C: (979) 574-4270, email: jk13256a0@westpost.net PROFILE: Ph.D. with 12+ years of professional experience * Excellent experience in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and functional genomi cs. * Co-ordinated with cross-functional teams with multidisciplinary group of scien tists to complete relevant project activities in a compliant manner. * Initiated independently new project concepts as well as project collaborations . * Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to persons with a wide range o f technical abilities and levels. * Goal oriented, highly motivated team player ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: * PhD (Plant Molecular Physiology) University of Hyderabad, INDIA (1995) - First identified *-amylase in bundle sheath chloroplast. - Immunological and in vivo labeling studies revealed that the segment proximal to the leaf base shows maximum photostimulation of *-amylase. * MSc (Plant Science), Sri Krishnadevaraya University, INDIA (1986) * BSc (Biology) Sri Venkateswara University, INDIA (1984) RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 2007-present Assistant Research Scientist Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Laboratory, Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A& M University * Designed both viral and nonviral vectors. * Inserted genes at precise location with fusion proteins. Obtained 67-96% targe ted transgene integration with non-viral vectors and increased gene integration by 12.7 fold. * Developed Gene therapy method to introduce therapeutic gene in specified site on genome. Developed single plasmid constructs combining helper and donor plasmi ds into one. * Innovative Adenovirus system is developed with piggyBac transposable element ( ~ 43kb DNA) towards site-specific integration with recombineering. * Modified gene expression by swapping domains between three different proteins. Analyzed association of domain in protein transportation. 2001 to 2007 Postdoctoral Research Associate Texas AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University * Gene expression efficiency analyzed with LexA Gal4, Sp1, GATA Zn finger domain s in insect system and Gal4 and 3 different Zn finger domains in mammalian syste ms. (15 projects with fusion proteins). * Conjugated 3 genes placing linker and nuclear localization signals between gen es and expressed fusion protein. * Generated transgenic lines with Zinc finger nuclease technology and recombinas e systems. * Created DNA adenine methyltrasferase (DamID) N- and C-terminal fusion with CTC F to analyze heterochromatin regions and gene insulations. * Synthesized genes over 5kb with overlap PCRs along with His, HA and Flag tags. Modified gene expression by swapping domains between proteins. Analyzed associa tion of domains in protein transportation. * Developed transgenics against infectious diseases. 1999 to 2001 Departmental Postdoctoral Research Associate & CSIR Pool officer, Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangal ore, India * Engineered edible vaccines for Rinderpest and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPRV ) viral diseases. * Expressed biologically active vaccines. * Quantified protein expression with ELISA * Engineered viral resistant systems. 1995 Jan -1996 Dec CSIR Research Associate/ Production Associate (Industrial Exp erience) Southern Petroleum Industrial Corporation (SPIC), Chennai, INDIA. * Standardized large-scale production of Horseradish Peroxidase. * Obtained 3240U total peroxidase activity from small tissue in 60 days, with ob tained purity and specific activity, enzyme can be used directly in diagnostic k its. * Purified amylase, phosphorylase and peroxidase enzymes. Hands on experience in scale up studies. * Transfer methods and protocols to technology transfer groups. HONORS & AWARDS * Organizing/Program Committee member, In Vitro Biology Meeting, USA 2004, 2 005 * Outstanding Member Award, by Society of In Vitro Biology, USA 2004 * Chair, Development committee, for 11th International Conference on Invertebrat e Cell and Tissue culture, San Francisco, CA, USA 2004 * 'IAPTC&B fellowship' award, Orlando, Florida, USA 2002 * CSIR pool officer fellowship, India 2001; CSIR/UGC Research Associate Fellow ship, India 1989-1996 * Student travel award by CSIR, India to Singapore (2000) & to CSH meeting USA ( 1995)
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: * Extensive experience in molecular biological techniques including cDNA library construction, codon optimization, cDNA and genomic cloning, sub-cloning, Northe rn and Southern analysis, DNA sequencing, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, inverse PCR, 5'& 3 ' RACE and site-directed mutagenesis. Excellent experience with Adopter ligated- PCR - Ability to create enzymes sites in gene without changing ORF. - Redesigned vectors, rewritten ORF basing on codon bias and improved gene expre ssion. * Recombinant DNA vector construction for plant, bacterial and mammalian express ion, promoter analysis in transgenic cell lines, gene expression, Gel mobility s hift assay, Radioactive labeling and detection. Analytical techniques such as en zyme assay, quantifications, kinetic study, TLC and HPLC. * Excellent experience in fusion protein and chromatin modifying proteins constr uction; Recombinant protein expression and purification, SDS-PAGE, 2D gel electr ophoresis, Immuno-electrophoresis, Chip assay, Immunochemical assays, In vivo la beling, In vitro translation polyclonal antibody production, Western analysis, E LISA, plant tissue culture and plant transformation. * Viral vectors construction, Recombineering, viral propagation, infection, vira l stocks preparation. * Mammalian (HEK293, CHOK, U20S, Mice Fibroblast cell lines) and insect (ATC10, C710, Sua4, S2 cell lines) cell culture maintenance, transfections. RNA interfer ence collaborated with mice transgenesis. SUPERVISORY SKILLS: Guided and trained undergraduate, graduate students, integrated PhD student, res earch associates and medical professionals from TAMU and other Universities (200 1 to present). Guided two undergraduates from Kingsville Texas A&M University in NSF funded REU -EXCITE Program (2008); PhD student from Kentucky University (2004) and Little Rock, AR (2003, 2005) Trained students in plant, insect and cell transformations; vector construction and enzyme analysis. COMPUTER SKILLS: Vector NTI version 11 for gene data mining, sequence analysis, primer and plasmi d designing. Familiar with NCBI Gene Bank search, Entrez, Blast, and Zinc finger tools. Knowl edge and experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and Dream weaver. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY'S LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT COURSES: Craft of Grant writing: Semester long course from office of Proposal Development , TAMU 2007 Basic mice handling techniques, TAMU 2002; Organization skills, time management, leadership skills. IMMIGRATION STATUS: Permanent Resident. PUBLICATIONS : Journal Articles (9 + 3) ; Book chapters (4) Conference presentat ions (17)