Karishma
Kathpalia
My work sits across wet lab and computational biology - that combination started from the beginning of my research career and has carried through to my master's project at Glasgow, where I worked on network analysis of colorectal cancer targets.
From here, I want to take that dual training into translational precision oncology, where findings can eventually mean something beyond the screen or the bench.
From Biotechnologist to Cancer Researcher
The beginning
A responsibility, not just a pursuit
Losing people close to me to cancer - late diagnosis, inaccessible treatment - made this personal.
Building the toolkit
Wet lab foundations to computational thinking
Drug delivery, enzyme biology, and bioinformatics for target identification - built in parallel.
Sharpening the focus
MSc Cancer Research & Precision Oncology
Structured training in biomarker discovery, signalling pathways, and translational oncology at Glasgow.
Credentials
Education
M.Sc. Cancer Research & Precision Oncology
QS World #79 · 12th in UK · THE World #84 · Russell Group · Founded 1451
BSc. Biotechnology (Hons.)
NAAC A++ (3.68/4) · THE World Rankings 9th in India · NIRF 31st among Indian universities
Certificate Courses
- Python for Genomic Data Science - Johns Hopkins, 2025
- PowerBI Workshop - Office Master, 2025
Workshops
- Bioinformatics Workshop - Biotecnika, 2023
- mRNA Vaccine Workshop - Biotecnika, 2023
- Drug Delivery Workshop - Biotecnika, 2023
Experience
Graduate Research Trainee | University of Glasgow | 2026
Professor Ross Cagan
Applied computational approaches to cancer biology and network analysis to investigate therapeutic targets in KRAS-driven colorectal cancer. Built an R-based network analysis pipeline and completed CL-1 and CL-2 training alongside hands-on experience in tissue culture.
Research Trainee | Lovely Professional University | 2024–2025
Under Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Verma
Began with chitosan-based immobilisation of Pegasparaginase for the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). Collaborated on interdisciplinary publications spanning bioinformatics, AI/ML in healthcare, cancer biology, regenerative medicine, marine biotechnology, and computational therapeutics.
Research Intern – Advanced Biochemistry & Immunology | Rapture Biotech | 2022
Conducted biochemical and immunological laboratory assays including vitamin and carbohydrate analysis, Biuret-based protein estimation, Hepatitis B detection, and α-amylase enzyme activity evaluation.
Research Intern – Bioinformatics Summer Internship | Biotecnika | 2023
Completed a computational biology training programme focused on analysing complex biological datasets and applying bioinformatics pipelines to real-world medical challenges. Built a foundation in genomic analysis, molecular modelling, and data science programming.
Undergraduate Research Trainee | Lovely Professional University | 2024
Investigated the potential effects of Coleus forskohlii on metabolic processes and lipid metabolism using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as an elicitor. Gained experience in plant tissue culture and nanoparticle production.
Skills
Wet Lab
- Mammalian Cell Culture & Aseptic Technique
- RT-qPCR & cDNA Synthesis
- SDS-PAGE & Western Blotting
- Drosophila Drug Testing
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- Enzymatic Activity Assays
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
- Chromatographic Separation
- Nucleic Acid Extraction & Isolation
- BCA Protein Quantification
Bioinformatics & Data Analysis
- Differential Gene Expression Analysis (DESeq2)
- RNA-seq Pipeline Development
- Protein-Protein Interaction Network Construction - STRINGdb
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- Biological Sequence Analysis - Biopython
- Survival Analysis - Kaplan-Meier
- TCGA Data Access & Processing (TCGAbiolinks)
- Statistical Analysis - R (DESeq2, ggplot2)
Structural Computation
- Molecular Docking - AutoDock, HDOCK
- Molecular Visualisation - PyMOL, BIOVIA Discovery Studio, Avogadro
- Motif Discovery - MEME Suite
Dissemination
Publications
Optimized Fungal Chitosan-Based Pegasparaginase Immobilisation for Intravenous Delivery to Enhance Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Science - 2025
A New Approach to Cancer Treatment: Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation and Cancer: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Strategies - Academic Press, Elsevier - 2025 - DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-36500-3.00009-X
Databases, computational software and web-based resources in drug discovery
Molecular Modeling and Docking Techniques for Drug Discovery and Design - Academic Press, Elsevier - 2025
Exploring the Capabilities of Marine Metabolites: Innovative anti-cancer substances
Marine Metabolites in Disease Management - IGI Global - 2024 - DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-5878-8
Recent progress in biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders
The Neurodegeneration Revolution - Academic Press, Elsevier - 2024 - DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-28822-7.00007-6
Bioinformatics in Health Biotechnology: Advancing Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine
Precision Drug Delivery through Bioinformatics: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects - LPU publication - 2024
Conferences & Presentations
Oral Presentations
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International Conference on Integrative Oncology and Systems Medicine - AIIMS, Rishikesh - 2025
Optimized Fungal Chitosan-Based Pegasparaginase (L-Asparaginase) Immobilization for Intravenous Delivery to Enhance Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
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BIOINNOVATE 2025: Bridging Science and Society for Sustainable Development Goals - Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab - 2025
Computational Insights into BPDE-Induced Carcinogenic Signaling: Activation of NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt Pathways
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International Conference on Advances in Science and Technology - Institute of Technology & Management, Dehradun - 2025
Integrated in silico analysis of transcription factor binding motifs and docking-based interaction patterns in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometrial Cancer (EC)
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International Summit on Holistic Innovations for Nations' Empowerment - SGT University, Gurugram, Delhi - 2025
Trimethylamine (TMA) and Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a Potential DNA-interactive Agent: A Molecular Docking Study on its Role in Genotoxicity and Carcinogenesis
Oral Presentations (continued)
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Emerging Trends in Translational Bioinformatics - BIT Mesra - 2024
Docking of Benzoapyrene Diol Epoxide to NF-κB: Activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways
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Invited Talk - Gujarat University, DVIKAR Internship Program - April 2026
Precision Medicine and Ayurveda: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Genomics and Bioinformatics
Speaker of the Month -
International Conference on Advances in Biosciences and Biotechnology - JIIT, Delhi - 2024
Exploring the Versatility of Fungal Chitosan: Its Application & Advancement in Enzyme Immobilization
Poster Presentations
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International Conference on Microbial Bioprospecting towards Sustainable Development Goals - LPU, Punjab - 2023
Microbial Bioremediation Strategies for Methane-Contaminated Environments: A Comprehensive Review
Beyond Work
Interests
Sketching, Cooking, and Listening to Music
Involvement
Community Engagement & Social Impact
- Seven Days NSS Camp
- Swachata Hi Sewa campaign
- Blood Donation Camp
- Cleanliness drives
- Science Day
- NSS Day activities
Bustee Local Committee & Social Welfare Centre / Udarchis Social Federation
Conducted public health awareness sessions in slum communities covering hygiene, water management, and female healthcare.