSc Molecular and Human Genetics

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

• Academic Marks- 8.24 CGPA
• Rank 2 out of 26 students
• Class representative
• Courses- Drosophila Genetics, Cancer Genomics, Pharmacogenomics, Biochemistry, Biostatistics, Immunogenetics
• Thesis- “Effects of MG132 on various Cervical Cancer Cell Lines”

BSc(Hons) Zoology

BJB (Autonomous) College, UTKAL UNIVERSITY

• Academic Marks- 8.36 CGPA
• Courses- vertebrates and Non-vertebrate anatomy and physiology, Comparative Anatomy, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Ethology and Ecology, Evolution, Bioinstrumentation
• Thesis- “Effects of Smoking on the Human Oral Microbiota”

TEST SCORES

• GATE 2020 – AIR 51, GATE Score 763 (BL paper)
• CSIR-UGC NET – June 2019: AIR 43, December 2019: AIR 61
• IIT JAM 2018 – BL paper: AIR 180, BT paper: AIR 106
• GAT-B 2018 – AIR 67
• JGEEBILS 2020 Qualified

WORK EXPERIENCE

PhD Scholar

UNESCO- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad NCR, India

• Working on multiple projects, with primary thesis on “Metabolome and transcriptome profiles of the migrant Tibetan highlanders compared to the sea level individuals.”

SKILLSET

Technical Skills:

• Cell Culture techniques
• Animal experimentation
• BSL3 experience
• Basic wet lab techniques
• Haematology Techniques
• FACS
• Metabolomics analysis

Soft Skills:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Teamwork
• Managing people
• Working under pressure
• Time management

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

• 22nd INDO-US Flow Cytometry Workshop on “Flow Cytometry and its Applications in Biological Research and Clinical Diagnostics” TECT & ISAC – February 2021
• Odisha State Biotechnology Ignition Challenge(OSBIC) – Trident Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
• 8th Programme on Young Graduates for Leadership in Biotechnology(PYGLB) workshop – SOA University, Bhubaneswar, India
• 35th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Neuroscience, 2017

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS

• 44th KVS National Meet: Participated as Setter for Raipur region Volleyball team
• 45th KVS National meet: Participated as Setter for Raipur region Volleyball team

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Sports: Badminton, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball

Music: Singing and Instruments

REFERENCES

• Ardhendu Bhusan Praharaj, Email: [Email Hidden]
• Prof. Gopeswar Narayan, Lab of Cancer Genetics, Email: [Email Hidden]

Technical Skills (Detailed)

• Cell Culture: Handling of a wide range of cells U937 cells, THP1 cells, LLC cells, SIHA cells, Caski cells, C33a cells, HeLa cells, RAW264.7 cells and MSC cells derived from BALB/c, generation of HIF1 alpha KD U937 cells, Media preparation using DMEM and RPMI1640 powders.
• Biochemistry and molecular biology: PCR, SDS-PAGE, DNA isolation, protein isolation, protein estimation using BCA reagent and Bradford assay.
• Dissection: Drosophila wing, leg, and head mount, Drosophila eye imprint, Drosophila Salivary gland dissection, BALB/c bone marrow isolation, BALB/c organ isolation (all organs), C57BL6 dissection, and organ isolation.
• Immunology: FACS staining and immune-phenotyping using BD FACSVerse, Cell sorting using BD Influx cell sorter, ELISA, Immunohistochemistry.
• Omics analysis: Whole genome data analysis and interaction study using STRING, Metabolome analysis using Progenesis QI and Metaboanalyst.
• Physiology: Isolation of PBMCs and Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP) from whole blood, collection of blood from mice by retro-orbital piercing, differential leucocytes counting in blood, Determination of blood groups (ABO and Rh factor).
• Bioinformatics: Hands-on practice to features of following software packages/tools: BLAST, Clustal-W, FLO-JO for FACS analysis, Primer designing using BLAST and Primer 3.

Keywords: Cell Culture, Animal Experimentation, BSL3, Wet Lab Techniques, Haematology, FACS, Metabolomics, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Time Management

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Cover Letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in a Research Associate position within your esteemed organization. With a strong academic foundation in life sciences, hands-on laboratory experience, and a passion for translational research, I am eager to contribute to industrial research initiatives that drive innovation and impact.

My academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Zoology from Utkal University, where I developed a deep interest in biological sciences. Driven by a desire to further my understanding, I successfully cleared IIT JAM and DBT-GAT B, leading me to pursue an M.Sc. in Molecular and Human Genetics at Banaras Hindu University. During this time, I gained practical exposure to molecular biology techniques, protein biology, and bioinformatics, while also honing essential soft skills such as time and task management.

Building on this foundation, I qualified for the CSIR-NET JRF and joined the UNESCO-Regional Centre for Biotechnology as a research scholar. This experience significantly broadened my skill set, allowing me to work extensively with cell culture, animal handling, omics data analysis, and good laboratory practices in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

Now, I am enthusiastic about transitioning into an industrial setting where I can apply my scientific expertise to real-world challenges and contribute to product development, process optimization, and impactful research. I am particularly drawn to the dynamic and goal-oriented nature of industrial research and am confident in my ability to adapt, learn, and thrive in such an environment.

I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my background and aspirations align with your organization’s research goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.

Sincerely,
Sankalp Nanda