Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Afshana Quadiri passion for immunology and infectious diseases, the academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Govt College for Women, J&K, India, in 2010. Building on this foundation, a Master of Science in Biochemistry was completed in 2013 at the University of Kashmir, India. This dedication to academic excellence culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in 2019 from the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India, where research focused on host immune responses against malaria liver stage subunit vaccine candidates.
Professional Endeavors
The professional trajectory is marked by impactful roles across renowned institutions. Currently, serving as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of California, Irvine, contributing to vaccine development for HSV-2 and studying chemokines' role in viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Prior roles include Project Scientist at the National Institute of Malaria Research, focusing on malaria diagnostics and antiplasmodial activity, and Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Immunology, exploring host immune modulation mechanisms.
Contributions and Research Focus
Research expertise spans vaccine immunology, molecular immunology, and virology. Key contributions include:
- Advancing vaccine development for genital herpes and malaria.
- Investigating the immunological role of chemokines in viral infections.
- Publishing innovative findings on host immune responses and infectious diseases.
This work has bridged fundamental science and translational applications, impacting public health globally.
Impact and Influence
Recognized with prestigious awards, including the MPM Travel Grant and ICMR International Travel Support, for presenting groundbreaking research at international conferences. Collaborative research efforts and leadership in multi-disciplinary teams have further amplified the impact, fostering scientific innovation and mentorship.
Academic Citations and Recognition
Published research has gained acknowledgment in peer-reviewed journals and at esteemed conferences, reflecting a commitment to scientific rigor and excellence. Awards such as the DBT Fellowship for Ph.D. and the Best Poster Award at National Institute of Immunology underscore academic achievements.
Technical Skills
- Immunology: Proficient in ELISA, flow cytometry, and T cell function assays.
- Virology and Microbiology: Expertise in virus isolation, propagation, and neutralization assays.
- Animal Handling: Skilled in in-vivo and ex-vivo studies, including advanced surgical techniques.
- Molecular Biology: Proficient in DNA cloning, real-time PCR, and protein purification.
- Scientific Software: Experienced in GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, and SPSS for data analysis.
Teaching Experience and Legacy
Supervised undergraduate students and maintained research laboratories, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams has equipped students and colleagues with essential research skills and critical thinking abilities.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Aspiring to be a trailblazer in vaccine immunology and virology, the focus is on pioneering research that addresses global health challenges. Future endeavors aim to enhance vaccine development, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to public health advancements through collaborative research and innovation.
Publications