Medical Research

*

CURRICULUM VITAE

OF

Rajni Kumaria

M.Sc., Ph.D. Medical Microbiology

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NAME RAJNI KUMARIA

E-MAIL **********@*****.***

CONTACT NUMBER +659*******

VISA STATUS Permanent Residence

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology, 2002-08. Maulana Azad Medical College,

(Virology) University of Delhi, India (Full Scholarship Awardee from UGC & ICMR)

M.Sc. in Biochemistry 1990-92. Delhi University, India

(Full Scholarship Awardee from UGC)

B.Sc. in Biochemistry (Honors) 1987-90. Delhi University, India Career Highlights

Position Organization From To

Regional Head, (SEA&I) Bioanall Pte. Ltd., Singapore 2013 Contd. Scientific & Technical

Senior Research Scientist Danone Pte. Ltd., Singapore 2011 2013 R&D Manager(Microbiology) Danone Pte. Ltd., Singapore 2011 2013 PDF Research Scientist SMART, Singapore & MIT, USA 2008 2010 Senior Research Fellow University of Delhi, India 2002 2008 Research Scholar Maulana Azad Medical 2002 2008

College & Hospital, Delhi, India

Research Fellow Maulana Azad Medical

College & Hospital, Delhi, India 1999 2002

Head Biochemist Institute of Hematology, 1995 1998

& Pathology, Delhi, India

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Experience - Research & Development

Medical Microbiologist with proven expertise in virology encompassing viral pathogenesis, diagnostics, infection modulation, intervention and preventive strategies, vaccine development and epidemiology.

Skilled at writing research proposals and successfully obtained major grants leading to pre-clinical and clinical studies in Asia, USA and Europe.

Extensive experience spanning multi-disciplinary areas in R&D with publications in molecular diagnostics, microbial infection control and prevention research with special focus on respiratory, diarrheal and transmittable infections.

Adept at strategic driving of projects providing techno-scientific skills, novel research ideas and budget planning & management support.

Active in team oriented developments relating to product development and positioning, process and packaging in R&D.

Experienced in team coaching and supervising scientists, technical staff, students in an interactive team orientation array.

Proven competencies in augmenting productivity and functionality through GLP, maintaining regulations, safety, compliance, protocols and procedures.

Far-reaching expertise collaborating with cross-functional Key Opinion Leaders

(KOLs), liaising with clinicians, healthcare and scientific professionals.

Strong self-driven leader and strategic contributor recognized for initiatives.

Well-travelled for significant interactions with senior personals and healthcare professionals with an excellent understanding of global and diverse cultures.

Articulate communicator with exceptional presentation and training skills for preparing and delivering impressive presentations. Honours & Awards

Award of Research Appreciation: Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Singapore (2009).

First Prize by Indian Association of Medical Microbiologist, India, for paper entitled “Detection of circulating levels of cytokines in patients with dengue fever during an outbreak” (2005).

Senior Research Fellowship & Independent Research Project, Directorate of Medical Research, India (2005-07).

Senior Research Fellowship, Directorate of Medical Research, India (2002- 05).

International Travel Award, Commonwealth Science Council, U K (2003).

International Research and Travel Award, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India (2003).

Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission, India ((2001-02). 4

Research & Technical Skills

HTP and Automation: High throughput automation of molecular assays for sensitive microbial pathogen quantitation and characterization, clinical disease profiling assays.

Molecular Diagnostics: High throughput qRT-PCR and MS-MS based assays for sensitive Viral and Bacterial pathogen quantitation and metabolomics characterization.

Genomics: Whole genome sequencing and analysis; qPCR; qRT-PCR; RT- PCR; Multiplex PCR; Cloning; RFLP.

Proteomics: Purification of viral proteins by gradient and ultra-centrifugation; Protein characterization by PAGE and mass spectrometry.

Cell Culture and Microbiology: Cell culture using mammalian and insect cell lines: Viral culture; Bacterial culture; Identification and quantification; Titration and toxicity studies.

Biochemistry: Microarray and Protein analysis; Electrophoresis; Chromatography including ion-exchange and affinity column; Bio-analyser; Enzyme kinetic studies.

Immunology: Immuno-fluorescent antibody (IFA) test; Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH); Free radical studies; Direct and Sandwich ELISA for antigen and antibody detection; Cytokine profiling.

