PhD scholar, at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India.
Diksha Sharma is a dedicated JRF and Ph.D. scholar, specializing in immunology and bioinformatics. With a strong background in medical sciences, Diksha’s research focuses on identifying immunogenic peptides and their role in diagnosing infections. She is currently working on an Indo-Russian project sponsored by DST, investigating orthohantavirus infections. Diksha holds a Master’s degree in Science from the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, and has been actively involved in laboratory work and scientific research since her academic years. She is known for her skills in bioinformatics, protein expression, and grant writing. 💼🔬
Profile
Scopus
ORCID
Education
Diksha Sharma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences from SCD Government College, Ludhiana, which she completed in 2018. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Science at the prestigious Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, from 2018 to 2020. During her schooling years, Diksha attended D.N. Model School, Moga, and Sacred Heart School, Moga, completing her education under CBSE and ICSE boards, respectively. Her robust academic foundation has prepared her well for the ongoing research work she engages in, combining practical lab skills with theoretical knowledge to contribute significantly to the field of medical sciences. 🎓📚
Experience
Diksha Sharma has gained substantial research experience through various academic and industrial roles. She interned at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, in June 2019, where she gained hands-on experience in lab testing, anti-sera production, and bacterial culturing. Her professional journey further strengthened as she worked on projects like the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian collaboration on orthohantavirus infections, where she is currently involved in identifying immunogenic peptides. Additionally, her master’s project focused on the extraction of bioactive agents and their microencapsulation, adding a layer of depth to her expertise in immunology and bioinformatics. 🔬🏥
Research Interests
Diksha Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases. Her primary focus is on the identification of immunogenic peptides, with ongoing work on diagnosing orthohantavirus infections through peptide-based diagnostics. Additionally, she has a keen interest in protein expression and gene cloning, which she has explored extensively through her research projects. Her work aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-based discoveries and real-world medical applications, contributing to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for infectious diseases. 🔬🧬
Awards
Although still in the early stages of her career, Diksha Sharma has already made significant strides in her research, leading to nominations for various academic awards. She is recognized for her innovative work on bioactive agents and orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Her excellence in research has been acknowledged through grants and funding, notably the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian project. Diksha’s dedication to her field and continuous contributions reflect her potential to achieve even greater recognition as she progresses through her academic and research career. 🏅🎖️
Publications
Diksha Sharma has contributed to notable publications in her field, with articles focusing on orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Some of her key papers include:
- Designing a Conserved Immunogenic Peptide Construct from the Nucleocapsid Protein of Puumala orthohantavirus
- Published: June 2024
- Summary: This research focuses on designing a peptide construct based on the nucleocapsid protein of Puumala orthohantavirus. The study aims to develop a conserved immunogenic peptide that could be used in diagnostic applications for hantavirus infections. By targeting a highly conserved region of the nucleocapsid protein, this construct may enhance the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostics.
- Cited by: 3 articles
- Cross-reactivity of Hantavirus Antibodies After Immunization with PUUV Antigens
- Published: May 2024
- Summary: This paper investigates the cross-reactivity of antibodies produced after immunization with Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) antigens. The study explores the immune responses elicited by these antigens and evaluates their potential cross-reactivity with other orthohantaviruses, providing valuable insights for vaccine development and diagnostic tools.
- Cited by: 5 articles
- Identification and Validation of Cross-Reactivity of Anti-Thailand orthohantavirus Nucleocapsid Peptides
- Status: Accepted
- Summary: This paper identifies and validates the cross-reactivity of antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid peptides of Thailand orthohantavirus. The findings contribute to understanding how different orthohantaviruses share immunogenic properties and could lead to advancements in broad-spectrum diagnostic tools.
- Recovering Immunogenic Orthohantavirus Puumalaense N Protein from Pellets of Recombinant Escherichia coli
- Status: Accepted
- Summary: This study focuses on recovering and purifying the N protein of Orthohantavirus Puumalaense from recombinant Escherichia coli pellets. The research aims to establish an efficient method for producing high-quality protein, which could be used for further immunological studies and vaccine development.
Conclusion
Diksha Sharma is a promising candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her involvement in cutting-edge virology research, especially in immunogenic peptide identification for orthohantavirus diagnosis, and her technical and industrial experience make her stand out. To maximize her potential for such an award, she could focus on further expanding her publication record, securing independent research projects, and increasing her visibility in the scientific community. Overall, Diksha’s profile demonstrates strong potential and growing contributions to biomedical research, making her a suitable candidate for this prestigious award.