Dr. Franky-Shah-Bio Informatics-Best Faculty Award
The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute-India
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Franky Shah's academic journey commenced at the School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, where she earned her Master's degree in Life Science in 1996. Her passion for research led her to pursue a Ph.D. at The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, which she successfully completed in April 2006, focusing on Life Science.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Shah's professional journey has been marked by dedicated service and continuous progression within The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute. She started as a Junior Research Fellow in the Biochemistry Research Division in 1996 and steadily climbed the ladder through roles such as Jr. Research Assistant, Research Assistant, and Junior Scientific Officer. Her commitment and expertise propelled her to become the Senior Scientific Officer at the Biochemistry Research Division in February 2014.
In April 2017, she assumed the pivotal role of Senior Scientific Officer and In-charge of Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, showcasing her leadership skills and the trust placed in her capabilities.
Contributions and Research Focus On Bio Informatics
Dr. Shah's extensive research contributions are primarily in the field of cancer, with a focus on molecular and biochemical aspects. Her work spans various dimensions, including the evaluation of serum alkaline DNase activity in head and neck cancer patients, alterations in plasma lipid profile patterns in head & neck cancer, and the clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in various cancers.
Her research has resulted in 55 publications, each contributing valuable insights to the understanding of cancer biology, molecular markers, and therapeutic approaches. Notably, she has delved into the significance of alterations in non-enzymatic antioxidants, glycoprotein patterns, and various genetic markers in cancer etiology.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Shah's dedication and contributions to cancer research have earned her several prestigious awards and honors. Notable among them are the Indo-American Cancer Association Travelling Fellowship, the Young Scientist Award for the best poster presentation, and the First Prize for oral and poster presentations in national and international conferences.
She was honored with the Dr. T. B. Patel Young Research Scientist Award (Gold Medal) in 2003 for the best intra-organizational publication. These accolades underline the impact of her research in the scientific community.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Shah's impact extends beyond her research contributions. As the In-charge of Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-3, she oversees critical aspects of cancer diagnostics and research. Her membership in various committees, including the Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research, reflects her commitment to advancing scientific practices and ethical research within her institution.
In the rapidly evolving field of Bioinformatics, Dr. Franky D. Shah stands as a luminary, seamlessly integrating computational techniques with biological research. Her pioneering work spans across Computational Biology, Genomic Data Analysis, and Biomedical Informatics, demonstrating a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between biology and technology.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Franky D. Shah's legacy is characterized by a prolific research output, leadership in diagnostic and research labs, and a significant influence on the scientific community. Her commitment to mentoring Ph.D. students and active involvement in various committees positions her as a key figure in shaping the future of cancer research and diagnostics.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shah's dedication to understanding the intricacies of cancer biology and her leadership in diagnostic labs are likely to result in continued advancements in cancer research, contributing to the global fight against this challenging disease.
Notable Publication
- Integrated Genomics approach to identify genetic alterations in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer patients
- Development and validation of amplicon panel for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Indian Population
- Role of vitamin D and vitamin D pathway genes in breast cancer
- Metabolic basis of glycocojugate alterations in oral cancer
- Study of cellular retinol-binding protein-1 and Retinoic acid receptor-beta in breast cancer