Dr. Diksha | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diksha , All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India 

Dr. Diksha Jha is a distinguished scientist specializing in nanotechnology, cancer research, and antimicrobial studies. She completed her PhD at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, where she focused on biosynthesized nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. Dr. Jha has contributed to several groundbreaking research projects involving the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery, antimicrobial resistance, and cancer treatment. Currently, she is a guest faculty member at Delhi Skill Entrepreneurship University. Throughout her career, Dr. Jha has actively collaborated with renowned institutions like AIIMS and CSIR-IGIB, and has been a reviewer for reputed journals. With over a decade of research experience, her work has been recognized globally, contributing to high-impact publications in nanobiotechnology. Dr. Jha is also passionate about teaching and mentoring young researchers in the field of biotechnology and nanomedicine.

Publication Profile:

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Strengths for the Award:

1. Academic Excellence:
   • Diksha Jha has consistently demonstrated academic excellence with strong qualifications, including a Ph.D. from the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology. Her achievements from a topper status in her B.Sc. to an outstanding M.Sc. and a highly specialized PhD in biomedical applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles mark her as a highly accomplished scholar.
2. Research Expertise:
   • Jha’s research expertise is highly diverse and cutting-edge, with substantial experience in areas such as nanoparticle synthesis, antimicrobial resistance, cancer research, gene delivery, and biosynthesis of nanomaterials. Her work in applying nanoparticles for drug delivery, antimicrobial properties, and cancer therapy showcases her as a trailblazer in the field of nanobiotechnology.
3. Post-Doctoral Research:
   • Her involvement in significant global projects such as the WHO project on chemical contaminants in food and her synthesis of antibody-drug conjugates for breast cancer demonstrate her deep commitment to research on both global and critical health issues.
4. Publication Record:
   • Diksha Jha has an impressive list of publications in reputed journals, many of which involve highly innovative research in the fields of antimicrobial resistance, cancer therapy, and nanotechnology. Her collaborative work has contributed to multiple impactful studies that offer solutions to major medical challenges.
5. Teaching & Mentoring:
   • Her ongoing role as a guest faculty member at Delhi Skill Entrepreneurship University and previous experience as a senior research fellow at CSIR highlights her ability to educate and mentor the next generation of researchers.
6. Fellowships and Awards:
   • Awarded prestigious fellowships such as the CSIR-SRF and the Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Fellowship, further underscore her standing as a well-respected researcher in her field.
7. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work:
   • Diksha’s collaboration with various prominent scientists and institutions such as AIIMS and CSIR-IGIB highlights her ability to work in interdisciplinary settings, which is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and impacting real-world problems.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader International Exposure:
   • Although Diksha has engaged in international collaborative projects (such as the WHO project), seeking more direct international partnerships and exposure could provide further visibility and networking opportunities, helping to amplify the impact of her work on a global scale.
2. Focus on Translational Research:
   • While she has made great strides in nanotechnology and cancer research, expanding her focus towards more translational aspects, such as clinical trials or industry partnerships, could help to directly implement her discoveries into practical medical applications.
3. Expanding Outreach:
   • Expanding her outreach to a broader audience, including industry professionals and the general public, might help to foster more public engagement with the implications of her research, especially in nanomedicine.

Education:

Dr. Diksha Jha holds a PhD in Biosynthesized Nanoparticles and their Biomedical Applications from CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi (2023). She completed her M.Sc. in Biotechnology with first division (79%) from R.T.M. Nagpur University, Nagpur, and her B.Sc. in Life Sciences with first division (70.74%) from Delhi University, New Delhi, where she was a topper. Her academic journey was supported by multiple fellowships, including the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (2018-2021) and the Indian Academy of Sciences – Summer Research Fellowship (2011). Dr. Jha’s educational background highlights her strong foundation in molecular biology, biotechnology, and advanced nanosciences, preparing her for an impactful research career. She has also been involved in cutting-edge research projects related to antimicrobial resistance, cancer, and gene delivery systems, contributing significantly to scientific advancements in these domains.

