Lab Alumni

During my dissertation research, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the laboratory, which significantly enhanced my skills and contributed to the success of my project. Working in the lab, I developed proficiency in using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and techniques. One of the highlights of my lab experience was the opportunity to work with cell line. During my time in the lab, I gained extensive experience in the handling and maintenance of cell lines, which played a crucial role in the success of my dissertation. I am well-versed in routine cell culture techniques, establishing primary cell cultures, generating stable cell lines, and conducting quality control measures. This experience has not only honed my technical skills but also instilled in me a strong appreciation for meticulous record-keeping, adherence to biosafety protocols, and the importance of maintaining cell line integrity.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work under the guidance of Dr. Aditya Sunkaria. I appreciate their role in fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment and their commitment to nurturing teamwork and intellectual discussions. Their mentorship has not only shaped my scientific journey but also inspired me to pursue excellence in my future endeavors. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have acquired through their guidance will continue to be valuable assets as I progress in my academic and professional pursuits.

My dissertation work centred on the development and evaluation of non- invasive biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The study aimed to establish a reliable and accessible diagnostic tool that could detect AD at its earliest stages, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge in AD biomarker research and hold promise for revolutionizing early detection strategies in clinical practice. By continuing to advance our understanding of AD biomarkers, we can strive towards improving the lives of individuals affected by this devastating disease.

Throughout my tenure in the laboratory, I acquired invaluable practical skills through active engagement in experiments, data analysis, and scientific research. By diligently adhering to protocols and effectively addressing unforeseen challenges, my lab experience refined my attention to detail and adeptness in problem-solving. I readily embraced novel technologies and methodologies, while consistently upholding a safe and well-organized laboratory setting. Ultimately, my lab experience has been a formative and enriching part of my academic journey. I am excited to leverage this experience in future endeavours, contributing to scientific research and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

I received extensive training in animal tissue culture techniques throughout the time I spent working on my dissertation. My dissertation was titled "Analysing Neuronal Gene Expression Patterns in an Aβ Oligomer-Induced in vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease". To fulfill my dissertation objectives, I learned to maintain cell lines according to all aseptic protocols. The lab is equipped with basic and advanced instruments. I had the opportunity to work independently while under supervision by both Dr. Aditya Sunkaria, the lab head, and Ravinder Singh, the Ph.D. scholar. The lab environment was very friendly, and I felt very comfortable designing and conducting experiments on my own. Overall, I had a fantastic experience, and I wish the best of luck to new students.

My dissertation work focused on the development and evaluation of non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aimed to establish a reliable and accessible diagnostic tool that could detect AD at its earliest stages, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge in AD biomarker research and hold promise for revolutionizing early detection strategies in clinical practice.

During my time working in the lab, I gained invaluable hands-on experience conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific research. From meticulously following protocols to troubleshooting unexpected issues, my lab experience honed my attention to detail and problem-solving skills. I adapted to new technologies and techniques, and I consistently maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment. Overall, my lab experience was enriching, and it greatly enhanced my understanding of practical scientific applications.

In my dissertation project work on “Investigation Neuronal Gene Modulation in a Late-Stage in vitro Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: Impact of Co-Treatment with Amyloid-β Oligomers and Fibrils” I learned lots of Animal Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology techniques and methods including Animal Cell Line maintenance according to protocols. Our lab is equipped with all the necessary instruments. I had the opportunity to work and handle all practical instruments independently during my dissertation work under the supervision of both Dr. Aditya Sunkaria, the lab head, and Ravinder Singh, Ph.D. scholar. Throughout my dissertation, I acquired lots of practical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills, time management, teamwork and group discussion.

The lab environment was very friendly and supportive. I experienced a great sense of ease while independently designing and executing experiments. My all labmates are very nice and supportive in nature. Overall, I had a marvellous experience, and I wish best of luck to new students.

My dissertation experience in the lab was an enriching journey of exploration, discovery, and personal growth. It allowed me to contribute to the scientific understanding of fundamental biological processes while sharpening my skills in Animal tissue culture and molecular biology techniques like PCR, primer designing, etc. 

I am very grateful for the invaluable support and guidance I have received from my mentor and guide Dr. Aditya Sunkaria. Throughout the entire process, their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have been truly commendable. 

Working alongside my labmates has created a dynamic and stimulating research environment. The opportunity to exchange ideas, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and receiving constructive feedback has significantly contributed to the development of my research project. Together, we faced challenges, and celebrated each other's successes, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating community that nurtured personal and professional growth.

Undoubtedly, this immersive lab experience has provided me with a solid foundation upon which to build my future scientific endeavors.

During my dissertation research, I gained invaluable practical experience in the lab, improving my abilities significantly. Molecular biology procedures like RNA isolation, PCR, and primer designing became second nature to me. Handling and maintaining cell lines became a key aspect of my work, essential to my dissertation's success. This boosted my confidence in lab work, using instruments, and working independently. My mentor, Dr. Aditya Sunkaria, has played an invaluable role in shaping my journey, for which I am deeply grateful.

