Sanjana Subramanya

In the Arce Lab, I used base editing mutagenesis to examine essential protein residues responsible for human T cell functions. Using flow cytometry and next generation sequencing, I characterized functional consequences of promising edits to regulatory protein complexes. I also helped manage lab inventory and setup.

In the Marson Lab, I studied FOXP3 regulation in conventional and regulatory T cells using different genome editing approaches (epigenetic editing and knockouts). I also isolated PBMCs and Bulk Ts from donor blood leukopak samples in circulation with other research associates to support ongoing experiments in the lab.

I read and analyzed assigned journal articles, engaged with students in lectures and addressed their questions. I also collaborated with undergraduate learning assistants and instructor to identify areas of student confusion or misconceptions. I evaluated in-class writing assignments and weekly paper quizzes submitted through Canvas. I also held regular weekly office hours, providing students with opportunities for clarification and guidance.

Project Title: Harnessing Neural Stem Cells-Modulating Regulatory T cells in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Therapeutic Strategy for Multiple Sclerosis. I designed, optimized and executed protocols to isolate PBMCs from human donor blood samples and co-cultured them with human neural stem cells. I used flow cytometry to analyze changes in Treg populations.

I trained first year Masters students on protein induction, purification, quantification and handling mammalian cells. I also taught culturing of K562 and U937 cell lines with aseptic techniques and quantification using trypan blue. I assisted students with projects related to the discovery of novel treatment techniques for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and evaluated background reports and course quizzes submitted via Canvas.

I read and analyzed assigned journal articles, engaged with students in lectures and addressed their questions. I also collaborated with undergraduate learning assistants and instructor to identify areas of student confusion or misconceptions. I evaluated in-class writing assignments and weekly paper quizzes submitted through Canvas. I also held regular weekly office hours, providing students with opportunities for clarification and guidance.

I developed a breakthrough assay aimed at optimizing the loading density for five distinct monoclonal antibodies, each with varying isotypes and unique characteristics, utilizing different residence times. The results of this assay were subsequently validated using a high-throughput liquid handling instrumentation (Tecan Fluent). I presented my findings to the company’s executive team and highlighted the importance of using optimized buffer systems.

I performed bacterial culturing, plasmid DNA isolation, restriction digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation of recombinant plasmid, PCR, SDS PAGE, column chromatography, Dialysis, Protein Quantification, Western Blot and Mammalian Cell Culture (K562 and U937 Cell Lines). I also performed techniques in Immunology such as mouse dissection, flow cytometry, transfection of HEK293T cells, H&E staining, Wright Giemsa staining of blood and bone marrow, Bone marrow derived macrophage differentiation and phagocytosis assay.

My team extracted and purified xylan (dietary fibers with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory properties) from orange peels. We then designed experimental studies and tests, prepared reports, presented the project and achieved a collaboration with Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals for mice model testing. I worked on the development of biochar & microbe-based bioremediation using the case study of the highly polluted Vrishabhavathi valley. For this, I performed various daily parameter analysis like hardness, heavy metal and total coliform quantification, COD for water samples obtained from different industries, offices, organizations. My team designed and tested a sustainable water filtration system employing plant based material and endophytic microbes which resulted in an effective average of 25% decrement in COD and 39% decrement in multiple heavy metals, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.