ABOUT ME
Hi! I am a neuroscientist with deep understanding of the role of the non-neuronal cells called 'glial cells' in the central nervous system (CNS) and their interaction with neurons in neurological diseases. My passion is to develop therapeutic treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsons disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Research Expertise
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Glial cells
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Neurodegeneration
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Neuron-glial interaction
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Human stem cell modeling
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Neuroinflammation
Education
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PhD in Neuroscience,
The Ohio State University
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Masters in Science,
University of Mumbai, India
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Bachelors in Science,
University of Mumbai, India
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2021-now
Merck & Co., PA
Senior Scientist, Discovery Neuroscience
Drug discovery expertise on new target Identification, validation, lead optimization and development of translational biomarkers.
In vitro functional cell-based assay and translational animal model PK/PD testing.
2017-2021
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
Research Associate in Lab of Dr. Adeline Vanderver
Contribution of glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, in inherited demyelinating leukodystrophies using transgenic mice and human induced pluripotent stem (iPSC) cells.
2011-17
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Post-doctoral fellow in Lab of Dr. Nicholas Maragakis​
Role of astrocyte connexins in motor neuron toxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using transgenic mouse models and human iPSCs.
2004-11
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Graduate student in Lab of Dr. Dana McTigue
Role of PPAR family of transcription factors in oligodendrocyte formation and neuroprotection in context of spinal cord injury.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
NINDS R21 grant (2022) and NIH Early Career Reviewer
Scored 9th percentile and awarded $275,000
Selected as an ECR program at the Center for Scientific Review at NIH.
Awarded the Transdisciplinary Awards Program in Translational Medicine and Therapeutics grant (2021-23)
Reverse transcriptase inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach for ADAR-1-related Aicardi Goutières Syndrome .
United Leukodystrophy Foundation grant (2021-22)
Reverse transcriptase inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach for ADAR-1-related Aicardi Goutières Syndrome .
Women in Science Travel Fund grant (2020)
National Academy of Sciences Pradel Research Award
Best Oral Presentation and travel award (2016)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Postdoctoral Retreat
Post-doctoral fellowship (2013-2015)
Maryland Stem Cell Research Foundation
Teaching fellowship award, Johns Hopkins University (2013)
Notre Dame University of Maryland
