Parul Chandorkar

Conducted translational research on S. epidermidis in neonatal sepsis using gnotobiotic mice and 3D skin models to study host–microbe interactions. Developed clinical workflows in a neonatal cohort (IRoN) study, coordinated sample logistics, and established pipelines for WGS, MLST, 16S, and biofilm assays. Generated and managed a 1,500+ clinical isolate biobank. Contributed to microbiota NGS workflows , cleanroom SOPs, method validation, mentoring, and lab setup—bridging R&D, QC, and project operations.

Developed a 3D in vitro human lung model to study Aspergillus fumigatus–host interactions, using perfused ALI cultures with primary bronchial cells and immune cells (PBMCs, macrophages, DCs). Designed and optimized infection assays for invasion, viability, and immune response. Supported 3R-aligned, animal-free innovation; co-authored a white paper; published in peer-reviewed journals; presented internationally; supervised juniors and advanced lab workflows

Contributed to evaluation of Aspergillus PCR diagnostics, improving test specificity by assessing cross-reactivity. Performed fungal ID and susceptibility testing to support targeted therapy. Aligned lab results with clinical cases and treatment plans. Delivered patient-focused talks to translate research into practice. Supported quality-focused diagnostics and cross-functional workflows to enhance fungal detection and lab performance.

Studied the role of tight junction proteins in host epithelial invasion by Candida albicans. -Validated infection models using various cell lines and ex vivo organ cultures, gained experience in protein cloning, confocal microscopy, histology and molecular techniques for studying fungal-epithelial interactions.

Optimized the production & characterization of Biosurfactant-Sophorolipids for industrial and biomedical applications