Aarti Swaminathan

EDUCATION

College / University

Mepco Schlenk Engineering College / Anna University Chennai

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Technology (Biotechnology)

Major Subjects

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Protein Engineering, Immunology, Animal Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Proteomics and Genomics

Country

India

Lab Experience

Real time PCR, in situ hybridization, cloning, cell culture and standard molecular biology, cell biology and protein purification techniques.

Projects / Research

Dec 2011 – May 2012: Potential role of Serotonin in maintenance of pluripotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem cells. Bachelor thesis, Dr. Mitradas Panicker, National Centre for Biological Sciences, India
June – July 2010: Cloning and characterization of telomerase gene in Hydra. Dr. Yashoda Ghanekar, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, India
May – June 2009: Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on NMDA Receptor activity. Dr. RV Omkumar, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, India

Scholarships / Awards

2012 – 2013:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
Feb 2012:	GATE Biotechnology (All India Rank: 82)
Dec 2011:	Qualified as CSIR/UGC-NET Junior Research Fellow (Rank: 47)
2009 – 2011:	National Science (Summer) Fellowship for Students, KVPY, Government of India

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am really passionate about learning and understanding the development of human brain, right from embryonic stages till the formation of complex structures such as cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Understanding these mechanisms can provide us insights into how neurons interconnect with each other and lead to memory consolidation. I would really like to contribute to our understanding of human brain through my research.