Keyur Karmacharya

• Minnesota State University, Mankato, Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Cecilia Noecker, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2024-01-01, Present, Conduct comparative genomic analyses using KBase and RStudio to identify key peptidase genes conserved in nonhuman primates (NHPs) and absent in Eggerthella lenta, revealing significant evolutionary divergences., Explore the diversity and variability of peptidase gene families using MEROPS, focusing on host-microbe interactions and metabolic adaptations., Develop and applied microbial metabolic models with RStudio to understand functional capabilities of gut microbiota in different primate hosts, emphasizing the impact of host diet on metabolic pathways.
• Minnesota State University, Mankato, Department of Biochemistry and Geology, Dr. Samantha Katner, Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2022-01-01, Present, Utilize CRISPR editing and clonal expansion to functionally knock out glypican-1 and glypican-3 in glioblastoma cells, achieving high knockout efficiency and precise gene editing., Conduct advanced research on the role of glypican in glioblastoma, utilizing wild type (WT) and double knockout (dKO) cell lines to study their influence on tumor progression and treatment response., Develop and optimize cell culture conditions and assay protocols, including Western blot analysis and XTT assays, ensuring precise and reproducible results in studying protein interactions and cellular behaviors., Actively contribute to research discussions and collaborative efforts, presenting findings at research symposiums and secured grant and stipend ($2000).

• Research grant recipient in Dr. Katner's Lab, $2000
• Marie Payne Graham Memorial Chemistry Scholarship, 2023-2025
• American Chemistry Society (ACS) affiliated Chemistry Club, 2022-2024
• International Student Association - Board Member, 2023-2024
• Student Government Allocations Committee - Vice Chair, 2022-2023
• Library and Bookstore Advisory Committee - Board Member, 2022
• Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Committee - Board Member, 2022
• The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Student Chapter, 2021-2022

I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I built a strong foundation in metabolic modeling, mammalian cell culture, and laboratory safety. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant and TA, I had the opportunity to contribute to two dynamic research projects: one examining the role of glypicans in disease development, and another comparing metabolic functions in the gut bacterial family Eggerthellaceae in non-human primates. These experiences not only sharpened my technical skills but also deepened my passion for scientific discovery.

I also enjoyed mentoring fellow students through weekly lab lectures and personalized support, creating a collaborative learning environment where complex ideas became accessible and curiosity was encouraged.

Now, I am eager to apply what I have learned to real-world challenges in a setting that values innovation, collaboration, and impact. I am particularly excited to connect with professionals and organizations that work at the intersection of biology, technology, and human health.