Shristi Ganna

MSc Human Disease Genetics candidate (2024–2026) with hands-on experience across molecular genetics, cell biology, and computational genomics, specifically in the context of rare and complex genetic disorders. Trained at NIMHANS (molecular genetics of neuropsychiatric disease) and in macrophage biology (receptor internalization, FIJI-based automated imaging). Proficient in clinical data workflows, GCP documentation, and multi-omics bioinformatics tools.

Volunteered with ORDI and Primary Immunodeficiency Organization — reflecting genuine alignment with the rare disease mission of labs at IISc, NCBS, NIMHANS, IISER, JNU, and TIGS.

Research Intern — Macrophage Biology at TranaLab (2026-01 – 2026-06)

• Investigated mannose receptor (CD206) internalization kinetics of a test molecule in RAW264.7 macrophages in a time- and concentration-dependent manner
• Developed a custom FIJI macro for automated fluorescence quantification, enabling reproducible high-throughput image analysis
• Gained hands-on experience in SOP development, experimental design, lab records management, and inventory control
• Relevance to target labs: directly applicable to cancer immunology, immunodeficiency, and receptor biology projects at NCBS/IISc/TIGS

Research Intern — Molecular Genetics of Neuropsychiatric Disorders at NIMHANS – Centre for Brain and Mind (CBM) (2025-06 – 2025-07)

• Performed DNA isolation from buccal swabs, blood, and saliva; conventional and triple-primed PCR; capillary gel electrophoresis for genotyping in neuropsychiatric disorder cohorts
• Worked with bioinformatics tools: Allen Brain Atlas, GWAS Catalog, DisGENET; applied z-scaling, log transformation, normalization and clustering methods (PCA, t-SNE, hierarchical, k-means) conceptually
• Directly aligned with research of Prof. Sanjeev Jain and Dr. Meera Purushottam (NIMHANS Molecular Genetics Lab) on schizophrenia, triplet repeat disorders, and related genetic conditions

Observership — Genetic Counselling at St. John's Medical College (2024-03 – 2024-06)

• Supported pre- and post-test genetic counselling sessions for prenatal, postnatal, and adult-onset cases
• Built three-generation pedigrees, interpreted clinical reports, managed TRFs, and facilitated multi-stakeholder communication
• Exposure to BRCA, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic and single-gene disorders in a clinical setting

Research Intern — Epigenomics & Molecular Genetics at NIMHANS – Department of Human Genetics (2023-12 – 2024-01)

• Performed DNA isolation, agarose gel electrophoresis, pyrosequencing, bisulfite conversion, and TaqMan allelic discrimination
• Isolated PBMCs from patient blood for downstream molecular and epigenetic analysis
• Administered neurodevelopmental assessments (CARS, MoCA, VSMS, Vanderbilt scale) — clinical + research integration

Project — Mannose Receptor / Immunology at Christ University (2025-09 – 2025-11)

• Quantified proline/free amino acids under osmotic stress via colorimetry — demonstrates skills in biochemical assay design and data interpretation

MSc in Human Disease Genetics – Centre for Human Genetics, Bengaluru (2024 – 2026)

BSc in Biotechnology, Botany & Chemistry – Christ University, Bengaluru (2020 – 2023)