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Neelima Gandham

PhD Applicant in Biomedical Sciences | Plant Biotechnology & Immunomodulation • Fort Valley, GA • d**************@gmail.com • 904****786 • drivetube.ai/•••••

Professional Summary

PhD Applicant in Biomedical Sciences with 15+ years of clinical and research experience in plant-based therapeutics, immunomodulation, and biomaterials. Currently completing an MS in Plant Biotechnology at Fort Valley State University, developing biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels from agricultural waste for drug delivery and controlled release. Seeking doctoral training to integrate traditional medicinal knowledge with molecular immunology and biomaterial design for translational drug-discovery and delivery research.

Technical Skills

Data Analysis & Visualization: Antioxidant assays,HPTLC,Blotting techniques,Data analysis,English,Hindi,Telugu,Kannada,DNA extraction,Tissue culture,Microscopy,Hydrogel synthesis,Cellulose oxidation periodate and chlorite,Controlled release studies,Molecular docking,bioinformatics,Experimental design,Academic writing,Aseptic techniques,Good Laboratory Practices,Curriculum development,Student mentorship
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Operations: Cell Culture
Laboratory & Analytical Systems: ELISA,Flow Cytometry

Work Experience

Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA, USA
Graduate Research Assistant - Plant Biotechnology
2024 – Present
Academic research in plant biotechnology focused on converting agricultural waste into biomedical materials; work supports formulation and characterization of biodegradable hydrogels for drug delivery and controlled release.
Tech Stack: Hydrogel synthesis, Cellulose oxidation periodate and chlorite, Swelling and controlled release studies, Microscopy
  • Developed biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels from peanut shell-derived cellulose, establishing extraction and polymerization workflows tailored for agricultural waste feedstock.
  • Implemented periodate and chlorite oxidation to introduce reactive functional groups on cellulose, enabling efficient crosslinking and improved swelling behavior for hydrogel matrices.
  • Designed and executed swelling and controlled-release studies under simulated physiological and soil conditions to evaluate hydrogel performance for drug delivery and agricultural applications.
  • Performed biomaterial characterization using microscopy and compositional assays to assess morphology, structural integrity, and suitability for controlled-release formulations.
  • Integrated sustainability criteria into experimental planning to valorize peanut-shell waste, documented reproducible protocols, and maintained detailed lab records for translation and scale-up.
  • Prepared posters and presentations for institutional and national symposia, and drafted manuscripts summarizing methods and findings for peer-review consideration.
Dr. BRKR Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College
Telangana, India
Research Training - MD Ayurvedic Pharmacology
2016 – 2019
Clinical and preclinical research in Ayurvedic pharmacology investigating immunomodulatory and anti-cancer herbal formulations; combined computational and wet-lab approaches for mechanistic studies.
Tech Stack: Molecular docking, Antioxidant assays, ELISA, Flow cytometry, In vivo animal studies
  • Investigated immunomodulatory and anti-cancer herbal formulations through coordinated in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate therapeutic potential and mechanisms.
  • Conducted molecular docking studies to predict phytochemical–protein interactions and prioritized candidate compounds for experimental validation.
  • Performed antioxidant assays and ELISA to quantify bioactivity and cytokine modulation in treated samples.
  • Executed flow cytometry and tissue-based analyses in animal models to assess immune cell populations and treatment effects.
  • Contributed experimental data and methodological descriptions that supported peer-reviewed publications and clinical case studies.
  • Maintained compliant animal study documentation and adhered to laboratory safety and ethical standards during in vivo research.
National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), CCRAS
India
Senior Research Fellow
2015 – 2016
Research support role focused on literature curation and data synthesis for documentation of traditional medicine research and contributions to national AYUSH knowledge resources.
Tech Stack: Literature review, Data analysis, AYUSH Research Portal
  • Conducted systematic literature reviews of traditional medicinal formulations to synthesize evidence for efficacy and safety.
  • Performed data analysis and prepared technical summaries to support institutional reports and research dissemination.