Haematology and Pathology: Profiling for blood and other body fluids; Isolation of viral and bacterial pathogens under infections for downstream studies; Cytotoxicity studies.

Bioinformatics and Bio-Statistics: Analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences and phylogenetic studies for mutation analysis; Microbial genome identification and evolutionary studies using BLAST, Clustal W, MEGA and Phylogenetic analysis.

IT Skills: Microsoft Word; Excel; Power Point; Adobe Photoshop; Project management; Internet tools.

Research Publications

Major infectious diseases of childhood & their relation with Malnutrition

(communicated).

Kumaria R., Hibberd M. L., Simoes E. and Sugrue R. J. Genetic characterization of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in hospitalized children. Virology Journal. 2011 (e-journal online).

Kumaria R. Correlation of disease spectrum amongst four dengue serotypes: a five years hospital based study from India. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2010; 14(2): 141-146.

Kumaria R. and Chakravarti A. Improved detection of dengue virus serotypes from serum samples- Evaluation of single tube multiplex RT-PCR with cell culture. WHO Dengue Bulletin. 2006; 30: 133-40.

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Chakravarti A. and Kumaria R. Circulating levels of TNF- and Interferon- in patients with dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever during an outbreak. Indian Journal Medical Research. 2006; 123: 25-30.

Kumaria R. and Chakravarti A. Molecular detection and serotypic characterization of dengue viruses by single tube multiplex RT-PCR. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 2005; 52(4): 311-6.

Chakravarti A. and Kumaria R. Eco-epidemiological analysis of dengue infection during an outbreak of dengue fever, India. Virology Journal. 2005; 2(32); 1-7.

Chakravarti A., Verma V., Kumaria R. and Dubey AP. Anti-HCV-seropositivity among multiple transfused patients with Beta-Thalassemia. Journal of Indian Medical Association. 2005, 103 (2): 64-66.

Chakravarti A., Kumaria R. and Chakravarti A. Prevalence of genotypes G1-G4 of human rotavirus in a hospital setting in New Delhi. Indian Journal of Gastroentrology. 2005, 24(3): 127-128.

Chakravarti A., Kumaria R. and Verma V. Sero-diagnosis of dengue infections in a hospital setting in Delhi, India, 1999-2002. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2003; 28: 63.

Chakravarti A., Verma V. and Kumaria R. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in multiple transfused β-thalassemic patients. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2003; 28: 85.

Chakravarti A., Kumaria R., Berry N. and Sharma V. K. Sero-diagnosis of Dengue infection by rapid immunochromatography test in a hospital setting in Delhi, India, 1999- 2001. WHO Dengue Bulletin. 2002; 26: 107- 112. Invited Talks & Lectures

Effects of a New Prebiotic Mixture on Fecal Gut Microbiota and the Mucosal Immune System in Healthy Infants. Asia Pacific Congress on Clinical Nutrition, Bangkok, Thailand, (2011).

Translational Implications of Genomics in Infectious Diseases: Exploring Viral Genetic Characteristics in Disease Severity and Improved Disease Diagnosis. Translation Health Science and Technological Institute, Gurgaon, India, (2010).

Genetic Characterization of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Primary Clinical Strains. Infectious Disease IRG workshop, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Singapore, (2010).

Host response to RSV: Correlation between genetic, antigenic and immunological spectrum Infectious Disease IRG workshop, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, (2009).

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Role of viral genetics. International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies, Singapore, (2009).

Purification and characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. IRG congress of Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, (2008).

Virological investigation of Dengue Serotype in India over four years from 2002- 2005. 7th APCMV, New Delhi, India, (2006).

Role of Molecular Characterization for Viral Pathogens. Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India, (2002).

Screening of Hepatitis for safe blood. Indian Association of Blood Bank, New Delhi, India, (1997).

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Research Projects & Grants

2011-12 “Infections and Host Defence: Interplay with Microbiota” DAPH, Singapore.

2011-12 “Childhood infectious diseases, malnutrition and preventive interventions” DAPH, Singapore.

2011-12 “Impact of pathogens in children under high risk setting of infection” DAPH, Singapore.

2008-10 “Host response to RSV: Correlation between genetic, antigenic and Immunological spectrum” Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, USA.

