Shahnaz Nazar

I seem to have a talent for solving problems. I am particularly successful with practical problems. Whether it is finding an optimum condition for an enzymatic reaction, Protein purification,Western blotting or crystallization trials it is something that I am excited to do and I was successful in many occasions. I have completed 5 years of integrated BS-MS dual degree from IISER Mohali and did 18 months of research work with Prof.Purnananda Guptasarma in protein biology.

Statistical and analytical studies conducted on keratoplasty which was carried out at Dr. Shroff’s  Charity Eye Hospital using EMR data website. Also studies and reviews prepared on ocular surface conditions such as Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis and Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasy. Extraction and Purification of lignin from jackfruit peel to produce biofuel using   microorganism. Cell culturing techniques on heart muscle cells HL-1. Human interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ), a cytokine which is critical for innate and adaptive immune system, is highly aggregate Prone protein and accumulate in inclusion bodies upon expression. Engineered version of IFN-ɣ cloned in E.coli was expressed both in soluble and insoluble fractions. Refolding techniques were applied to proteins going into inclusion bodies but could not achieve a well properly folded structure. Then shifted focus into soluble fraction of protein which is expressed and maximized its yield by providing optimum growth condition like changing temperature and growth time. Identified recombinant IFN-ɣ using mass spectrometry and western blotting. Using biophysical techniques this protein was further characterized. The biological activity of this protein was established by monitoring the activation status of macrophages(HLA-DR).

I have completed 5 years of integrated BS-MS dual degree(Post-graduation) from IISER Mohali and did 18 months of research work with Prof.Purnananda Guptasarma in protein biology. IISER is one of the premier research Institute in India and course works are designed as per Western countries curriculum. In the first 2 years we had course work on science subjects (Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics). After that from third year onwardsI selected Biology as my major syllabus. In this way we had knowledge in almost all science subjects. And also it helps me believe that I am eligible to work in any field of biology.