Neurosciences (MSc/PhD/MD-PhD)

Neha Prasanna

EDUCATION

College / University

PES University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Technology

Major Subjects

Biostatistics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Structural Biology, Genetic Engineering, Bioinformatics, Immunology, Engineering Mathematics
Prasanna

Country

India

Lab Experience

Molecular Biology: Molecular cloning, PCR, Gel electrophoresis (agarose, SDS PAGE), ELISA & Western Blot
Model Organisms: Caenorhabditis elegans: Basic handling, RNAi by bacterial feeding, Survival assays
C57/B6 & Transgenic mice: Contextual &Tone Fear Conditioning, Viral infusion, Stereotaxic surgery, Perfusion
Imaging: Fluorescence microscopy
Animal Cell Culture: Secondary cell culture and maintenance, AAV & retro-virus production Dry Lab: Python, Bioinformatics.

Projects / Research

  • 07/2019 – 03/2020: Study of structural & molecular correlates of remote memory formation & retrieval. Dr. Balaji Jayaprakash, IISc Bangalore
  • 01/2019 – 05/2019: B.Tech Thesis “Development of molecular probes for following in-vivo structural & functional dynamics associated with memory formation”. Dr. Balaji Jayaprakash, IISc Bangalore
  • 06/2018 – 07/2018: Study of the role of neuropeptides & interleukin related molecules in C. elegans immunity. Dr. Varsha Singh, IISc Bangalore (JNCASR summer fellowship)

Scholarships / Awards

2020 – 2021: Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
06/2018 – 07/2018: JNCASR Summer Research Fellowship Awardee
2015 – 2019: Professor C.N Rao scholarship (PES University): 1-4th, 7th semesters: Top twenty percent performers

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

What particularly captivates me is that our experience of the world is unique and yet similar to the experience of those around us. Learning and memory heavily influence this experience as well as our response. I hope to combine molecular and computational techniques to explore the underlying principles and mechanisms involved, be it at a molecular, circuit or cognitive level. A better understanding of the same or the compensatory mechanisms that kick in upon disruption of normal learning will give us the ability to develop better rehabilitation therapies and help us treat learning and memory dysfunctions.