CV

General Information

Full Name Kusum Parajuli
Languages English, Nepali

Education

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 2023
    • PFW Top 50 Award
    • Nominee for Best Graduate Teaching Assistant
  • 2022
    • PFW Travel Award
  • 2021
    • PFW Travel Award
    • PFW M.S. Metrit Scholarship

Expertise

  • 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.
  • Computer.
    • Programming Languages: SPSS, SigmaPlot, Latex, R.
    • Misc: MS Word, MS Excel.

Other Interests

  • Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Traveling.