Shyam Charan Vasantha Kumar
Permanent Address:
Hampton, NH 03842
******.*****@*****.***
EDUCATION University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology (June 2006)
Biochemical Pharmacology Minor
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Master of Science, Biotechnology (September 2008)
PROFESSIONAL /RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Relevant Techniques:
Molecular and Cell Biology: RNA, DNA and plasmid DNA (Miniprep and Midiprep) isolation, electrophoresis (agarose, SDS-PAG), gel analysis, PCR and RT-PCR, gene cloning, transformation, DNA quantification (spectroflourometry), DNA fingerprinting, karyotyping, RFLP, mammalian cell culture, folate assay, ELISA, western blot
Tissue Culture: Surgical removal of tissues, establishing and maintenance of cell lines (P815 and MDA-MB-231) and cultures, aseptic techniques, MTT assay, cell viability assays, wound healing assay, zymography, immunohistochemistry,
Animal based techniques: Animal handling, anesthetic procedures, euthanizing techniques, surgical techniques (organ removal)
State University of New York, University at Buffalo
Master’s Thesis Title: Effects of Ethanol on the Mouse Mammary Gland
The aims of the thesis were to assess whether folate can be used as a chemopreventive agent under the condition of chronic ethanol exposure in the developing mammary glands of peripubertal mice.
Specific Aims:
1. Does chronic ethanol consumption with and without folate supplementation cause folate depletion in the liver and kidney?
2. Does folate depletion brought on by ethanol consumption alter the structures of the developing mouse mammary gland?
3. Does folate supplementation with ethanol consumption help prevent any changes in the developing mouse mammary gland?
State University of New York University at Buffalo
Teaching Assistant (TA), August 2006-Present
As the TA for Mycology as well as Cell and Tissue Culture my duties included
1. Setting up/taking down the required materials and equipment required for the weekly laboratory session.
2. Correcting homework/laboratory reports
3. Addressing students’ questions and concerns
4. Demonstrating laboratory procedures and techniques
State University of New York, University at Buffalo Intern, May-December 2005
Worked under the guidance of Dr. Patricia Masso-Welch, assistant professor of the Biotechnical and Clinical and Laboratory Sciences department as well as John Fischer and Saima Siddiqui, Master’s students in the department.
1. Maintained and passaged cell cultures (MDA-MB 231 breast cell carcinoma cells and P815 mast cell).
2. Testing the effects of two isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a dietary fatty acid on the motility/proliferation of MDA-MB 231 cells.
3. Isolation and growth of bone marrow cells in colonies
• Obtained bone marrow cells from SCID mice femurs and tibias via surgery.
• Maintained bone marrow colonies on commercially obtained media.
International Student and Scholar Services Student Assistant, September 2002-September 2006
• Assisted the director as well as the secretary to the director (Ms. Ellen Dussourd) by researching information, delivering pertinent paperwork to other departments as well as managing copies of immigration paperwork for record purposes.
• Implemented a database for keeping various records of office related paperwork and transactions, which is updated on a semi-weekly basis.
• Consolidated various evaluation data from the international student orientation using Microsoft Access and present it to the Director of the ISSS and the Vice Provost for International Education on a semi-annual basis.
• Managed four telephone lines and direct them to the appropriate party.
• Assisted as a volunteer in the International Student Orientation Fall’ 02-‘07.
COMPUTER
SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Limited knowledge of HTML and Microsoft Access and Sigma Plot, EndNote
AWARDS AND GRANTS
Awarded Mark Diamond Research Foundation grant – October 2007
Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Year ’07-‘08 – April 2008
CERTIFICATION
Laboratory animals’ certification program: 1) Lectures on animal based research, regulatory compliance, 2) Workshop on basic handling skills and procedures for mice and rats (Injection methods, Sterile Technique-mice and rats).