Experience:

Dr. Diksha Jha has extensive research experience, including as a Research Assistant (2013-2015) and PhD Fellow (2015-2022) at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi. She has worked in diverse areas such as cell culture, microbiome studies, antimicrobial assays, and nanoparticle synthesis. Additionally, Dr. Jha has collaborated with major medical institutes like AIIMS, New Delhi, focusing on Celiac disease, wound infection models, and cancer therapies. Her post-doctoral work includes notable projects, such as WHO’s analysis of food contaminants and the synthesis of antibody-drug conjugates for cancer therapy. Dr. Jha is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including PCR, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry. She has also gained valuable teaching experience as a Guest Faculty at Delhi Skill Entrepreneurship University, where she imparts knowledge on applied clinical biochemistry. Her multidisciplinary expertise bridges basic research with translational science in the fields of biotechnology and nanomedicine.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Diksha Jha has earned multiple accolades and prestigious fellowships throughout her academic and professional career. She was awarded the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (2018-2021) for her excellence in research and contributions to nanotechnology and biomedical applications. In 2011, she received the Indian Academy of Sciences – Summer Research Fellowship, showcasing her early potential in scientific research. Additionally, she was sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to pursue her M.Sc. in Biotechnology. Dr. Jha has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to cancer research, antimicrobial resistance, and nanomedicine through her publications in high-impact journals. Her work has also been acknowledged globally in the fields of microbiology, material science, and biochemistry. Furthermore, she has been honored with various research grants and scholarships to support her academic endeavors, positioning her as a leading figure in her field.

Research Focus:

Dr. Diksha Jha’s research focuses on the synthesis and application of nanoparticles in the fields of cancer therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and drug delivery. Her work investigates both biosynthesized and chemically engineered nanoparticles, exploring their potential to combat drug-resistant bacteria, enhance drug delivery, and target cancer cells more effectively. During her PhD, Dr. Jha studied the synthesis of multifunctional silver nanoparticles, demonstrating their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Her post-doctoral research expanded into antibody-drug conjugates and innovative approaches to treat infections and cancer. Dr. Jha has also contributed to the understanding of skin microbiomes and the application of nanotechnology for wound healing. Her current research includes a focus on Celiac disease, where she collaborates with AIIMS for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Through her interdisciplinary research, Dr. Jha aims to bridge the gap between nanotechnology, medicine, and clinical applications, making significant contributions to biotechnology and biomedical sciences.

Publications Top Notes:

1. Multifunctional biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibiting excellent antimicrobial potential against multi-drug resistant microbes along with remarkable anti-cancerous properties 🌿🦠💊
2. White-Light-Responsive Prussian Blue Nanophotonic Particles for Effective Eradication of Bacteria and Improved Healing of Infected Cutaneous Wounds 💡🦠💉
3. Nano-biotics against antimicrobial resistance: harnessing the power of nanoscale materials and technologies 🧪🦠🔬
4. Cationic RGD peptidomimetic nanoconjugates as effective tumor-targeting gene delivery vectors with antimicrobial potential 🧬🎯💡
5. Peroxidase-like behavior and photothermal effect of chitosan-coated Prussian-blue nanoparticles: dual-modality antibacterial action with enhanced bioaffinity 🌱💥🦠
6. Dual Modality FeS Nanoparticles with Reactive Oxygen Species Induced and Photothermal Toxicity toward Pathogenic Bacteria ⚛️🦠🔬
7. Robust dual modality antibacterial action using silver-Prussian blue nanoscale coordination polymer 🧪🔬🦠
8. Polydopamine–aminoglycoside nanoconjugates: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial evaluation and cytocompatibility 💊🦠🔬
9. Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Dispersed in Ionic Liquids Show High Antimicrobial Efficacy to Skin-Specific Bacteria ⚡🦠💉
10. Aminoglycoside-Conjugated Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of Anti-microbial Activity on Clinical and Resistant Bacteria with Minimal Toxicity 🧪🦠

Conclusion:

Diksha Jha is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her academic background, impressive publication record, diverse research experience, and teaching contributions underscore her as an outstanding researcher and scholar. She is making significant strides in critical areas like antimicrobial resistance, cancer therapeutics, and nanotechnology, with a clear potential for future breakthroughs. With her passion for research and continuous innovation, Diksha Jha is poised to make lasting contributions to biomedical sciences and should be recognized for her exceptional efforts.