Nisarg Vandra

Conducted PhD research on Plantago ovata, optimising biochemical and genetic traits for crop improvement, supported by a 2-year government fellowship.

PhD Research Scholar at NVPAS College, CVM University (2021-09 – Present)

Conducted PhD research on Plantago ovata, optimising biochemical and genetic traits for crop improvement, supported by a 2-year government fellowship.

• Standardised tissue-culture and molecular-biology protocols by tracking contamination, mortality, viability, survival, offspring production and changes in bioactive secondary metabolites over time.
• Compared in-vivo and in-vitro biochemical and molecular results; managed sample processing, result recording and digital data to maintain accuracy, completeness and traceability.
• Developed 6–7 hybrid callus lines via protoplast fusion and somatic hybridisation, monitoring culture conditions and documenting results for reproducibility and quality control.
• Performed SSR, phytochemical, biochemical, PCR, gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry analyses under laboratory SOPs and basic audit-trail principles.

Guest Lecturer in Biotechnology & Molecular Biology at NVPAS College, CVM University (2024-09 – 2025-09)

• Delivered lectures on core biotechnology and molecular biology concepts to undergraduate classes of ~30–40 students.
• Supervised routine biotechnology practicals, guiding students in basic lab techniques and safety practices.
• Assisted in preparing practical sessions and evaluating student performance in theory and lab work.

Research Assistant, Biotechnology Lab at Natubhai V Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences, CVM University (2024-09 – 2025-09)

• Performed routine DNA and RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis and chromatography for teaching and practical sessions with batches of ~30–40 students, following lab SOPs and lab logbook documentation to keep data complete and consistent.
• Prepared reagents and buffers and ran biochemical assays for proteins, lipids and other biomolecules using spectrophotometry, ensuring correct calibration, documentation, labelling and basic data reconciliation.
• Assisted students with experimental setup, troubleshooting and basic result analysis, checking calculations and entries to support accurate, reliable and well-documented lab outcomes.

Research Dissertation, M.Sc. Biotechnology at Nirma University (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Designed and conducted an in-vivo study on anticancer compounds in a CCl₄-induced rat liver cancer model, following lab SOPs for sample collection, processing and data recording to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Handled animals, dosing and monitoring in compliance with ethical research protocols, maintaining complete and traceable study documentation and audit trails.
• Performed immunological and biochemical assays, validating results, resolving discrepancies and compiling clean datasets for a structured dissertation and presentations.

Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology – NVPAS College, CVM University (2024-01)

M.Sc. in Biotechnology – Nirma University (2019-01 – 2021-12)

B.Sc. in Biotechnology – Natubhai V Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences (2016-01 – 2019-12)