How did you first become interested in Biochemistry?
Hailing from a business background, everyone in my family expected me to follow their suit. However, I was always a keen observer and was deeply interested in life sciences, and thus decided to pursue this course.
Today, as a 20-year-old, I perceive life as a process of conscious evolution and realize that this crazily developing, technologically driven world, calls for newer perspectives. The endless opportunities available in science and the spectrum of what we can achieve using biotechnology inspires and excites me to seek a career in this field.
Tell us more about your work.
An important turning point of my college years occurred in the second semester when I collaborated with Dr Lakshmi Sarin, and five of my peers, on a project that aimed at developing a natural remedy for Seborrheic Dermatitis. The study involved a comparative analysis of selective natural ingredients to devise a recipe that could act as a treatment against ‘Malassezia Furfur’, the most common fungi to produce an inflammatory response in sebum-producing areas of the body. Then, in February 2020, we started getting really promising results after more than a year of trying. It was an organic remedy that used aloe vera, hibiscus, camphor and other natural elements and didn't involve the usual chemicals and irritants present in anti-dandruff shampoos.
We have successfully formulated two recipes that can be commercialised and we’re still in the testing phase.
However, we have presented our research on national as well as international platforms and received remarkable feedback. ( We presented this idea at the International Conference on frontiers of Biotechnology and Biochemistry’, held at Shivaji College, Delhi (on Feb 13, 2020); even though we were just a small team of undergraduates, in a conference that included Master’s and PhD level candidates, the judges acknowledged the potential of our work and felicitated us with the first position in the ‘Innovative Idea’ category. A few weeks later (on Feb 25, 2020), I presented this project, again, at the National Seminar and Research Fest on ‘Antimicrobial Therapy’, held at my college; here too we stood first. )
What was your journey like while working on this project?
It was difficult at first. It took us two months just to decide the right medium for growing fungus. A very intricate process was followed to culture it properly. We didn’t have a lot of practical experience and made mistakes but this kept us motivated and allowed us to work hard.
We had to stay back in college, 4-5 hours after it closed every day. Not everyone lived close by which was a problem. We even had to work on the weekends and during the winter breaks. I believe it was worth it because getting this project funded could be groundbreaking.
What are your plans for the future?
I have recently published my 1st review paper in an international journal on the topic ‘The Role of Serotonin and Diet in the Prevalence of IBS’ with my professor Dr Bhawana and two classmates. I wish to research more to help at least a few people by publishing valuable insights in an easy-to-understand language.
I am also deeply interested in commercialisation and biology going hand in hand and wish to pursue my Masters in both Biotechnology and Business, hoping to start my biotech organisation someday. I strongly believe in exploring all horizons and not limiting ourselves to one life path.
I also think that biotechnologists have proved what they’re capable of over the past year and the sheer importance of governmental and private organisations investing in life sciences research and funding.
What message would you like to share with other students?
During your undergrad years, taking initiative is of utmost importance. Don’t waste these three years inside a classroom and don’t limit yourself to one club or society either. There should be a balance, and a zeal to get the most of your degree. Approach your professors and ask for their help or opinions whenever you can. Most of the time, they’ll be happy to help you with your problems and offer you valuable insights from the industry that are worth noting.”
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