2005-08 “Molecular characterization of dengue virus by sequence analysis of envelope region” Directorate of Medical Research (ICMR), India. 2002-05 “Rapid diagnosis of dengue virus serotypes from clinical samples by RT- PCR” Directorate of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India. 2004-05 “Role of Cytokines in dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever” Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. 2001-04 “Significance of genotypic characterization of hepatitis C virus isolates” University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India.

Professional Associations & Reviewership

American Society of Microbiology, USA.

Indian Association of Medical Microbiologist, India.

Society of Biological Chemists, India.

Journal of Travel Medicine, USA.

Microbiologist and Consultant

Trainings & Skill Development

Biostatistics Workshop, National Healthcare Group, Singapore (2012).

Training on Cross Functional Leadership, DAPH, Singapore (2012).

Training on Work and Safe Environment, DAPH, Singapore (2011 &2012).

Finance for Non-Finance, DAPH, Singapore (2011).

Managing in Teams, DAPH, Singapore (2011).

Training course in Developmental Microbiology, DANONE Research, Netherlands (2011).

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Trainings in Molecular Assays and Laboratory Automation, SMART, Singapore

(2010).

Training on Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), SMART, Singapore (2008).

Certification in Biological Safety, National University of Singapore (2008).

Certification in Chemical Safety, National University of Singapore (2008).

Course on Safety, Policies and Procedures, National University of Singapore

(2008).

Course on Responsible Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, National University of Singapore (2008).

Fire Safety Education Course, National University of Singapore (2008). Conferences & Workshops

The 6th Asian Congress of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, November 28- December 1, 2012, SRI LANKA.

The 7th World Congress of the World Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, November 16-19, 2011, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.

“Effects of a New Prebiotic Mixture on Fecal Gut Microbiota and the Mucosal Immune System in Healthy Infants”. Asia Pacific Congress on Clinical Nutrition, June 5-8, 2011, Bangkok, THAILAND.

“A Synbiotic Mixture of scGOS/lcFOS and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Improves Gut Microbiota and Allergic Symptoms in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis”. Asia pacific Congress on Clinical Nutrition, June 5-8, 2011, Bangkok, THAILAND.

“Molecular Characterization Of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Genome in Severe Hospitalized Children” 14th International Negative Strand Virus Congress, June 21-25, 2010, Bruges, BELGIUM.

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection: Role of viral genomics. International Conference on Material for Advanced Technologies and International Union of Materials Research Societies-International Conference in Asia. June 28- July 3, 2009, SINGAPORE.

Host response to RSV: Correlation between genetic, antigenic and immunological spectrum. Annual IRG retreat and congress of Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology. July 4-5, 2009, SINGAPORE.

Purification and Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Annual IRG retreat and congress of Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology. 2008, SINGAPORE.

Molecular detection of Dengue virus- Evaluation of RT-PCR and Cell- Culture. 7th Asia Pacific Conference of Medical Virology, November 13-15, 2006, New Delhi, INDIA.

Virological investigation of Dengue Serotype in India over four years from 2002- 2005. 7th Asia Pacific Conference of Medical Virology, November 13-15, 2006, New Delhi, INDIA.

Detection of circulating levels of cytokines in patients with Dengue Fever during an outbreak. IAMM Conference, October 8, 2005, New Delhi, INDIA. (First Prize). 8

Detection of circulating levels of cytokines in patients with Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever during an outbreak. 12th International Congress of Immunology and 4th Annual Meeting of FOCIS July 18-23, 2004, Montreal, CANADA.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in multiple transfused B- Thalassemic patients. 6th Asia Pacific Congress of Medical Virology. December 7-10, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

Sero-diagnosis of dengue infections in a hospital setting in Delhi, India, 1999- 2002. 6th Asia Pacific Congress of Medical Virology. December 7-10, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

Detection and serotyping of dengue virus by RT-PCR. 27th IAMM Conference. November 5-9, 2003, Mumbai, INDIA.

Diversity of hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients with chronic liver disease from Northern India. XII International Conference of Virology. July 27- August 1, 2002, Paris, FRANCE.

Characterization of Hepatitis C virus in patients with CLD. XXVI Annual Congress of Indian Association of Medical Microbiologist., NIMHANS, November 20-24, 2002, Bangalore, INDIA.

Ist National Workshop on Blood Bank Procedures and Safe Blood, April 12-14, 1997, Delhi, INDIA.

Symposium and Wet Workshop-Hemostatic Disorders March 21-23, 1997, Delhi, INDIA.

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