Tanushree Pathak – Unveiling the Secrets of Mitochondrial Magic in Neurobiology

Introduction:

Tanushree Pathak is a dedicated researcher with a background in Biological Sciences, specializing in Cell & Molecular Biology. With a Master’s by Research from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and a Bachelor’s from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Tanushree has gained valuable experience in neurobiology research focusing on mitochondrial function and neuronal communication.

EDUCATION

Master’s by Research in Biological Science (September 2021 – July 2024)
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Department of Biological Sciences
Grade – B+

Bachelor’s in Cell & Molecular Biology (August 2018 – August 2021)
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Institute of Cell & Molecular Biology
Grade – A

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

Cellular – Neurobiology lab
Advisor – Prof. Sandhya Koushika

Project Title: “Investigating the role of axonal mitochondria on gap junction assembly and functionality”

I have led this project to understand the importance of axonal mitochondria in modulating neuronal communication. During this research tenure, I gained extensive training experience in Molecular cloning, genetic strain development, Fluorescent Imaging, Confocal Imaging, Data analysis, and data management.

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Neurobiology lab
Advisor – Dr. Ravi Vijayvargia

Assisted in investigating the proteins associated with Huntingtin protein and understanding its effect on Huntington’s Disease.

HONOURS & AWARDS

• Honorary Poster Prize at the International Asia-Pacific Worm Meeting, IISc Bangalore (2024).
• TIFR-DAE funding for Master’s by Research program (2021-2024).
• Inspire Scholarship for academic excellence (2018).

SKILLS & TECHNIQUES

• Molecular Biology Techniques: Molecular cloning, PCR, DNA extraction, restriction digestion and ligations, bacterial culture and transformation, and gel electrophoresis.
• Cell Culture: Cell passaging, cell analysis.
• Genetics & Imaging: Genetic crosses, strain development, calcium imaging using confocal spinning disk, fluorescence microscopy, microinjections.
• Bioinformatics & Tools: Python, Machine learning, NCBI BLAST, Primer3, SnapGene, ImageJ.
• Data Analysis & Software: Origin, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS

• The Role of Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake in Touch Sensory Behavior – Asia-Pacific Worm Meeting, IISc Bangalore (2024) [Poster Presentation, Honorary Prize].
• Investigating Mitochondria-Mediated Actin Dynamics in Gap Junction Assembly – No-Garland Neuroscience Meeting, IISER Pune (2023) [Poster Presentation].
• Attended the 3rd Indian C. elegans Meeting, Trivandrum, Kerala (2022).

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

• Certificate course in Cancer genomics (Biotechnika) – May 2025
• Certificate course in Advance Pharmacovigilance (Biotechnika) – February 2025
• Certificate course in Recombinant DNA Technology (Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli).
• Workshop on Electron Microscopy, Fluorescent Imaging, and Protein Docking (Ahmedabad University).

COMMUNITY SERVICES & TEACHING

• Active member of Outreach Activities at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, engaging local residents in scientific discussions.
• Mentored a summer intern and a Master’s student during research tenure at TIFR.
• Assisted primary school students with studies.

Keywords: Molecular Biology, Cell Culture, Genetics, Imaging, Bioinformatics, Data Analysis, Cancer Genomics, Pharmacovigilance.

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Cover Letter:

I have extensive experience in molecular Cloning and technical details.