Dept of Hematology and Oncology, Columbia University, New York
Research interests.
Murine models
Leukemia
Lymphoma.
Solid tumors- Lung, biliary tract tumors
Metabolism
Therapeutic targeting using metabolism
Tyrosine kinases
Single cell RNAseq
Mitochondrial OXPHOS
Mentoring
I am an enthusiastic and passionate researcher dedicated to advancing our understanding of aggressive lymphoid cancers and aggressive biliary tumors, particularly focusing on the genetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic abnormalities that drive diseases like Richter's transformation (RT) and gallbladder cancer. My career has been marked by a deep commitment to scientific exploration, collaboration, and mentorship, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to oncology.
I hold a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) at Tata Memorial Cancer Centre, India, where I focused on the genomic characterization of gallbladder cancer. My work identified actionable mutations that could improve patient survival, highlighting the importance of genomic research in understanding cancer pathogenesis.
My postdoctoral research at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Monrovia, CA, focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying the aggressive transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into RT. I developed and utilized CRISPR-Cas9-based in vivo murine models to study disease progression and validate in vivo findings with cell-based experiments. My research revealed critical insights into the genetic and metabolic alterations in RT, contributing to the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
In addition to my technical expertise, I am adept at project management and communication. I have successfully managed multiple projects, generated hypotheses, prepared manuscripts, and presented complex data to diverse audiences at international conferences. I have regularly presented my work in oral and poster sessions at ASH Annual Meetings. My ability to communicate science effectively has been enhanced through my experience mentoring and teaching junior researchers, guiding them with their summer projects, research, and poster presentations.
I am a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Haematology (ASH), American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), where I actively participate in ongoing scientific discussions and collaborations. My work has been recognized with several awards, including best poster and oral presentation awards at national and international conferences.
As I continue my career, I seek a challenging, collaborative environment where I can leverage my expertise to contribute to the organization's growth and address critical questions in healthcare development. My ultimate goal is to make significant strides in cancer research that can lead to improved patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of cancer biology.
