Akshara Anand

- Responsible for filtering environmental samples to concentrate impurities. - Plate samples on appropriate media to detect the presence of Legionella - Confirm the species of Legionella using MALDI-TOF - Follow and maintain SOPs according to HSE regulations.

• Developed and optimized a protocol to synthesize Lipid Nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for their patented SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (GEMCOVAC-19TM). • Validated the protocol using the following techniques- Dynamic Light Scattering, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, RiboGreen Assay, ELISA, RNAse Protection Assay, Animal Studies. • Tested delivery and protection efficiency in Wistar Rats. • Assisted in other ongoing projects by assisting in validating data.

I acquired an understanding of the mechanisms of the immune system, including responses to infection, immune disorders and malignancies. My dissertation “Manipulation of the Gut Microbiome using Prebiotics, Probiotics and Faecal Microbial Transplants, as a treatment for Atopic Dermatitis” under Dr Rebecca Dearman was a systematic review focusing on using supplements to improve the treatment outcomes of AD in infants as well as adults.

- Learnt about various subjects like Immunology, Analytical Skills, Biopharmaceuticals, Forensic Biotechnology, Molecular Modelling and Docking, Entrepreneurship etc. - Gained practical skills like performing PCR, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Genomic Fingerprinting, Chromatographic Techniques etc. - Wrote my thesis on "The Synthesis of Cationic Lipid Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Protection and mRNA Delivery Efficiency in Animal Models".