Varsha Neelakantan

Varsha Neelakantan has a diverse work experience spanning various research positions. Currently, they are employed at Maze Therapeutics, where they started as a Research Associate in September 2019. Varsha then progressed to the role of Research Associate II in October 2020, and as of March 2022, they hold the position of Senior Research Associate I.

Prior to their role at Maze Therapeutics, Varsha was a Graduate Student Researcher at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Varsha'sresearch focused on understanding the role of APP and DYRK1A in human brain pericytes. Varsha'sresponsibilities included lentivirus production, transfection, and the knockdown of Alzheimer's disease-related genes. Varsha also conducted various experiments to investigate cellular and functional defects.

Before that, Varsha worked as a Project Intern at the Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where they were involved in surface engineering polymer micro and nanoparticles. Varsha optimized the conjugation of proteins with nanoparticles and synthesized PLGA micro and nanospheres.

Additionally, Varsha had internships at Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, and the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc). At Institut Cochin, they concentrated on the import of catalase in P. falciparum infected red blood cells. At the Department of Biochemistry, they studied the effect of probiotics on E. histolytica and G. Lamblia infection.

Overall, Varsha Neelakantan's work experience showcases their expertise in various research techniques and their contributions to scientific investigations in different domains.

Varsha Neelakantan began their education journey in 1999 at Anna Adarsh Matriculation Higher Secondary School where they completed their primary and secondary education. After completing their schooling, they pursued a Bachelor of Technology degree in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University's Alagappa College of Technology, graduating in 2017. In 2017, Varsha enrolled at USC Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine for their Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, which they completed in 2019. Additionally, they obtained a Certificate for Responsible Conduct of Research from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in August 2018.