Senior Research Fellow , International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , India
Isha Pahuja is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow in the Immunobiology Group at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. With a solid foundation in life sciences and medical biotechnology, her research primarily focuses on immunological responses against tuberculosis. Isha has contributed significantly to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, particularly in tuberculosis, with her work published in several high-impact journals.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Research Experience:
- Isha Pahuja has substantial research experience across multiple renowned institutions, particularly in immunology and tuberculosis research. Her progression from a Junior Research Fellow to a Senior Research Fellow at ICGEB, New Delhi, highlights her dedication and the trust placed in her abilities by her supervisors.
- Notable Publications:
- Isha has co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications, many of which are in high-impact journals like Communications Biology, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Microbiology Spectrum. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding tuberculosis (TB) immunology, and she has collaborated with multiple researchers on important projects.
- Awards and Recognitions:
- Isha has received multiple awards, such as the Global Health Travel Award and the Best Poster Award at the BIOSPARKS 2024. These accolades recognize her research’s quality and impact within the scientific community.
- Involvement in High-Profile Projects:
- She has undertaken several critical projects focused on tuberculosis, epigenetic regulation of T cell responses, and molecular biology, which underline her expertise in immunology.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Isha is well-trained in advanced laboratory techniques relevant to her field, including BSL-3 level work, flow cytometry, proteomics data analysis, and bioinformatics tools. This technical skill set is essential for cutting-edge research in immunology.
- Professional Memberships:
- Her membership in the British Infection Association and participation in various international symposiums indicate her active engagement with the global research community.
Areas of Improvement
- Independent Research Leadership:
- While Isha has an impressive record of collaborative research, she might benefit from leading more independent research projects. Developing a distinct research niche could further establish her as a leader in her field.
- Grant Acquisition:
- Securing independent research grants would demonstrate her ability to not only contribute to but also independently fund and manage research initiatives, a critical component of long-term academic and research success.
- Diverse Research Collaborations:
- Expanding her collaborations beyond tuberculosis research to other areas of immunology or even interdisciplinary fields could enhance her research portfolio and widen her impact.
- Mentorship and Teaching:
- Engaging in mentorship roles or teaching responsibilities could bolster her profile, as guiding upcoming researchers is a valuable trait for award consideration.
Education
Isha holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi (2014) and an M.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (2016). Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Immunology at Jamia Hamdard University, where her research delves into the complexities of immunological responses in tuberculosis.
Experience
Isha’s career in research began as a Project Trainee at Biotech Consortium India Limited in 2016. She has since held multiple positions at ICGEB, New Delhi, including Junior Research Fellow and now, Senior Research Fellow. Her experience also includes a tenure at the Central University of Rajasthan, further enriching her expertise in immunobiology and infectious diseases.
Research Interests
Isha’s research interests are centered around immunology, with a focus on understanding host immune responses to tuberculosis. She is particularly interested in the role of immune modulation in disease recurrence and the potential for therapeutic interventions that target these pathways.
Awards and Honors
Isha has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Health Travel Award to attend the Keystone Symposium on Tuberculosis in 2024 and the Best Poster Award at the 18th Annual Science Fest BIOSPARKS. Her contributions have also been recognized with travel grants and participation in international conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in her field.
Publications
Isha has authored several influential papers in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some of her key publications:
- Depletion of essential mycobacterial gene glmM reduces pathogen survival and induces host-protective immune responses against tuberculosis
- Journal: Communications Biology
- Published: Aug 6, 2024
- Cited by: Articles exploring pathogen survival mechanisms Read More
- Immunoinhibitory effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy induce the host vulnerability to tuberculosis recurrence
- Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
- Published: May 2024
- Cited by: Research on immune response modulation during tuberculosis therapy Read More
- Bergenin potentiates BCG efficacy by enriching mycobacteria-specific adaptive memory responses via the Akt-Foxo-Stat4 axis
- Journal: Tuberculosis (Edinburgh)
- Published: Jul 2024
- Cited by: Studies on vaccine efficacy enhancement Read More
- Unravelling the potential of Triflusal as an anti-TB repurposed drug by targeting replication protein DciA
- Journal: Microbes and Infection
- Published: Dec 2023
- Cited by: Work on drug repurposing strategies Read More
- Adjunct Therapy With All-trans-Retinoic Acid Improves Therapeutic Efficacy Through Immunomodulation While Treating Tuberculosis With Antibiotics in Mice
- Journal: The Journal of Infectious Diseases
- Published: May 15, 2024
- Cited by: Immunomodulatory therapies for infectious diseases Read More
Conclusion
Isha Pahuja is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive experience, notable publications, and recognition within the scientific community. Her work has made significant contributions to the understanding of tuberculosis immunology, and she has demonstrated technical expertise and dedication to her research. To further strengthen her candidacy, Isha could focus on leading independent research projects, securing grants, and expanding her research scope. Overall, her current achievements make her a deserving nominee for the award.