Ms. Lipi Poojara | Molecular biology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Lipi Poojara , Gujarat Biotechnology University , India

Lipi Poojara is a dedicated PhD scholar in Biochemistry with a strong passion for research, particularly in the areas of molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. With hands-on experience in various research techniques, she has been actively engaged in multiple projects that aim to improve food safety, water purification, and microbial detection. Lipi’s commitment to integrating her knowledge into practical solutions is evident in her work as a project assistant at Gujarat Biotechnology University, where she focuses on rapid detection of food-borne pathogens using aptasensors. A motivated educator, she also serves as a visiting faculty member in biochemistry and forensic sciences. Through her academic and professional journey, she has demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, and the development of innovative technologies for public health. Her scientific work has earned recognition in national and international platforms.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

1. Extensive Experience in Research:
   Lipi Poojara has a diverse and extensive background in research across multiple fields including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics. Her involvement in various research projects, such as the study of food-borne pathogens and aptamer-based screening techniques, showcases her versatility in scientific inquiry and problem-solving.

2. Outstanding Academic Contributions:
   Her doctoral research focuses on aptamer-based detection of food-borne pathogens, a highly relevant and timely subject that could potentially revolutionize food safety practices. The integration of her academic interests with practical solutions, such as the development of point-of-care diagnostics, demonstrates her ability to apply research findings in real-world settings.

3. Publications in High-Impact Journals:
   Lipi has multiple publications in well-regarded scientific journals, such as Food and Humanity and Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. Her work on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils and in silico screening of aptamers against pathogens is noteworthy. She has also co-authored book chapters on topics like the Gut–Brain Axis, further broadening the impact of her research.

4. Recognition and Awards:
   Lipi has received multiple honors, including the SHODH Fellowship, a 2nd place award in an innovative start-up competition, and the Gold Medal at the Atal Innovation Awards. These accolades reflect the high regard for her work and her capacity for innovation.

5. International Engagement:
   Her participation in international conferences and travel awards for presenting cutting-edge research, such as on the antimicrobial properties of clove oil and Eugenol against Vibrio cholerae, highlights her global impact in the field of biotechnology.

6. Entrepreneurial Spirit:
   Lipi’s entrepreneurial efforts with her start-up IGIENE ACQUA for drinking water purification show her capability to translate research into practical, marketable products that can address pressing environmental issues. The grant from the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) further underscores the potential of her innovations.

7. Diverse Skill Set:
   With proficiency in molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and biochemical analysis, Lipi has developed a versatile skill set that makes her a well-rounded researcher and educator. This allows her to effectively collaborate across different scientific disciplines.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader Cross-Disciplinary Integration:
   While her research focuses on specific fields, integrating aspects from different research disciplines could amplify the novelty and impact of her work. For instance, collaborating more closely with fields like environmental science or public health could help address broader societal challenges using her aptamer-based detection techniques.

2. Increased Outreach and Collaboration:
   Although Lipi has a strong academic background, further collaboration with industry stakeholders and government bodies could enhance the translation of her research into large-scale applications, particularly in food safety and healthcare.

3. Mentorship and Community Engagement:
   As her career progresses, engaging more in mentoring junior researchers and leading collaborative projects could further solidify her position as an influential leader in the scientific community.

Education:

Lipi Poojara is currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, Ahmedabad, with her doctoral research focused on aptamer-based screening for food-borne pathogen detection. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (2022-23). Lipi completed her MSc in Biochemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, where she explored the synthesis of biocompatible nanoparticles using neem leaf broth and assessed their cytotoxicity. Her academic background is strengthened by her continuous engagement with specialized research and workshops, further advancing her knowledge in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and related fields. Lipi has also participated in training programs in capillary sequencing, fragment analysis, and genomics, ensuring her skills are current in cutting-edge biotechnological advancements.

Experience:

Lipi Poojara has accumulated significant research experience through roles at esteemed institutions. As a Project Assistant at Gujarat Biotechnology University, she works on a project funded by SERB-SURE to develop rapid, point-of-care aptasensor-based detection methods for food-borne pathogens. In addition, she has served as a Junior Research Fellow at ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal Aromatic Plants Research, contributing to a project on the biosynthetic pathway of active ingredients in the medicinal herb Gymnema sylvestre. Her work involved transcriptome analysis and the development of bioinformatics tools to understand plant-based treatments for diabetes. In her role as a Visiting Faculty member, she imparts knowledge in biochemistry and forensic sciences. Lipi’s diverse experience across research, teaching, and technology development has equipped her with a unique blend of scientific expertise and practical problem-solving skills.

Awards and Honors:

Lipi Poojara has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic and professional journey. She was honored with the SHODH Fellowship (2022-2023) by the Education Department, Government of Gujarat, recognizing her exceptional research potential. Her innovative work also earned her the second rank out of 293 applicants at START-FEST 2020, where she was awarded for her startup idea “IGIENE ACQUA,” now in the product development stage. Lipi’s commitment to technological advancements in public health was further acknowledged when she received a Gold Medal at the Atal Innovation Awards (2022) for her cost-effective water purification technology. Her entrepreneurial efforts were supported by a grant from the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), Government of Gujarat. Additionally, Lipi has won several accolades for her academic presentations, including travel grants and awards for her poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences.

Research Focus:

Lipi Poojara’s research focuses on the intersection of biotechnology and public health, with a specific emphasis on the rapid detection of food-borne pathogens and the development of innovative mitigation strategies. Her doctoral research explores aptamer-based screening methods for the detection of pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi, using point-of-care aptasensor technologies. She is deeply invested in understanding the bioactive compounds in essential oils and their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties, which could lead to novel treatments for bacterial infections. Lipi is also working on developing cost-effective water purification technologies to address challenges in access to clean drinking water. Through her interdisciplinary approach combining microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, she aims to create impactful solutions that improve public health and food safety. Her work in food safety and environmental health aligns with her commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical, sustainable applications

Publications Top Notes:

• “Essential oil intervention: The antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of clove oil and Eugenol against vibrio cholerae O1” 🌿🦠
• “Computational approaches screening DNA aptamers against conserved outer membrane protein W of Vibrio cholerae O1- an investigation expanding the potential for point-of-care detection with aptasensors” 💻🧬
• “Gut–Brain Axis: Role of the Gut Microbiome on Human Health” 🧠🌱
• “A Comprehensive in vitro and in silico Assessment on Inhibition of CYP51B and Ergosterol Biosynthesis by Eugenol in Rhizopus oryzae” 🍃🔬
• “Unravelling the antifungal mode of action of curcumin by potential inhibition of CYP51B: A computational study validated in vitro on mucormycosis agent, Rhizopus oryzae” 🌿🦠
• “Characterization of squalene synthase gene from Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.” 🌿🧬
• “Development of EST-SSR markers in Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae)” 🌿🔬
• “Photosynthetic Efficiency in Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br.” Genotypes 🌞🌿

Conclusion:

Based on Lipi Poojara’s comprehensive academic background, impressive research achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and recognition in the scientific community, she is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her focus on developing innovative solutions for real-world problems, coupled with her ability to bridge academic research and industry applications, stands out as a key strength. While there are opportunities to expand her collaborations and impact further, her continued contributions to science and technology mark her as a leader in her field.