Nainika Roy
New York,NY
Summary
Motivated and passionate scientist with 10 years of experience in neurobiology, immunology and genetics with a focus on translational research. Highly experienced in conceptualizing, executing and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strong technical expertise in genome engineering, stem cells, histopathology, and data analysis. Deeply engaged in scientific communication and accessibility.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Doctoral Researcher
Columbia University, Sher Lab
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Spearheaded multiple projects investigating the contribution of immune genes and genetic elements to the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease.
- Developed histopathologic protocols and automated analysis pipelines to immunolabel patient brain samples and quantify disease-specific patterns in protein expression and cellular morphologies.
- Utilized CRISPR-based genomic editing of human cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cell derived (iPSC)-derived microglial lines (iMG) modify genes of interest and examine their impact on microglial functions, morphology, and transcriptomic state.
- Employed CRISPR/Cas9-based transcription factor screens to identify key modulators of gene expression.
- Collaborated on developing and validating a novel iPSC-derived microglia protocol that efficiently generates iMG within 20 days.
Research Program Mentor
Polygence
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Designed and supervised multiple projects to train students on conducting research and effectively communicating their results.
Freelance Scientific Editor
Cactus Communications
08.2019 - 12.2021
- Responsible for proof-reading, editing and formatting of scientific manuscripts in a wide range of fields.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously with quick turnaround times (under 24 hours), ensuring timely delivery of high quality editorial work.
Research Intern, Heppenstall Group
European Molecular Biology Laboratory Rome
05.2017 - 06.2018
- Worked on two projects investigating molecule guided laser ablation as a novel therapeutic strategy to control itch and inflammatory pain.
- Utilized mouse models of diseases such as atopic dermatitis, FPLCA, spared nerve injury, and osteoarthritis to evaluate effectiveness of a novel, developed treatment and evaluated results through various behavioral and molecular assays.
Research Assistant (OpNTech Lab)
Beckman Institute, UIUC
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Evaluated the effects of a novel α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist on neuronal network activity through analysis of electrophysiology data
Summer Research Intern, De Lay Lab
University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
05.2016 - 08.2016
Education
Ph.D. - Neuroscience
Columbia University
New York, NY08.2024
M.Phil. - Neuroscience
Columbia University
New York, NY08.2020
B.S. - Molecular And Cellular Biology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Champaign, IL05.2017
Publications
1. N. Roy, I. Haq, J. C. Ngo, D. A. Bennett, A. Teich, P. L. De Jager, M. Olah & F. Sher. Elevated expression of the retrotransposon LINE-1 drives Alzheimer’s disease-associated microglial dysfunction. (Under Review).
2. N. Roy, I. Haq, J. C. Ngo, R. K. Soni, D. A. Bennett, A. Teich, P. L. De Jager, M. Olah & F. Sher. Regulation of the Alzheimer's disease gene PLCG2. (In prep)
3. I. Haq, J. C. Ngo, N. Roy, R. L. Pan, N. Nawsheen, R. Chiu, Y. Zhang, M. Fujita, R. K. Soni, X. Wu, D. A. Bennett, V. Menon, M. Olah & F. Sher. An integrated toolkit for human microglia functional genomics. Stem Cell Res. Ther. (2024)
4. L. Nocchi, C. Portulano, F. Franciosa, B. Doleschall, M. Panea, N. Roy, M. Maffei, A. Gargano, E. Perlas & P. Heppenstall. NGF-mediated photoablation of nociceptors reduces pain behavior in mice. Pain (2019)
5. L. Nocchi, N. Roy, M. D’Attilia, R. Dhandapani, M. Maffei, A. Traista, L. Castaldi, E. Perlas, C. H. Chadick & P. A. Heppenstall. Interleukin-31-mediated photoablation of pruritogenic epidermal neurons reduces itch-associated behaviors in mice. Nat. Biomed. Eng. (2018)
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Founder & Organizer, Columbia Access Neuroscience (2020-2022)
- Conceived, developed and executed programming to support underrepresented students seeking doctoral degrees
Writer, Scientists on the Subway (2020-2022)
Volunteer, World Science Festival (2019-present)
Volunteer, Classroom Teaching Program, Columbia University (2019-2022)
Recognition
AY21 DEI Service Award 2021
Exceptional service towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in department
Timeline
Research Program Mentor
Polygence
08.2022 - 04.2024
Doctoral Researcher
Columbia University, Sher Lab
08.2019 - 08.2024
Freelance Scientific Editor
Cactus Communications
08.2019 - 12.2021
Research Intern, Heppenstall Group
European Molecular Biology Laboratory Rome
05.2017 - 06.2018
Summer Research Intern, De Lay Lab
University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
05.2016 - 08.2016
Research Assistant (OpNTech Lab)
Beckman Institute, UIUC
01.2015 - 05.2017
Ph.D. - Neuroscience
Columbia University
M.Phil. - Neuroscience
Columbia University
B.S. - Molecular And Cellular Biology
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
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