Lohitha Cheenepalli – Unleashing the Power of Molecular Biology: Meet the Rising Star in Research!

Summary

Enthusiastic **Molecular Biologist** with 2+ years of strong research experience in cloning, recombinant protein expression, and gene editing. Experienced in leading independent and collaborative projects in gene and protein expression studies. Driven by a desire to contribute to impactful research and scientific advancement in translational research. Eager to pursue a R&D position to deepen expertise and grow as a researcher in a dynamic industrial setting.

Personal Information

Name: Lohitha Cheenepalli

Address: 6-10-386/14B, Singalagunta, Tirupati – 517501

Qualifications

Higher Secondary Education
Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College (APRJC), Kurnool | 2017 | Percentage : 98%

Secondary Education
Little Stars High School, Tirupati | 2015 | CGPA : 9.7

Core Competencies

**Analytical Techniques**: Electrophoresis, PCR/qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, Spectrophotometry
**Instrument Handling**: GC-MS, Microplate Reader, RealTime PCR, Gel & Chemi Doc Imaging
**GMP/GDP Practices**: Documentation, buffer preparation, calibration, reagent prep, sample storage
**Molecular Biology**: DNA/RNA Isolation, cDNA synthesis, CRISPR-Cas9, RNAi, VIGS, Genotyping
**Protein Chemistry**: Enzyme assays (Catalase, Peroxidase, SOD), protein structure-function analysis
**Cell & Microbiology**: Arabidopsis & Rice cell culture, bacterial culture, microscopy
**Software Proficiency**: SnapGene, GraphPad Prism, R, Python, Microsoft Office Suite

Research Experience

Project Associate

May 2023 – Till now

Project Title: “Thermotolerance as a tool to enhance heat stress tolerance in Oryza sativa at field level conditions”
Supervisor: Dr. Annapurna Devi Allu | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati

Student Intern

June 2022 – October 2022

Title: “Silencing gene of interest via Virus-Induced gene silencing”
Supervisor: Dr. Annapurna Devi Allu | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati

MS Dissertation

June 2021 – May 2022

Thesis: “Analysing the plant response under combined drought and heat stress at molecular and physiological levels”
Supervisor: Dr. Annapurna Devi Allu | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati

Semester Project

January 2021 – April 2021

Title: “Study of physiological, morphological, and biochemical changes in plants under combined stresses”
Supervisor: Dr. Annapurna Devi Allu | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati

Research Skills

**Cloning strategies** to express genes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
**Expression and Purification** of Protein from Plant tissues and bacteria
**RNA handling**, cDNA synthesis, and RT-qPCR
**Handling** Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa plants
**Stable and Transient expressions** in Arabidopsis plants through E.Coli and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
**Designing CRISPR sgRNA**, creating and screening for CRISPR mutations in Arabidopsis plants
**Plant Tissue Culture**

Laboratory Training

**Molecular biology techniques**: Genomic DNA Isolation, Total RNA Extraction, DNAse digestion, cDNA synthesis, Plasmid isolation, PCR techniques
**Molecular cloning**: Cloning strategies to knock down genes through Crispr editing, VIGS silencing, RNAi silencing
**Cell and tissue culture**: Bacterial cell culture, phenotyping and genotyping of plants
**Biochemical and Immunological techniques**: Agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, Western blot analysis, Antioxidant enzyme assays, Staining
**Bioinformatics**: Accessing records in NCBI database, BLAST, Designing primers, Phylogenetic analysis, basic knowledge in R and Python programs
**Microscopy**: Fluorescence and Epifluorescence microscope, Confocal microscope, Stereo microscope
**GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)**: Experience with GC-MS for analyzing volatile compounds and metabolic profiling
**Instruments**: Spectrophotometer, Thermocycler PCR system, BIO-RAD CFX384 RealTime PCR system, Microplate reader, Gel doc & Chemi doc Imaging system
**Software**: Snapgene, Microsoft Office, Biorender, Adobe Illustrator, Graphpad prism

Publications

Lohitha Cheenepalli, Amrutha Balakrishna, Annapurna Devi Allu. “Time Series physiological analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana under combined drought and heat stress” (In preparation)

Conferences and Presentations

Hands-on Training on CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing Sponsored by SERB, 2021
ISRFG 2023: 20th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics, University of Agriculture Science, Bangalore, Nov 2023
Flash Talks & Poster Presentation, Biology Annual Day, IISER Tirupati, Nov 2022 & Feb 2024
Diamond jubilee(60th) Annual Rice Research Group Meetings (ARGM), ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad April 2025

Achievements

Qualified IISER Aptitude Test 2017
Top student in High School & Junior College
Got prizes for academic and extracurricular excellence in High School

Synergistic Activities

Participated in Plant Stress Biology Lab Activities at IISER Tirupati, contributing to experimental presentations and research discussions (Jan 2021 – Till now)

Co-Curricular & Extra-Curricular Activities

Member of Unnati, Outreach club and Anurukti, Dance club, IISER Tirupati
Volunteer of National Service Scheme (NSS), IISER Tirupati

References

Dr. Annapurna Devi Allu
Associate Professor, IISER Tirupati | Principal Investigator
Email: [Email Hidden]
Dr. Sreenivas Chavali
Associate Professor, IISER Tirupati | Thesis Assessment Committee Member
Email: [Email Hidden]
Dr. Eswarayya Ramireddy
Associate Professor, IISER Tirupati | Course Instructor
Email: [Email Hidden]

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Cover Letter:

Lohitha Cheenepalli
Project Associate

D-NOME Biosciences
Hyderabad

Subject: **Application for Scientist – Molecular Biology Position **

Dear Team,

I am writing to strongly express my interest in the position of Scientist – Molecular Biology at D-NOME Biosciences. Holding a Master’s degree in Life Sciences from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, along with more than two years of dedicated research experience in molecular biology and plant biotechnology, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your innovative R&D team.

My research background includes molecular cloning, designing plasmid constructs, bacterial transformation, and enhancing gene expression in E. coli. I have hands-on experience in both standard and advanced PCR methods, such as reverse transcription PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), as well as colony PCR, for profiling gene expression and verifying constructs. Additionally, I have been trained in protein extraction and quantification, as well as SDS-PAGE and western blotting for the detection and characterization of proteins.

In my role as a Project Associate, I have worked extensively on stress-responsive gene regulation in Oryza sativa under field conditions, integrating physiological assays with metabolite and transcriptional analyses. Additionally, I have experience in designing CRISPR sgRNAs and generating transgenic and gene-edited lines in Arabidopsis thaliana, utilizing both stable and transient expression systems. I have also experience in making GFP- tagged lines and GUS promoter assays. While I have not directly operated ÄKTA systems, I am well-versed in the principles of chromatographic purification and am eager to develop further expertise in this area.

D-NOME Biosciences’ commitment to translational research and advanced protein technologies aligns closely with my scientific interests and professional aspirations. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to a multidisciplinary team advancing novel molecular and biochemical strategies.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills could contribute to your ongoing projects.

Sincerely,
Lohitha Cheenepalli