Varda Ali

Dedicated Biotechnology and Bioinformatics researcher with a strong academic background and hands-on research experience in molecular biology and computational biology. Trained in integrating experimental biotechnology concepts with bioinformatics approaches including phylogenomics, structural bioinformatics, molecular docking, genome analysis, and biological data interpretation. Research training at CSIR–CDRI strengthened expertise in data-driven biological research, evolutionary studies, and computational drug discovery.

Passionate about interdisciplinary research and applying computational approaches to address challenges in healthcare and life sciences.

Research Trainee - CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) - Lucknow

(2026-01 - 2026-07)

Worked on a dissertation project focused on fungal Type III Polyketide Synthases (T3PKS), integrating computational biology, phylogenomic, and machine learning approaches to investigate evolutionary diversity and genetic architecture. Under the supervision of Dr. Kinshuk Raj Shrivastava.

• Performed large-scale sequence retrieval, curation, and redundancy reduction using sequence databases and clustering approaches.
• Conducted phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses to investigate evolutionary relationships among fungal PKS proteins.
• Generated sequence-based phylogenetic trees, taxonomic trees, and divergence time (TimeTree) analyses.
• Annotated and visualized phylogenetic datasets using iTOL for metadata integration and comparative interpretation.
• Performed genome neighbourhood and biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) analysis using EFI-EST, antiSMASH, and Clinker.
• Identified multidomain architectures and performed domain-level comparative analyses.
• Applied structural bioinformatics approaches including protein structure retrieval, ligand association studies, and binding-site analysis.
• Conducted pocket prediction and structural characterization using FPocket.
• Utilized computational tools and databases for data mining, visualization, and biological interpretation.
• Assisted in integrating bioinformatics workflows with machine learning concepts for enzyme and pathway exploration.

Summer Internship - We Care Plus Diagnostic Center - Lucknow

(2023-06 - 2023-07)

Assisted in Molecular Biology Laboratory and Observed Various Molecular Techniques

M. Tech - Bioinformatics - Integral University (2024 - 2026)

Bachelors of Technology - Biotechnology - Integral University (2020 - 2024)

Senior Secondary Education - Emma Thompsom School

Secondary Education - St. Agnes' Loreto Day School