CV
General Information
Full Name | Kusum Parajuli |
Languages | English, Nepali |
Education
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2021-2023 M.S. in Biological Sciences
Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN, USA - Studied various courses including Molecular Biology and Applications, Immunology, Biomedicine, Biometry (Programming in R), Professional Development.
- Financial support for M.S. at Purdue University through assistantships.
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2018 - 2021 M.Sc. in Zoological Sciences
Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal - Conducted a research to understand effect of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos in the endangered fish species golden mahseer.
- Performed analysis to understand the combined effect of chlorpyrifos and dichlorovs in freshwater fish Mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala.
Experience
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2024 MAY - PRESENT Research Technician III
University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA. - Conducted research to investigate the complex mechanisms through which the phosphorylation of thyroid hormone receptors influences hypothalamic functions.
- Routinely performed surgeries and transcardiac perfusion on genetically modified mice and maintained the colonies.
- Actively involved in the refinement, adaptation, and development of experimental procedures and recommended protocols improvements as needed.
- Actively participated in laboratory inventory logistics, including supply management, record keeping, and troubleshooting issues.
- Actively contributed to data analysis for publications and prepared technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative results.
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2023 JUN - 2024 MAR Research Associate
Genista Biosciences, Molecular and Microbiology Lab,San Jose, CA, USA. - Performed microbiological analysis for pathogen identification by leveraging the sophisticated automated systems such as PCR.
- Conducted industry specific Microbial (Sporeformers, Alicyclobacillus, Howard Mold Count), Chemical (Allergens and mycotoxins), and Molecular (GMO) testing.
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2021 AUG - 2023 MAY Graduate Teaching Assistant
Purdue, University, Fort Wayne, IN, USA. - Taught multiple graduate and undergraduate lab courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology for the Health Professionals, and Immunology.
- Handled experimentation associated with those courses and was involved in lab management.
- Assisted faculty members with course planning, assessment and record keeping.
- Prepared class presentations, assigned the class projects for students, and graded lab reports.
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2021 AUG - 2023 MAY Graduate Research Student
Purdue, University, Fort Wayne, IN, USA. - Analyzed the effects of various stressor (thermal, chemical, and anthropological) on physiological and immunological response on aquatic invertebrates.
- Analyzed the effect of Heat shock protein gene in Sea Star Stressed by Elevated Oceanic temperature.
- Performed extraction and isolation of the bioactive compounds from the various tissues extracts of Echinoderms.
- Conducted a research on a stress modulation using nutraceuticals as dietary supplements, Fish as a model organism.
Honors and Awards
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2023 - PFW Top 50 Award
- Nominee for Best Graduate Teaching Assistant
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2022 - PFW Travel Award
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2021 - PFW Travel Award
- PFW M.S. Metrit Scholarship
Expertise
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Technical.
- Extraction and purification of nucleic acid (RNA, DNA) and protein.
- Western blotting, qPCR, ELIZA, Agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Light and fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometer.
- PBMC, media and solution preparation, Aseptic technique, bacterial culture
- Diagnostic biochemical and physiological tests, Cell culture technique, Bacterial plating and counting.
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Computer.
- Programming Languages: SPSS, SigmaPlot, Latex, R.
- Misc: MS Word, MS Excel.
Other Interests
- Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Traveling.