Lokprakash Aravindan
Currently a Research Assistant in the Radiology Department at Stanford School of Medicine, with three years of specialized experience in cell culture, in vivo molecular imaging, and advanced biochemical - molecular and microbiological methodologies. Demonstrated proficiency in designing and executing intricate in vivo and in vitro experimental protocols, alongside quality control management.
Recognized for exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail, with a strong history of refining laboratory procedures and operations to maximize efficiency.
Experience
Research Assistant
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Investigated estrogen receptor activity and interactions to identify therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. Developed mouse models to track B7-H3 activity in renal cancer, revealing its key role in suppressing T cell tumor attack and advancing immunotherapy strategies that boost T cell responses against cancer. Developed and executed comprehensive experimental protocols to investigate SUMOylation of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) in cellular models of Alzheimer's disease.
Engineered novel microbubble-based contrast agents for enhanced ultrasound imaging of tumor microenvironments, optimizing chemical composition and acoustic properties to improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Managed various cell cultures and performed key laboratory procedures, including autoclaving, media preparation, bioluminescence imaging, high-pressure homogenization, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry (FACS), and viability assays such as MTT and CTB. Assisted senior research scientists and post-doctoral researchers in their projects, actively contributed to seminar and lab meetings, presented innovative ideas, and provided critical insights to enhance ongoing research.
Identified and troubleshot experimental challenges by analyzing results, refining protocols, and implementing solutions to improve research outcomes.
Graduate Research Assistant
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Maintained and expertly cultured mammalian cells and stem cells, incorporating gene knockdown by siRNA transfection for various detailed assays including qRT-PCR, Western Blot, Gel electrophoresis, and Immunofluorescence. Optimized lab protocols, significantly increasing overall productivity by 70% with minimal available resources.
Managed lab orders, inventory, and supplier communication; trained and supervised a team of 4 graduate researchers. Troubleshot and promptly resolved critical equipment issues; actively participated in CGTE Journal Club conferences.
Graduate Student Assistant
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Managed resident inquiries and concerns, enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering a supportive community environment in campus housing through proactive communication, efficient problem-solving, and exceptional service.
Graduate Intern
Levim Lifetech LLP
India
Operated downstream production processes, including handling bioreactors, cooling equipment, HPLC, and autoclave parts.
Graduate Intern
Actavis Pharma Development Centre Pvt. Ltd.
India
Worked in microbiology lab; prepared media, calibrated equipment, trained in SOP documentation, drug analysis, and sorting.
Graduate Intern
SGS India Pvt. Ltd.
India
Interned in microbiology lab; trained in PPE, Gram staining, bacterial culture, hemocytometer use, and media preparation.
Education
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Master of Science
B. S. Abdur Rahman Institute of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Technology
Skills
In-vitro mammalian cell culturestem cell cultureiPSChPSCcryopreservationcell inventory managementspheroid formationcell countinglab biosafetyphytochemical testsqRT-PCRWestern blotImmunohistochemistryELISAMicrofluidicsgel electrophoresisgene knockdownsiRNAPlasmid transformationMTTCTBflow cytometryFACSImmunostainingProtein extractionDNA isolationRNA isolationcDNA synthesis
PROJECTS
Non-Genomic Estrogen Signaling Through ER36: Promotes Proliferation and Endocrine Resistance in TNBC
Stanford School of Medicine - Radiology
Investigated the activity and protein interactions of ER-α36, a core Estrogen Receptor Isoform in aiding non genomic estrogen signaling inducing cell proliferation and implicated in breast cancer drug resistance. Developed and applied a split-luciferase bioluminescence complementation assay to measure ER-α36 ligand-binding domain activity and its crosstalk with ERα and ERβ in response to various ER related ligands.
Complemented imaging data with cell proliferation assays, FACS-based live/dead and cell cycle analysis, and western blotting to characterize ER-α36's role in non-genomic estrogen signaling and endocrine resistance.
SUMOylation of Amyloid Precursor Protein: A Steric Hindrance Strategy to Prevent Amyloidogenic Processing in Alzheimer's Disease
Stanford School of Medicine - Radiology
Investigated SUMOylation of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) as a strategy to sterically hinder secretase access, preventing amyloid-β (Aβ) production. This approach disrupts the amyloidogenic cascade at its origin, potentially reducing neurotoxic plaque formation and tau pathology, and highlights a promising therapeutic avenue for modifying Alzheimer’s disease progression at the molecular level.
Early Diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma using B7-H3 Targeted Molecular Imaging Probes
Stanford School of Medicine – Radiology
Established a preclinical model by injecting renal carcinoma (RENCA) cells into mice, enabling in vivo monitoring of B7-H3 expression dynamics in tumor development. Characterized B7-H3 activity to elucidate its immune checkpoint function and association with T cell-mediated tumor cytotoxicity.
Demonstrated the approach’s potential to uncover novel mechanisms for enhancing T cell responses and advancing targeted immunotherapies in renal cancer.
Partial Reprogramming of the Liver Gene Regulatory Network (GRN) in Hepatic Cells by Targeting HNF4a and FOXA1/2/3
University at Buffalo Dr. Natesh Parashurama’s STEMMIL
Enhanced liver disease treatments by refining GRN involved in liver cell development using hPSCs, focusing on HNF4a and FOXA1/2/3. Utilized siRNA in HEPG2 cells; assessed results using qRT-PCR, Western Blot, Immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy. Improved differentiation, maturity, and yield of hPSC-derived hepatocytes, providing insights for cell therapies.
Antidiabetic Potential of Ipomea batatas using Danio rerio
Dynamic Megaceutics
Tested for the phytochemical properties of Ipomea batatas extract on control and diabetes-induced fish. Formulated a new diet to check for the anti - diabetic effects on fish. Dissected, performed assays and recorded results, watched for morphological changes.
Probiotic Supplements for Pennaeus vannamei Shrimp Species
Geomarine Biotechnologies
Cultivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains and meticulously extracted beta-glucans and oligo mannans for innovative shrimp supplements. Rigorously tested various concentrations on PL 20 for significant morphological changes and closely monitored growth.
Comparative Evaluation of Natural Plant Drugs for In-Vitro Antidiabetic Activity
Avigen Biotech
Plant and bark extraction which were then used to conduct comprehensive quantitative, qualitative, and phytochemical screening analysis on Alternanthera sesilis and Cinnamomum verum to rigorously evaluate their potent anti-diabetic activity.
CERTIFICATION AND OTHER DEGREES
Rodent Handling
UB LAF – Laboratory Animal Facility
Basic Injections
UB LAF – Laboratory Animal Facility
Mouse and Rat Advanced techniques
UB LAF – Laboratory Animal Facility
Rodent Anatomy and Necropsy
UB LAF – Laboratory Animal Facility
CRISPR in Gene Editing, Gene Regulation, ChIP, Live-Cell Imaging, Diagnosis
UDEMY
Human Stem cell oversight
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Good Clinical Practice
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Aseptic surgery – Lab animal research
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Antibody production in animals
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Working with Mice
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative
Doctorate in Medicine in Acupuncture - M.D Acu.
Medicina Alternativa Alma Ata
Laboratory Bio-safety Training
Environment health and safety
PUBLICATIONS
In Vitro Cultivation Techniques for Modeling Liver Organogenesis, Building Assembloids, and Designing Synthetic Tissues using Human Cell Lines.
Simran Kumar, Jenna Venturo, Helly Patel, Lokprakash Aravindan, Kyle Leatt, Natesh Parashurama