The research process also cultivated essential soft skills, including time management, teamwork, and engaging in productive group discussions. The lab's supportive and welcoming atmosphere fostered a positive learning environment. I thoroughly enjoyed independently planning and conducting experiments, and my lab mates' kindness and assistance made the entire experience wonderful. Overall, this enriching lab experience has left me with a wealth of knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly benefit my future scientific endeavors.

Rightly said by Todd Lieberman, “Sometimes when you have limited resources and you really have to think about creative ways to get around some of these problems, generally the end result is better” is what summarizes my experience in the NeuroGlia lab. Though any scientific lab can teach scientific techniques to its students, this lab grounds my every neuron to look for troubleshoots and devise my own protocols, thus enhancing my scientific temperament as a scientist and not like a technician.

During those times, Dr. Aditya set a right example of an undaunting mentor who, despite restricted resources, always motivated his students to create their hypotheses, emphasizing developing the art of reading research papers and providing necessary support and guidance in both professional and personal matters. He believes in the power of collaboration. That is why he readily allowed me to seek guidance in the other department (pharmacy) to broaden my horizon without constraints. Under his mentorship, I carried out my dissertation work titled: “To study whether 4-HT could attenuate LPS induced oxidative stress in Neuro-2a cells at a higher concentration” and co-authored a research article with my other lab-mates. Those occasional brainstorming lab discussions on Alzheimer’s disease created an atmosphere of progressive discussions and helped to formulate our research proposals for higher studies.

In a nutshell, not only I’m taking the hands-on experience from my stay in this lab but a lot of moral values too, which I believe will help me in shaping my non-verbal skills and becoming a creative leader in the scientific domain.

The NeuroGlia Lab will always be a major part of my life for honing my skills and helping me understand how to tackle different experimental situations by applying new scientific approaches. I embarked on my journey in this laboratory for six months for my dissertation, immersing myself in the captivating world of Neurobiology. My dissertation was based on determining the effect of the drug 4-Hydroxy TEMPO on LPS-mediated oxidative stress using Neuro-2a cells. Working on mouse cell lines, Neuro-2a cells, was one of the highlights of my project. The hands-on experience with these cell lines allowed me to study the disease models more closely and gain valuable insights. 

The laboratory environment provided to be a nurturing ground for intellectual growth and scientific exploration. The unwavering guidance and support of Dr. Aditya Sunkaria were pivotal in my growth as a researcher. Under his mentorship, I not only gained invaluable research skills but also learned the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. He also encouraged us to write a review article, which is now published in an esteemed scientific journal. The skills I acquired during my time in this laboratory have continued to serve me well in my career. 

As I reflect upon my time in this laboratory, I am filled with gratitude for the mentorship and support I received throughout my journey. I also carry with me fond memories, enduring friendships, and a sense of pride in our collective achievements.

It was an immense pleasure to learn and work under the expert guidance of Dr. Aditya Sunkaria while completing my thesis project entitled: "To Study Whether Sulforaphane Could Attenuate LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation in Neuro-2a Cells at a Higher Concentration." During this time, I acquired valuable skills such as cell line maintenance, SDS-gel preparation, RNA isolation, and cDNA synthesis. Additionally, I honed my ability to comprehend research papers, a skill that proved invaluable in my academic journey.

Through collaborative efforts with my fellow labmates, I had the privilege of co-authoring a research article that was successfully published in a prestigious journal, thanks to Dr. Aditya's unwavering support and encouragement. Furthermore, his guidance played a significant role in improving my presentation skills, which were showcased during the credit seminar.

The overall lab environment was characterized by a warm and supportive atmosphere, fostering both professional and personal growth. This experience not only provided me with practical knowledge but also created cherished memories that I will treasure.

Indeed, I am sincerely grateful for the invaluable opportunities and experiences I gained in this lab under the mentorship of Dr. Aditya Sunkaria.

I worked at the Neuroglia Lab for six months during my master's program to complete my dissertation. This period in my academic career was the most enlightening in terms of research knowledge. Prior to this, my expertise had been confined to textbooks. However, this experience taught me the true value of reading scientific literature and utilizing it to shape my investigations. I acquired a profound understanding of how the brain functions, the key questions to ask before planning experiments, and the significance of meticulous planning.

I firmly believe that once a protocol is established, anyone with a basic understanding of the equipment can conduct an experiment. Nonetheless, standardizing the protocol and troubleshooting can test one's patience. Dr. Aditya Sunkaria played a pivotal role in cultivating my patience and strategic thinking through his guidance.

During my dissertation, I mastered several molecular biology techniques, including animal cell culture, RNA and protein isolation, primer design, cDNA synthesis, PCR, Agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and protein estimation. The title of my dissertation was "Investigating the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Sulforaphane at Low Concentrations in LPS-induced Neuro-2a Cells."

At the Neuroglia Lab, I was granted the freedom to experiment, and my fresh ideas were always welcomed and embraced. The planning and idea-generating sessions pushed me to think creatively and critically, surpassing my theoretical understanding. Under Dr. Sunkaria's guidance, I even honed my scientific writing skills. Additionally, with the diligent teamwork of my lab mates, I successfully completed my first publication as a co-author in a reputable journal.