Akshatha Prasad
London,United Kingdom
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Master's Project Student
Niccoli Lab, Institute of Healthy Ageing, UCL
London, United Kingdom
2025.10 - 2026.05
- Investigated how pyruvate import modulates DPR-mediated neurotoxicity and influences neuronal survival in Drosophila models of C9orf72- and TDP-43-associated neurodegeneration
- Maintained Drosophila melanogaster models expressing G4C2 (36R) hexanucleotide repeat expansions and TDP-43, and performed genetic crosses to manipulate gene expression and knockdown in neurons
- Conducted lifespan and behavioural assays, including survival analysis, to quantify neurodegeneration and assess genetic rescue
- Performed molecular analyses including qPCR and Western blotting to evaluate gene expression and protein level changes associated with metabolic regulation and neuroprotection
Media Kitchen Assistant
Institute of Healthy Ageing, UCL
London, United Kingdom
2025.11 - Current
- Prepared and sterilised laboratory glassware using autoclaving techniques to support high throughput Drosophila research
- Assisted in the daily operation of the fly media preparation facility, ensuring efficient workflow and availability of materials
- Supported laboratory processes through coordination with technical staff and maintaining consistent operational standards
Undergrad Project Student
Human Molecular Genetics Lab, RGCB
, India
2024.12 - 2025.05
- Investigated molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying atrial septal defects, with a focus on the potential teratogenic effects of anti-epileptic drugs
- Performed human genetics laboratory techniques including DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing for the identification and validation of gene variants
- Conducted analysis of sequencing data to identify and interpret genetic variants associated with disease
- Applied bioinformatic approaches for variant identification, primer design, and functional analysis of candidate genes
Summer Intern
Pathology & Microbiology Department, DY Patil University Hospital
2024.05 - 2024.06
- Gained hands on experience in diagnostic laboratory techniques across histopathology, hematology, microbiology, and clinical biochemistry
- Assisted in sample processing, staining procedures, and interpretation of routine diagnostic assays
- Developed understanding of clinical workflows and laboratory quality standards
Summer Intern
Molecular Biology Department, Reliance Life Sciences
2023.06 - 2023.06
- Gained hands on experience in molecular biology techniques including plasmid isolation, bacterial transformation, PCR, colony PCR, restriction digestion, and gel extraction
- Assisted in routine molecular workflows and developed practical understanding of experimental design and troubleshooting
Education
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University College London
London, United Kingdom 2025.09 -
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
DY Patil Deemed to be University
Mumbai, India 2021.06 - 2025.06
Skills
- PCR, qPCR
- DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis
- Drosophila melanogaster genetics and fly husbandry
- Western Blotting
- Sanger Sequencing
- Variant identification and primer design
Certification
- Roadmap for Patent Creation - National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), IIT Kharagpur.
- Introduction to Cell Biology - National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) - IISER Pune.
Leadership & Extracurricular Activities
Scientific Secretary, Student Council
DY Patil University, India
Sept 2023 – Sept 2024
- Organised scientific events including Technoczar
Joint Secretary
Rotaract Club, India
July 2023 – June 2024
- Managed club activities and communication
- Nominated Best Joint Secretary
International Service Director
Rotaract Club, India
July 2022 – June 2023
- Led collaborations and outreach initiatives
- Nominated Best International Service Director
Timeline
Media Kitchen Assistant
Institute of Healthy Ageing, UCL
2025.11 - Current
Master's Project Student
Niccoli Lab, Institute of Healthy Ageing, UCL
2025.10 - 2026.05
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
University College London
2025.09 -
Undergrad Project Student
Human Molecular Genetics Lab, RGCB
2024.12 - 2025.05
Summer Intern
Pathology & Microbiology Department, DY Patil University Hospital
2024.05 - 2024.06
Summer Intern
Molecular Biology Department, Reliance Life Sciences
2023.06 - 2023.06
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
DY Patil Deemed to be University
2021.06 - 2025.06