Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Pune

•I am a Research Scientist of Crop Transformation at MaxGene Bioscience. In a research career spanning 26 years, I was a Junior Research Fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation, a doctoral fellow of the Hindustan Ciba-Geigy (presently Syngenta), and a post-doctoral fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation. <br> •My current research expertise - Plant Genetic Engineering, plant-based pharmaceutical compounds as integrative treatment options for cancer, mammalian and plant tissue culture, agrigenomics, bioinformatics aimed at molecular evolution of cancer protein domains, and phytoremediation to reclaim cultivable land near oil fields. •My transferable research skills - molecular biology, cancer biology, phytopharmaceuticals, plant biotechnology, and bioinformatics On the personal side....I am a natural storyteller and more specifically a "Science Storyteller" and am passionate about promoting citizen science. I am also a bibliophile (I read books with any interesting subject...my favorites being THE DOUBLE HELIX (by James Watson), THE COMPLETE WORKS OF O. HENRY, ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO GALAXY, and THE FOUNTAINHEAD....in that order!!!). My free time is devoted to the three M's...MUSIC, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, and MOVIES.

With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at San José State University Research Foundation, where I work on a multidisciplinary project to discover high-performance structures using quantum dot nanocomposites. This project, funded by the National Science Foundation, combines molecular dynamics, machine learning, and data-driven methods to explore the mechanical behavior of novel materials at different scales. My research interests and skills include material design, polymer composites, micro-mechanics, solid mechanics, stress analysis, finite element analysis, optimization, and geometric modeling. I have extensive experience in using molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interfacial properties of carbon-reinforced composites and developing machine learning models to efficiently map interfacial configurations to interfacial strength. I have also worked on developing an integrated computational materials engineering framework to predict the thermo-mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites using nanoscale results. I have published multiple papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences and received an outstanding graduate student teaching award for my role as a lab instructor for a finite element methods course. I am passionate about advancing the knowledge and innovation in the field of computational mechanics and materials design and collaborating with researchers and industry partners to solve challenging engineering problems.

Sayali Chandekar is a highly educated individual with a strong passion for biotechnology. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University in 2024. During her time at the university, Sayali excelled in her studies and conducted groundbreaking research in the field of biotechnology. She also participated in various conferences and seminars, presenting her findings and gaining recognition for her work. Sayali's dedication to her studies and her love for the subject have made her a well-respected and knowledgeable expert in the field. She continues to stay updated with the latest advancements in biotechnology and is always looking for ways to contribute to the scientific community. Sayali's education has provided her with a strong foundation and equipped her with the necessary skills to make a significant impact in the field of biotechnology.

I am pleased to introduce myself as an enthusiastic individual with a passion towards extending the best of myself to my family, workplace and society. I am a versatile professional with about 18 years of experience, holding a Master's in Environmental Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Pune University. I believe it is my moral responsibility to give back to the society and environment and I am a believer in efforts to fuel sustainable communities and culture. I am presently pursuing my research in Sustainable Development that is expected to conclude into a PhD shortly. My experience spans industry and academics alike in the multidisciplinary domains of Real Estate, Environmental Planning, Architecture, Sustainable Urban Development, Urban Infrastructure Management, Construction Management, Smart cities management, and Green Infrastructure management and Social Development innovation.  During my previous engagements, I have held responsible positions, as the I/c Principal and Associate Professor, at the D.Y. Patil School of Architecture, Ambi, Pune and as Officiating Director & Head of the Department at Symbiosis School of Architecture, Urban Development and Planning Pune. I was also instrumental in establishing the School of Architecture at NICMAR University Pune and am presently the Officiating Director at Dept. of architecture, NICMAR Pune as approved by the Council of Architecture India. I was an Associate Consultant-Advisory, with Knight Frank India Pvt. Ltd. Simultaneously I hold an Associate Membership of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) and am a Registered Architect with the Council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi. It is my passion to work in active administrative roles that keeps encouraging me to explore related domains of work that can empower me to deliver the best of my knowledge and expertise to the industry and society.

Self-motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Ph.D. holding researcher specializing in biological sciences. Experienced in planning and execution of experiments, data analysis, interpretation, and publishing of scientific results. A skilled and innovative educator with experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in the area of microbiology.

Molecular biology, Cell biology, Cancer Biology, Animal models of Cancer, Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Epigenetics, Genomics, Bioluminescence and Fluorescence Imaging, Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics