SOUMYA ASTHANA

EDUCATION:

Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus, New Jersey, U.S.A

Masters of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Jan 2017

Grade Point Average (GPA): 3.786/4

Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India

Bachelor of Technology (Oils, Oleochemicals & Surfactants Technology) June 2014

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA): 8.75/10

ACADEMIC PROJECTS:

Final year Undergraduate project:

Production and Analysis of Zwitterionic Gemini Surfactants Jan – May 2014

Project involved development of novel gemini surfactants, study of their characteristics and comparison of their properties with conventional surfactants.

Research Projects:

Engineering cellulases to minimize non-productive binding to lignin Jan 2015 – July 2016

Project outline: To optimize and engineer enzyme complexes to reduce the binding affinity towards lignin and maintain an effective level of activity at the same time.

Analysis of the lignin samples obtained from various pretreatment methods. Developing solid state depletion assays for GFP complex to Cellulose/ Lignin to analyze the level of binding with varying concentrations of protein and lignin.

Production of proteins of interest from cell culture stocks. Process involves use of FPLC or auto-induction, centrifugation, cell-lysis, affinity chromatography purification. Qualitative and quantitative Analysis of proteins by gel electrophoresis, Bradford assay, UV Spectrophotometer, Spectra drop, Mass-Spectrometry etc.

Value Addition of Fatty Materials June – Nov 2014

Analysis of the crude glycerol from different processes for impurities & glycerol content using gas chromatography, titration based methods. Analysis of by-products for other processes.

Development of purification and upgradation methods for increasing glycerol content & removal of impurities.

Study of Gemini Surfactants May – July 2014

Project involved production of gemini surfactants & study of their critical characteristics for inclusions in formulations.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Biopharmaceutical Technology Co-op, GlaxoSmithKline Jun 2016 – present

(Employee of Zerochaos, contracted to GlaxoSmithKline)

Manager: Matt Stone, acxtza@r.postjobfree.com

Assist with biopharmaceutical technology transfer of new product campaign from Upper Marion manufacturing site to Large Scale Manufacturing in Rockville.

Perform day-to-day tasks to promote downstream development of product campaign, including creation of sample plans, process flow diagrams, process description charts, process equipment review and protocols necessary for transfer operations.

Devising Microbial Control Strategies.

Authoring Technical and Risk Assessment Reports.

Supported FMEA and RMRA Activity and assisted in development of mitigation plans/CAPAs.

Assisted in Setup and Facilitated Op-TRA (Operational Technical Risk Assessment) for the UFDF processing stage.

Familiarizing with Delta V, MEC control systems to learn about automation as well as SAP ERP to carry out transactions.

Industrial internship at Godrej Industries Limited, Mumbai May – June 2013

Department: Chemicals Division. Hydrogenation and Flaking plant. Project topic: Study of manufacturing process of different grades of Stearic acid and flaking process. Development of solutions to manufacturing & quality problems experienced at flaking plant.

Industrial internship at Apar Industries Limited, Mumbai June 2012

Project topic: Study of manufacturing processes and analysis of finished products. Study of contributions & significance of every process parameter. Duration: 4 weeks.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Office Assistant at Office of the Disability Services, Rutgers University July 2015 – May 2016

Collecting, organizing and managing student data. Tabulation of student feedback data.

Scheduling exams as per the requirements of students, preparation of examination documents and processing of exams post completion.

CV Coder & Categorizer at Office of the Institutional Research and Academic Planning, Rutgers University May 2015 - August 2015

Categorization and Input of detailed Curriculum Vitae data elements such as publications and instructional experience for Rutgers faculty members into the Faculty Survey database, which is connected the RUCore system developed by Rutgers University Libraries.

ACTIVITIES:

Graduate Student Organization (GSO), Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University

oVice President September 2015 - 2016

oTreasurer April – September 2015

Young Innovators Choice Competition January 2013

oIndustry defined problem solving competition. Worked on problem statement given by Godrej Industries Limited & suggested alternative solutions for resolving the problem.

CPAIDS (Cancer Patient’s Aid Society)

oSocial volunteer in mass campaign/fight/awareness against cancer eradication and control.

American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) January 2013

oParticipated in OLEO-2013: Emerging trends in oleochemicals and lipids Expo

Oil Technologists’ Association of India (OTAI) January 2012

oParticipated in 67th Annual convention of Oil Technologists’ Association of India: International conference & Expo on latest developments in Vegetable oil processing

Honors and Awards:

oAwarded the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Scholarship. March 2013

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