Debeni Devi Nongmaithem

Accomplished Senior Research Scientist with a proven track record at Chimera Biotech Private Limited, specializing in prototype development and quality assurance controls. Demonstrated expertise in leading interdisciplinary projects and enhancing student well-being through innovative online sessions. Skilled in statistical modeling and effective class management, adept at securing funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. Dedicated Life Scientist with experience in laboratory research. Expertise in data analysis and background in biochemistry and genetics. Proficient in advanced laboratory equipment use and techniques.

Doctoral Research July 2016-May 2023
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GUWAHATI, INDIA

• Isolated and purified DNA from novel microalgae and cyanobacteria strains for molecular identification using 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing.
• Conducted phylogenetic analysis to elucidate species relationships and evolutionary traits.
• Analyzed microalgae-cyanobacterium biofilm formation using NMR, FTIR, HPLC, confocal microscopy, and FESEM-EDX.
• Investigated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) for their role in biofilm stability and adhesion, including interactions with supporting materials.
• Optimized nutrient of domestic and municipal wastewater by balancing Nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry and physical factors (light, pH, temperature) to enhance nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass growth, achieving 99% harvesting efficiency.
• Developed and refined cultivation regimes (phototrophic, heterotrophic, mixotrophic) to enhance lipid and amino acid content for biodiesel production.
• Performed transesterification and fatty acid profiling using GC to evaluate biodiesel properties and feedstock feasibility according to ASTM and EU standards.
• Quantified amino acid profiles in hydrolyzed biomass using HPLC-DAD, achieving a 0.46 amino acid ratio, indicating suitability for potential animal feed applications.
• Conducted in vitro digestibility tests with enzymatic assays (pepsin, pancreatic enzymes) to ensure nutrient bioavailability.
• Confirmed safety for animal feed use through in vitro cytotoxicity tests on BHK-21 cell lines using the MTT assay.

Visiting Researcher January 2020-January 2021
DEPARTMENT OF BIOPRODUCTS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, USA

• Waste-to-Wealth Valorization through Fungal Pre-Treatment and Fermentation:
• Investigated the valorization of wet corn distillers’ grains and solubles (WDGS), soybean hulls (SH), and their blends using fungal pre-treatment (Trichoderma reesei) and fermentation (Aspergillus oryzae) to enhance their nutritional value.
• Achieved a 69.2% reduction in structural carbohydrates in SH and elevated amino acid concentration from 6.8% to 11% through pre-treatment with T. reesei.
• Improved in vitro digestibility of amino acids and reduced phytate content by over 50% in WDGS and SH blends through fermentation with A. oryzae.
• Enhanced in vitro dry matter digestibility and increased key amino acids (arginine, threonine, methionine, and lysine) in fermented substrates.
• Demonstrated the potential for integrating these biotechnological processes to upgrade waste materials into valuable feed ingredients, benefiting both animal nutrition and industrial processing sectors.

• Gas Chromatography operator at the School of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Guwahati 2019-2021
• Mess Convener at Subansiri Hostel, IIT Guwahati 2017-2018
• Convener in National Training on "Bioinformatics and Skill Development" organised by DBT, Govt of India and U.C.B., Govt. of Uttarakhand at Kumaun University

• Guest speaker for an online lecture on bioremediation “Algal Treatment System (ATS)-effluent treatment, carbon sequestration, and pollution detection”. 18th March, 2024, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan.
• A novel co-association of microalga, Scenedesmus sp. DDVG I with cyanobacterium, Limnothrix sp. DDVG II for cost-effective harvesting of biomass. FAST, 11 – 12 Nov, 2019, CIT, Kokrajhar. (Oral)
• Lipid rich microalgae and lipid yield. International conference on Advanced Materials, Energy and Environmental Sustainability (ICAMEES-2018), 14th -15th December, 2018, UPES, Dehradun, India.
• Effect of temperature and pH on lipid productivity of microalgae. "International Conference on Renewable & Alternate Energy (ICRAE-2018)" 6th-8th Dec, Assam Science and Technology University (ASTU), Guwahati, Assam, India.

• Six months visiting research in University of Minnesota, USA with cost-of-living stipend in the amount $1,300 per month July 2020-January 2021
• Bioenergy-Awards for Cutting Edge Research (B-ACER) [B-ACER 2019 Internship/5/Nongmaithem Debeni Devi] for visiting research in University of Minnesota, USA with budget approved by the IUSSTF and DBT, Govt. of India, of Rs. 13,11,500 (including stipend of $2,500 per month, health insurance), round trip air ticket costs and Rs. 50,000 personal contingency) January 2020-July 2020
• GATE-XL Fellow supported by MHRD, Govt. of India. 2016-2022
• Awarded scholarship for Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology (CEEB) supported by DBT, Govt. of India. June 2014-June 2016
• Excellent performance in the cultural night of "Recycle 2018, 2nd International Conference on Waste Management" organised by Waste Management Research Group at IIT Guwahati, India.
• Spardha 2019 (Sports Meet) at IIT Guwahati:
  o Winner in women’s double carom competition.
• Spardha 2017 (Sports Meet) at IIT Guwahati:
  o Volleyball: 2nd position
  o 800 m race: 3rd position
  o 3x400 m relay race: 1st position

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