  • Supported curation and submission of research entries to the AYUSH Research Portal, ensuring metadata accuracy and source validation.
  • Coordinated with researchers to standardize documentation practices for traditional medicine knowledge and research outputs.
  • Drafted white papers and technical notes identifying evidence gaps and recommendations for future investigations.
  • Implemented quality control measures for data collection and archival practices following institutional protocols.
A.L. Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College
Warangal, Telangana, India
Assistant Professor
July 2020 – December 2024
Academic teaching and mentorship in Ayurvedic medicine for graduate students; responsibilities included curriculum delivery, student supervision, and integration of evidence-based approaches into coursework.
Tech Stack: Curriculum development, Student mentorship, Lecture delivery
  • Developed and delivered lecture materials and laboratory demonstrations aligned with the graduate Ayurvedic curriculum to support student learning outcomes.
  • Designed assessments and tracked student performance, providing targeted feedback and mentoring to foster clinical reasoning and research skills.
  • Advised students on academic and career pathways, promoting interdisciplinary integration of modern biomedical concepts with traditional Ayurvedic theory.
  • Supervised student-led research projects, guiding experimental design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation.
  • Organized and participated in teaching workshops to adopt evidence-based pedagogical methods and periodically updated course content.
  • Maintained academic records and contributed to departmental curriculum review and quality assurance activities.
Government Ayurveda Dispensary
Elkaturthy, Warangal, Telangana, India
Medical Officer
February 2020 – July 2020
Clinical practice in a public dispensary providing Ayurvedic diagnosis, therapies and preventive healthcare services to the local community.
Tech Stack: Ayurvedic therapeutics, Panchakarma therapies, Clinical diagnostics
  • Diagnosed and managed outpatient cases using Ayurvedic therapeutics, formulating individualized herbal treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations.
  • Administered Panchakarma and detoxification procedures, monitored patient responses, and adjusted regimens to ensure safety and efficacy.
  • Provided preventive healthcare education and dietary counseling to improve patient compliance and health outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed clinical documentation and coordinated referrals when integrative care or further evaluation was required.
  • Ensured adherence to clinical protocols and infection control standards in a public healthcare setting.
  • Engaged in community outreach activities to raise awareness of Ayurvedic preventive practices and early-intervention strategies.
Private Ayurvedic Clinic
Hyderabad, India
Clinician & Owner
January 2003 – April 2015
Operated a private Ayurvedic clinic delivering clinical care, Panchakarma therapies and personalized herbal treatments with a focus on infertility and gynecological health.
Tech Stack: Prakriti and Vikriti assessments, Panchakarma therapies, Herbal pharmacotherapies
  • Managed full clinical workflow including patient intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, and longitudinal follow-up for a diverse outpatient population.
  • Specialized in infertility and gynecological disorders using Prakriti and Vikriti assessments to develop individualized treatment protocols.
  • Administered Panchakarma therapies and herbal pharmacotherapies, documenting clinical responses and adapting regimens to improve outcomes.
  • Integrated lifestyle counseling and dietary interventions as part of comprehensive treatment plans to support fertility and long-term wellness.
  • Maintained a medicinal plant pharmacopeia and prepared formulations according to therapeutic standards and safety practices.
  • Built sustained patient relationships, managed scheduling and clinical administration, and ensured continuity of care.

Education

Fort Valley State University, College of Agriculture and Family Sciences & Technology
Master of Science in Plant Biotechnology • Fort Valley, GA, USA • 2024 – Dec 2026 (expected)
SDLCE, Kakatiya University
Master of Psychology • Warangal, Telangana, India • 2021 – 2024
Dr BRKR Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College, KNR University of Health Sciences
Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Ayurvedic Medicine • Telangana, India • 2016 – 2019
Sri Kalabyraveshwara Swamy Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) • Bangalore, Karnataka, India • 1997 – 2003

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