Tulasikumari Kanipakala
Rockville,MD
Summary
Organized and self-motivated research scientist and senior manager with over 12 years of specialized experience in infectious diseases, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, and Bacillus anthracis. Recognized for exceptional multitasking abilities and collaborative teamwork, leveraging strong expertise in these fields alongside outstanding interpersonal and scientific communication skills to drive significant contributions across diverse projects. Proven track record in testing clinical samples and conducting pre-clinical serology testing across multiple assays, complemented by extensive experience in virology stability testing and the development of innovative product candidates targeting staph, anthrax, pneumonia, and C. diff infections. A dedicated focus on staph infection research has led to novel discoveries and original publications, underpinned by proprietary technologies such as Infection Site Targeted Antitoxin Antibody (ISTAb) and Infection Site Targeted Universal Bridging Antigen (ISTuBA).
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Scientist and Senior Manager-Critical Reagent
Abvacc
Rockville, MD
01.2023 - Current
Conducted clinical sample testing and preclinical serology assays, including ELISA neutralization assays and immune profiling across various experimental systems. Assisted in data analysis processes to support informed decision-making in preclinical studies.
Utilized expertise in virology and pseudovirus-based neutralization systems to spearhead advancements across multiple MARV platforms.
- Assisted teams in implementing vsv-δg marv variants within ci67 gp angola and gp ravn teams. Supported collaborative efforts to improve gp musoke project outcomes. Aided in optimizing variant management processes.
- Conducted stability studies on Marburg and Nipah pseudoviruses to assess viability across diverse environmental conditions.
- Assisted in conducting stability and neutralization assays for cocktail and individual monoclonal antibodies. Supported laboratory teams in maintaining accurate records of assay results. Contributed to the optimization of assay protocols for improved efficiency.
- Conducted systematic research tests in clinical environments to uphold data integrity.
- Designed and implemented new software applications while modifying current systems to address specific needs of scientific projects.
- Championed innovative technology adoption in experiments, resulting in superior data quality outcomes.
- Enhanced research methodologies to drive efficiency and ensure team accuracy standards.
- Conducted comprehensive grant applications to ensure funding for critical project continuation and expansion.
- Increased research visibility, publishing findings in top-tier scientific journals.
- Engaged with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms for high-quality materials, ensuring cost-effective procurement.
- Worked alongside various departments to refine experimental procedures, ensuring efficient data gathering.
- Directed comprehensive research efforts aimed at creating innovative treatments for infectious diseases.
- Led research initiatives to develop innovative therapeutic solutions targeting infectious diseases.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline experimental protocols and improve efficiency in data collection.
Associate Scientist
Abvacc
Rockville, MD
01.2022 - Current
- Characterizing monoclonal antibodies from library and conducting synergy studies in Tg 276 mice (FcRn/hFcRn)
- Conducted macrophage cell culture, performing whole cell neutralization assay using PA and LF toxins.
- Conducting quantitative ELISAs from PK study, immune blotting, and cell development.
- Responsible for analyzing and interpreting results, prepares reports, writing of scientific reports; creates and implements new protocols (SOPs), maintains research lab operations and equipment.
Research Associate
Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc
Rockville, MD
01.2016 - 12.2021
- Executed comprehensive molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA purification, quantitation, and sequencing.
- Performed DNA isolation, cloning, and purification alongside RT-PCR and gene silencing to analyze Staphylococcus infection levels.
- Led collaborative efficacy studies employing various administration methods and conducted thorough data analysis leveraging Prism software.
- Facilitated collaboration with research teams to execute human pre-clinical trials for staph vaccine development.
- Executed design and implementation of dose-response studies in hamster models to evaluate effects of uk1 spores.
- Designed and implemented experimental protocols to refine anaerobic conditions and back titers, facilitating optimal growth of UK1 and C. diff spores.
- Formulated comprehensive study documentation, encompassing protocols and informed consent forms, to enhance participant clarity.
Research Assistant
Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc
Rockville, MD
07.2014 - 12.2015
- Optimized techniques for the induction and purification of recombinant proteins, enhancing overall laboratory efficiency.
- Cataloged and arranged research materials, creating a workspace that enhances focus and productivity.
- Oversaw laboratory equipment and resource management, ensuring optimal maintenance and functionality.
- Enhanced project workflow by optimizing team efficiency through development of comprehensive scheduling and tracking systems.
Education
Certificate - Biotechnology
Montgomery College
MD, USA05-2012
MS - Microbiology
Nagarjuna University
Guntur, India05-2001
BS - Biology
Nagarjuna University
Guntur, India05-1998
Skills
- SDS-PAGE and native gel methods
- Protein quantification methods
- Monoclonal and polyclonal analysis
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Macrophage cell culture expertise
- Plasmid construction and purification
- Nucleic acid isolation and analysis
- Specialized training in OPA assay methods
- Bacterial culture techniques for animal research
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 4 staff members.
