PhD student, Prime Minister Research Fellow

Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

About me

I am Vanika Dhingra, a passionate neuroscience Ph.D. student specializing in deciphering the role of nanoscale protein organization in the subsynaptic space. I am working in Dr. Deepak Nair's lab at the Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

My research focuses on unraveling how the precise arrangement of proteins influences the efficacy of information transfer in the brain. Utilizing the power of super-resolution microscopy, I delve into the intricate world of the brain's synaptic connections, aiming to contribute to our understanding of neural function and unravel the mysteries of the mind.

When I'm not immersed in my research, I find solace and inspiration in the world of art. Painting allows me to explore creativity beyond the boundaries of science, capturing the beauty and complexity of the world through a different lens. Additionally, I have a passion for immersing myself in the captivating realms of science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and sitcoms, as they ignite my imagination and provide a refreshing escape from the rigors of academia.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. (Centre for Neuroscience, IISc, Bangalore)

October, 2020 - Present

Currently working on the nanoscale organization of the glutamatergic synapses.

Principal Advisor: Prof. Deepak Nair.

cGPA: 9.7

M.Sc. in Biomedical Science (Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi)

August 2018 - July 2020

Six month dissertation project with Prof. Vani Brahmachari,

Score: 87.125%

2-month internship project at CSIR, IGIB, Delhi

Summer Break 2019

Guide: Dr. Vivek T. Natarajan

Skill set acquired: Cloning, Cell culture, Animal handling

Add on Course: Medical Biotechnology (Miranda House, University of Delhi)

2017 - 2018 (6 months)

Organized by DS Kothari Center for Research and Innovation in Science Education (DSKC).

Grade: A+

B.Sc. in Life Science (HansRaj college, University of Delhi)

August 2015 - July 2018

cGPA: 9.288

Coursework during PhD

Year 2020 - 2021

First Semester

NS201 - Systems Neuroscience
NS202 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
NS204 - Developmental Neuroscience
DB201 - Mathematics and Statistics for Biologists

Second Semester

NS302 - Topics in molecular and cellular neuroscience
BC207 - Multiomics

Link for courses: Neuroscience (NS), Multiomics (BC)

Achievements

Euro-bioimaging grant 2024 for the proposal – “Investigating the role of basal synaptic transmission and plasticity in modulating the organization and thermodynamic properties of the AMPAR nanomachinery”
Raman Charpak Fellowship (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA) 2023
Host Supervisor: Dr. Jean Baptiste Sibarita, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience (IINS), University of Bordeaux
6 months (May to October 2024).
Young scientist Award - Suttee Nag prize for best poster presentation
Indian Academy of Neuroscience, NEHU, Shillong - December, 2022
Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Received on: August, 2021 (Lateral entry chanel) for the duration of PhD till 2025.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Reseach - Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR - JRF)
October 2020 - July 2021.
University medal from the University of Delhi for securing the highest marks in the Biomedical Science Masters’ program - 2020, University of Delhi.
Highest marks (359/400) in Master's dissertation project, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research (ACBR) - Batch 2019-2020.
First prize for three consecutive years - BSc Life Sciences, Hansraj College, University of Delhi.
Won Interdisciplinary Science Quiz ‘Quest’, organized by Cluster Innovation Center, University of Delhi, Delhi (In a team of 4).
Uttar Pradesh government initiative - Awarded Scholarship and Laptop - for securing 95% marks in XII.

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