I’m Pooja, currently pursuing a Master’s in Biotechnology at the University of Western Australia. Born and raised in Bangalore, often referred to as the garden city of India, I’ve spent over 20 years in this vibrant city. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology from Christ University, achieving an 8.6 GPA. Throughout my academic journey, I have undertaken multiple internships in molecular biology and microbiology laboratories, gaining essential practical skills to support my future research endeavors. My deep interest in research has driven me to continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and contribute to scientific advancements.
I’ve always found the area of drug delivery fascinating due to its critical impact on healthcare and patient outcomes. My interest deepened as I explored the various methods of drug delivery, particularly those that promise precision and efficiency. During my research, I discovered the concept of DNA origami, which captivated me with its versatility and potential to revolutionize the field. The ability to design and manipulate DNA structures at the nanoscale for targeted drug delivery struck me as a ground-breaking approach. This innovation inspired me to further delve into the science and applications of DNA origami in drug delivery systems. Joining your Center, renowned for its pioneering work and cutting-edge research, presents an incredible opportunity to contribute to and advance this exciting field alongside leading experts.
My current research project is titled “Nuclear Import of DNA Origami through Cell Surface Receptor Targeting Aptamers.” This project explores a novel approach to drug delivery by leveraging the unique properties of DNA origami and aptamers. The primary objective is to use aptamer-based DNA origami to hijack the transfection pathway of nucleus-translocating cell surface receptors. By targeting these receptors, the DNA origami can be efficiently guided into the cell nucleus, delivering therapeutic genes precisely where they are needed.
The project aims to develop a highly efficient and targeted method for gene delivery, which holds significant promise for treating genetic disorders and diseases at the cellular level. By ensuring that the DNA origami carries the gene of interest directly into the nucleus, this method could vastly improve the efficacy of gene therapies and reduce off-target effects, which are common challenges in current delivery systems.
The potential impact of this research on the field of drug delivery and gene therapy is substantial. Successfully implementing this technique could lead to more precise, efficient, and safer gene delivery methods, paving the way for advancements in treating a variety of genetic diseases. On a broader societal level, this innovation could improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs associated with inefficient treatments, and contribute to the development of personalized medicine. Ultimately, this research could transform how we approach the treatment of genetic disorders, providing new hope for patients and advancing the frontiers of medical science.
Through my research, I hope to achieve a breakthrough in the efficient and targeted delivery of therapeutic genes using DNA origami. My goal is to develop a reliable method that can guide DNA origami into the nucleus via cell surface receptor targeting, thereby enhancing the efficacy and precision of gene therapies. I aim to contribute to advancements in treating genetic disorders and improving patient outcomes.
I believe that joining your Center will be instrumental in reaching these goals. Your Center’s cutting-edge facilities, and collaborative research environment provide the ideal platform for my work.
I love reading science fiction books in my spare time because they allow me to explore imaginative worlds and futuristic concepts, sparking my creativity and expanding my understanding of scientific possibilities.