Certification
- Bacteriology and immunology and Virology
Timeline
Scientist and Senior Manager-Critical Reagent
Abvacc
01.2023 - Current
Associate Scientist
Abvacc
01.2022 - Current
Research Associate
Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc
01.2016 - 12.2021
Research Assistant
Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc
07.2014 - 12.2015
MS - Microbiology
Nagarjuna University
BS - Biology
Nagarjuna University
Certificate - Biotechnology
Montgomery College
PUBLICATIONS
- Antibodies to S. aureus LukS-PV Attenuated Subunit Vaccine Neutralize a Broad Spectrum of Canonical and Non-Canonical Bicomponent Leukotoxin Pairs. Adhikari RP, Kort T, Shulenin S, Kanipakala T, Ganjbaksh N, Roghmann MC, Holtsberg FW, Aman MJ. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 14;10(9):e0137874. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137874. eCollection 2015. PMID: 26367030 Free PMC article.
- Correction: Antibodies to S. aureus LukS-PV Attenuated Subunit Vaccine Neutralize a Broad Spectrum of Canonical and Non-Canonical Bicomponent Leukotoxin Pairs. Adhikari RP, Kort T, Shulenin S, Kanipakala T, Ganjbaksh N, Roghmann MC, Holtsberg FW, Aman MJ. PLoS One. 2015 Nov 16;10(11):e0143493. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143493. eCollection 2015. PMID: 26571027 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
- A Critical Role for HlgA in Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenesis Revealed by A Switch in the SaeRS Two-Component Regulatory System. Venkatasubramaniam A, Kanipakala T, Ganjbaksh N, Mehr R, Mukherjee I, Krishnan S, Bae T, Aman MJ, Adhikari RP. Toxins (Basel). 2018 Sep 18;10(9):377. doi: 10.3390/toxins10090377. PMID: 30231498 Free PMC article.
- Rational Design of Toxoid Vaccine Candidates for Staphylococcus aureus Leukocidin AB (LukAB). Kailasan S, Kort T, Mukherjee I, Liao GC, Kanipakala T, Williston N, Ganjbaksh N, Venkatasubramaniam A, Holtsberg FW, Karauzum H, Adhikari RP, Aman MJ. Toxins (Basel). 2019 Jun 14;11(6):339. doi: 10.3390/toxins11060339. PMID: 31207937 Free PMC article.
- Evidence of Neutralizing and Non-Neutralizing Anti-Glucosaminidase Antibodies in Patients With S. Aureus Osteomyelitis and Their Association With Clinical Outcome Following Surgery in a Clinical Pilot. Sherchand SP, Adhikari RP, Muthukrishnan G, Kanipakala T, Owen JR, Xie C, Aman MJ, Proctor RA, Schwarz EM, Kates SL. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Jul 18;12:876898. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.876898. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35923304 Free PMC article.
- Hyperimmune Targeting Staphylococcal Toxins Effectively Protect Against USA 300 MRSA Infection in Mouse Bacteremia and Pneumonia Models. Mednikov M, Chenine AL, Aman MJ, Nykiforuk CL, Adhikari RP. Front Immunol. 2022 May 17;13:893921. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893921. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35655774 Free PMC article.
- Antigenic landscapes on Staphylococcus aureus pore-forming toxins reveal insights into specificity and cross-neutralization. Kailasan S, Kant R, Noonan-Shueh M, Kanipakala T, Liao G, Shulenin S, Leung DW, Alm RA, Adhikari RP, Amarasinghe GK, Gross ML, Aman MJ. MAbs. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2083467. doi: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2083467. PMID: 35730685 Free PMC article.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience, specializing in bench work with pathogens such as S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, C. diff, and B. anthracis using various assays.
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting efficacy and immunogenicity studies, as well as preparing treatment and challenge doses for animal research.
- An innovative and enthusiastic team player, self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
- Experienced in cell culture development, equipment, cell line generation, and scaling-up processes for antibody production.
- Certified by IBT to operate within BSL2 laboratories.
- Proficient in developing and optimizing in vitro assays using diverse cell lines (Raw.264.7, HL60, Vero) and toxins across multiple projects.
- Capable of executing animal models, particularly with hamsters and non-human primates.
- Conduct stability studies for both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
- Expert in collecting patient swabs for culturing and performing PCR and RT-PCR tests.
- Skilled in handling human pre-clinical trial samples, isolating PBMCs, and analyzing immunological data using flow cytometry.
- Adept at producing monoclonal antibodies from CHO and HEK 293 cell lines.
- Experience in plasmid design, preparation, cellular transfections, and transductions.
- Specialize in authoring DOPS and SOP documentation.
TEACHING & OTHER EXPERIENCE
- TJPS Educational Institute, Guntur, India Jun 1998 – Mar 1999
- Prepared lesson plans for chemistry and biological sciences.
- Conducted lab experiments to supplement classroom lessons.
- Taught students the fundamentals of chemistry and biological sciences.
- Offered hands-on experimental experience to reinforce learning concepts.
- Assessed student performance, providing feedback and support to ensure their success.