Swarna Shikha

Accomplished and passionate biotechnologist with extensive academic and research experience in molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioprocessing. Proven expertise in conducting cutting-edge research, designing experiments, and translating scientific knowledge into practical applications in areas such as genetic engineering, protein expression, and drug development. Skilled in mentoring students, developing curriculum, and fostering an engaging learning environment that encourages scientific curiosity and critical thinking. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting the growth of future biotechnologists through dynamic teaching, research collaboration, and interdisciplinary work. Adept at securing research grants and contributing to peer-reviewed publications, with a deep understanding of laboratory safety, quality assurance, and bioethics.

• Published peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact journals, contributing to advancements in the Biotechnology field and enhancing the academic reputation of the department.
• Successfully secured over research funding from prestigious organizations, such as USDA-ARS and NSF, supporting innovative projects in Nanobiotechnology
• Led and mentored 25 graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative research environment that resulted in several student-led publications and conference presentations.
• Developed and delivered undergraduate and graduate courses in microbiology and Biochemistry, receiving 40% positive feedback from students for clarity, engagement, and knowledge application.
• Played a key role in establishing JIIT University's environment and agriculture biotechnology research program, expanding the department’s capabilities in areas such as genetic modification, bioprocessing, and environment biotechnology.
• Designed and implemented hands-on laboratory modules that improved students’ practical skills and understanding of biotechnological techniques, reducing lab-related errors by 20%
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop novel biotechnology applications in agriculture, leading to patents, industry partnerships, or significant contributions to scientific advancements.
• Actively contributed to the university’s Safety committee, furthering initiatives related to sustainable biotechnology, diversity in STEM, and improving educational programs.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Baylor University, 08/01/20, 05/01/22, Conducted USDA-funded research on nano-based therapeutics for plant disease management., Led projects on toxicological risk assessment of nanoparticles in plant and mammalian cell cultures., Supervised undergraduate students and developed research proposals for NIH and NSF grants., Published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.
• Doctoral Researcher & Teaching Assistant, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, 08/01/14, 05/01/19, Conducted extensive research on phytoremediation of heavy metals., Taught and mentored undergraduate students, monitored lab activities, and evaluated performances., Developed SOPs for analytical methods of environmental pollutants.
• Senior Research Fellow, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, 08/01/11, 05/01/13, Worked on ICAR-NFBSFARA-funded research on genetic engineering of transgenic pigeon pea and chickpea., Performed Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with Cry1Ac gene.
• Researcher, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, 08/01/10, 05/01/11, Conducted molecular biology research on pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans)., Investigated virulent factors associated with medically important yeast strains.

• Analytical Techniques: ICP-MS, UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, HPLC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE.
• Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, Gene Cloning, Mammalian Cell Culture.
• Microbiology: Bacterial transformation, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing, Total Coliform Analysis.
• Toxicology & Environmental Science: Phytoremediation, Nanotoxicology, Risk Assessment.
• Programming & Data Analysis: JMP, SAS, Python, ChemOffice.

• Environment, Development, and Sustainability
• Phytopathology
• International Journal of Pharma & Bio Sciences
• RASĀYAN Journal of Chemistry

• Nanoparticle surface charge and aerosol size control for foliar efficacious delivery to plant cells and organelles., American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2022, Chicago, 08/21/22 - 08/25/22
• Toxicity of Copper Nanoparticles against a Representative Agricultural Crop: Tomato., Society of Toxicology 2022, San Diego, 03/25/22 - 03/30/22
• Characterization of Nano-Formulated Fe (NO₃)₃ and its potential antimicrobial activity., Society for Risk Analysis 2021 Annual Meeting, Virtual Meeting, 12/06/21 - 12/09/21
• Sustainable Application of Engineered Nanoparticles in Agriculture., American Chemical Society (ACS) Southwest Regional Meeting, Austin, TX, 10/31/21 - 11/03/21
• Novel iron-based Nano formulation for HLB management., American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2021 National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, 08/22/21 - 08/26/21
• Application of Phytoremediation technology in removal of E-waste toxicity., National Seminar on Innovative, Advanced Research in Biomedical and Environmental Dynamics 2015, Delhi University, 10/09/15 - 10/10/15
• Phytoremediation technology., 1st National Conference on Emerging Trends in Chemical Sciences 2016, Delhi University, 02/03/16 - 02/04/16
• Phytoremediation of Chromium Using Vigna mungo, Vigna radiata, and Cicer arietinum., International Conference on Industrial Biotechnology, Paris, 05/16/16 - 05/17/16

• Assessing the Effects of Surface-Stabilized Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles on Diverse Bacteria Species Using Complementary Statistical Models., Carnathan B.J., Stevens D., Shikha S., et al.
• Phytoremediation of Copper and Ciprofloxacin by Brassica juncea: A Comparative Study., Shikha S., Gauba P., Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 11/01/15, 7, 11, 281-287, Scopus indexed
• Phytoremediation of Pharmaceutical Products., Shikha S., Gauba P., Innovare Journal of Life Sciences, 03/01/16, 4, 3, 14-17
• Phytoremediation of Copper by Cicer arientum., Shikha S., Gauba P., Int J Pharm Bio Sci, 10/01/16, 7, 4, (B) 161 - 166, Scopus indexed
• Phytoremediation of Industrial and Pharmaceutical Pollutants., Shikha S., Gauba P., Recent Adv Biol Med, 01/01/16, 2, 113-117, HATSO USA
• Phytoremediation Potential of Three Leguminous Plants Toward Chromium., Shikha S., Gauba P., Journal of Pharmacy Research, 04/01/17, 11, 4, 299-305, Scopus indexed

• American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Society for Risk Analysis(SRA)
• Society of Toxicology (SOT)
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) American society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)