Preeti Verma

Cryo-EM Scientist @ University of Wisconsin-Madison

About

As a highly motivated, energetic, and detail-oriented scientist with over a decade of specialized experience in Protein Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular, and Structural Biology, I am particularly passionate about the groundbreaking field of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). My dedication lies in advancing knowledge and confronting intricate scientific challenges head-on. Throughout my career, I've established a robust track record of independently delivering high-quality work, all while thriving in collaborative team environments. My expertise spans a broad spectrum of skills, including proficiency in soluble and membrane protein purification, their characterization alongside a particular focus on challenging sample preparation for cryo-EM studies, data collection, single-particle data analysis and protein engineering. Whether it involves unraveling complex scientific problems or efficiently managing multiple tasks to ensure project and publication success, I approach each endeavor with unwavering dedication and a commitment to achieving excellence, with cryo-EM serving as a cornerstone in my pursuit of scientific advancement.

Country

City

United States

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Record Keeping, Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), Soluble and Membrane Proteins Expression and Purification, Protein Characterization, Protein sequence analysis, Creative Problem Solving, Interpersonal Communication, Cryo-EM Single Particle Data Collection and Analysis, Soluble proteins expression and purification, Functional assays, Independent Thinking, Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork, Protein characterization and engineering, Biochemistry, cryo-Electron Microscopy, Mutli-protein complexes, Site Directed Mutagenesis, Protein Engineering, Protein Expression and Purification, Enzyme Assays

Experience

Cryo-EM Scientist

University of Wisconsin-Madison

2024-12 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

United States

Research Scientist

University of Virginia

2024-7 - 2024-12 · 6 mos

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Research Associate

University of Virginia

2018-7 - 2024-7 · 6 yrs 1 mo

United States

Successfully managed and directed a variety of projects aimed at gaining structural-functional insights into the cellulose synthase complex from bacteria and plants, notably focusing on the megadalton protein complex in Escherichia coli. ▪ Cryo-EM Expertise: Utilized cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques to uncover structural details of complex protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, shedding light on the mechanism of cellulose export across the bacterial trans-envelope. ▪ Functional Assays & Protein Engineering: Investigated key proteins facilitating cellulose transport across the outer membrane through functional assays and ▪ Protein Engineering:Engineered innovative protein constructs and developed innovative assays to dissect the mechanisms underlying phosphoethanolamine-modified cellulose synthesis in Escherichia coli. ▪ Site-Directed Mutagenesis: Applied extensive site-directed mutagenesis techniques to explore the functional significance of gating loops in bacterial and plant cellulase synthases, advancing understanding of cellulose synthesis mechanisms. ▪ Data Dissemination: Contributed to multiple submissions to the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), facilitating the sharing of valuable structural data with the scientific community.

Research Scholar

Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

2010-10 - 2017-5 · 6 yrs 8 mos

▪ Pioneered Innovative Investigations: Led multiple projects focusing on biochemical and biophysical investigations into various enzymes, including the bacterial ATIC enzyme. Utilized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to reveal insights into conformational dynamics, thermal behavior, and domain-ligand interactions. ▪ Role in Cell Proliferation Research: Spearheaded research demonstrating the pivotal role of the ATIC enzyme in cell proliferation, while also making groundbreaking discoveries regarding its potential mode of action. ▪ Comprehensive Efforts on Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las): Directed comprehensive efforts encompassing cloning, over-expression, purification, kinetic analysis, and biophysical characterization of ATIC from Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), a devastating plant pathogen. ▪ Neofunctionalization Discovery: Identified and elucidated the neofunctionalization of a salvage pathway PNP family protein into a trypsin inhibitor, significantly contributing to the understanding of protein evolution and function. ▪ Diverse Research Contributions: Made significant contributions to various research endeavors, including investigations into the family 1 Glycosyl Hydrolase enzyme with β-D-glucosidase and β-D-galactosidase activities. ▪ Mentorship & Professional Development: Mentored and co-mentored two master’s trainees and provided guidance and support to early-stage PhD colleagues, fostering their professional growth and development.

JRF Project Fellow

Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

2010-10 - 2011-8 · 11 mos

Roorkee, India

•Leveraged Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) strategies to clone sequences encoding PNP-UDP family proteins from native plants, resulting in the submission of three genes to NCBI. • Developed proficiency in protein isolation and purification techniques, specializing in the extraction of proteins from crude extracts derived from plant seeds and leaves.