Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership Experience
Languages
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sinthya Kumar

Andover,MA

Summary

Driven and motivated student with developing hands-on experience and a strong foundation in communication, organization, and analytical thinking. Known for a reliable work ethic and collaborative mindset, with proven skills in multitasking, attention to detail, and adapting to dynamic environments. Eager to apply foundational experience in research and task management to add value in diverse professional settings.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Intern

Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Focused on lab skills based in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Histopathology, Cell Culturing, Protein Chemistry, Bioinformatics
  • Learned Zebrafish handling, how to conduct toxicity, tissue regeneration, and drug-induced edema studies
  • Learned about animal pre-clinical studies, animal handing skills, and worked with orally feeding mice drugs
  • Attended multiple seminars: Structural Biology, Molecular Structures in Health and Disease, Microbiome in Health and Disease, Understanding Regulations in Biologic/ Healthcare
  • Attended 2-day Statistics in Epidemiology conference and learned about incidence, prevalence, mortality, morbidity rates, emphasized risk assessment, evaluation, and effective data visualization techniques

Student

Bioinformatics Lab
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Contributing author on Microbial Research Announcement
  • Manually annotated 20 genes from recently discovered and sequenced bacteriophages BirdInFrench and StirfryIV
  • Identified and determined gene function and start site using bioinformatics tools: NCBI BLAST, HHpred
  • Created master notes using bioinformatics tools: phagesDB, PECAAN, starterator, phamerator, SOSUI, BLAST, HHpred
  • Submitted annotated genome to Genbank, NIH genetic sequence database for full public access
  • Learned computational biological techniques through annotation and characterization of novel viral genomes

Student

Microbiology Lab
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Investigated microbial growth, bacterial motility, biofilms, oxygen requirements, quorum sensing, antibiotic production, bacterial importance in human and veterinary health care, fungal and viral microbial diversity, endospore formation, and isolation of organisms from environmental sources in a BSL-2 lab
  • Conducted an individual research project to discover and isolate bacteria from soil to study if they produce antibiotics
  • Determined the microbes identities, explored its metabolic processes, antibiotic susceptibilities, and antibiotics' chemistry
  • Presented findings and research to the lab team

Fellow/Intern

Marvel Biome
06.2023 - 08.2023
  • Collaborated with a team of research associates, senior scientists, and principal scientists in a BSL-2 lab
  • Conducted an individual bacteria isolation/identification project: discovered 6 strains of bacteria to add to library
  • In charge of running PCR protocols and DNA extractions, creating media, and sterilization of dishware
  • Assisted with cataloging and stocking of reagents and chemicals

Student

SEA-PHAGES Lab
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • Discovered novel slow grower Microbacterium Foliorum phage, phage Falley, from soil sample
  • Worked with a team of 4 to isolate, purify and amplify the phage
  • Sent extracted phage DNA to UPitt Archives for storing and for future research
  • Troubleshooted and created new protocols in accordance to results
  • Presented findings to the lab team

Mentor

SASE
09.2022 - Current

Education

Bachelor of Science - Microbiology

UMass Amherst
Amherst, MA
05.2026

Skills

  • PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR/RealTime-PCR/Multiplex-PCR
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis
  • DNA/RNA extraction
  • Bacteria/Cell culturing
  • Histopathology: Cryostat/Microtome
  • Gram-staining/Slide staining/Wet-Mount
  • Phase-contrast/Brightfield microscopy
  • Enzyme Inhibition Assay
  • Protein Estimation
  • ELISA/SDS-Page/Western blot
  • Making agar plates/broth
  • Animal handling/dissections

Leadership Experience

  • UMass MannMukti, Activities Coordinator

- Coordinate and execute engaging, community-focused events to foster open dialogue on mental health, raise awareness, and deconstruct mental health stigma within the South Asian community

- Plan collaborations with campus student organizations to plan events that enrich student life, promote inclusivity, and encourage meaningful connections


  • UMass SASE (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers)

- Assist mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth

- Guide mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice


  • UMass Asian American DRC Advisory Board, Member

- Support planning and execution of educational and social programs in the Asian American residential community, fostering dialogue on identity, culture, and social justice

- Coordinate cultural events and community-building activities, providing spaces for students to explore their identities and strengthen connections within the Asian/Asian American community


  • UMass Dining Ambassador

- Collaborate with UMass Dining administration, management, culinary staff, and fellow ambassadors to represent the student body, enhance student satisfaction, and support program improvements through regular feedback and insights shared in collaborative meetings

- Plan, participate, and volunteer at special events, short-term projects, and monthly meetings to advocate for meal plan holders' needs and foster a collaborative dining community, with a focus on quality, cultural authenticity, nutritional value, sustainability, and waste management

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Tamil
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working

Skills

  • Google Sheets/Excel
  • Python

Timeline

Intern

Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute
06.2024 - 07.2024

Student

Bioinformatics Lab
09.2023 - 12.2023

Student

Microbiology Lab
09.2023 - 12.2023

Fellow/Intern

Marvel Biome
06.2023 - 08.2023

Student

SEA-PHAGES Lab
09.2022 - 12.2022

Mentor

SASE
09.2022 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Microbiology

UMass Amherst
Sinthya Kumar