Oswita Pant
# [email protected] ï www.linkedin.com/in/ojaswita-pant
Internship Experience
CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) Nov’21
Winter Trainee, Guide: Dr.A.B. Pant, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IITR
• Cultivated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) (2D and 3D spheroid model) to investigate the dosage and
time-dependent variation of sodium arsenite-induced developmental neurotoxicity.
• Concluded the mitochondrial oxidative damage in CNS (depleted levels of ATP) is correlated with the carcinogenicity of
sodium-arsenite; Hands-on: Western Blot, immunocytochemistry, and chemical/drug-induced cytotoxicity analysis.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore May’21-Jul’21
Summer Intern, Guide: Dr. Chelvam Venkatesh, Department of Chemistry, IIT Indore
• Studied the natural product chemistry for design and synthesis of nano-drug delivery systems to treat metastatic cancer;
Developed understanding of targeted strategies (enhanced bioavailability and specificity) over chemotherapy.
• Identified small-molecule (M.Wt.<1kDa, less hetero atoms and rotatable bonds, improved excretion) targeting inhibitors
for advanced carcinoma; Concluded with a presentation on the research paper ‘In Vivo Evaluation of Ligand
Targeted Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy’.
Laboratory of Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Delhi Feb’21-Apr’21
Research Trainee, Guide: Dr. Poonam, Department of Chemistry, Miranda House
• Synthesized a series of novel hydroxyethylamine (HEA) based fluorinated therapeutics for the treatment of Malaria
(Plasmodium falciparum species); Purified the analogues using column chromatography, HPLC and characterized them
using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopy.
• Introduction of -CF3 , -SCF3 , -SF5 , -OCF3 side groups to the analogues improved the lipophilicity, metabolic stability,
and extended circulation time, thus increasing their targeting efficacy against malarial aspartic proteases.
Project Experience
Guide: Dr.Bharti Singal, University of California, Davis Sept’21-Present
‘Targeted Drug Delivery System in the Treatment of Lung Cancer and its possible interaction with COVID-19’
• Identified the upregulated growth factor receptors (GFRs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and COVID-19;
Proposed repurposing of existing lung cancer targeted therapies (specifically targeting these GFRs) to treat COVID-19.
• Conduct a systematic meta-analysis (data in PubMed, Embase, Medline, DrugBank from 2016-2021 and visualize it using
Tableau) based on popularity, effectivity, side effects, and accessibility of the proposed strategy in developing nations.
Guide: Dr.Malti Sharma, Department of Chemistry, Miranda House Jun’21-Jul’21
‘Review: Synthesis, properties, and applications of alkaline earth metal titanate perovskite nanoparticles’
• Researched existing literature (from 2010-2021) to summarize the structure, properties, and characterization of MTiO3
(M=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) perovskite nanoparticles and its application in healthcare, cosmetics, and targeted drug delivery.
• Key finding: efficacy of green techniques (sonochemical, hydrothermal, molten salt) over the traditional methods (sol-gel,
co-precipitation) as a sustainable alternative to synthesizing MTiO3 perovskite nanoparticles.
Guide: Dr.Rajesh Prajapati, Springfest, IIT Kharagpur May’21-Jun’21
‘Biomarkers in the Early Detection of Breast and Lung Cancer’
• Completed a review paper describing the advent in the use of biomarkers for the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer
and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); communicated to Journal of Molecular Structure
• Identified molecular biomarkers (blood, serum, Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), plasma metabolites) as early drug
targets for therapeutic intervention to monitor cancer progression, and predict the chances of disease recurrence.
Education
Miranda House, University of Delhi (NIRF Rank: 1) 2018 – 2021
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry, CGPA-9.608/10 (summa cum laude) New Delhi, India
• Minor in Mathematics
• Relevant Courses: Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry, Molecular Modelling & Drug Design, Green
Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Biomolecules, Coordination Chemistry, Organometallics, Chemical Kinetics, Spectroscopy
La Martiniere Girls’ College 2017-2018
Grade 12, 95% (Rank: 1/30) Lucknow, India
• Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics, and English
La Martiniere Girls’ College 2015-2016
Grade 10, 95.2% (Rank: 1/40) Lucknow, India
• Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Environmental Applications, English, and Hindi
Research Interests
• Organic Synthesis, Drug Design, Chemical Biology, Nanomedicine, Green Chemistry, Computational Chemistry
Laboratory Experience
• Recrystallization, thin layer chromatography, derivatization, gravimetric and qualitative semi-micro analysis of mixtures
• Titrations, spectroscopy, colorimetry, rotary evaporation, microwave synthesis, Western Blot, RT-PCR, flow cytometry
• UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-240 model), flash chromatography (Yamazen), SemiPrep HPLC (Gilson)
Honours and Awards
University of Delhi 2018-2021
st
1 Position, Paper Presentation
Molecular Modelling is Changing the Landscape of Drug Discovery
•
• Chemistry in COVID-19 Era
• Climate Change and Natural Disasters
3rd Position, Poster Presentation
• Radioactivity: Nuclear Waste Management
• Sustainable Development Goal 6-Clean Water and Sanitation
La Martiniere Girls’ College 2016-2018
• Mrs. Farida Abraham Labour Durus Medal for effort and perseverance: For my tenure as the Vice Head Girl
• Dr. V.B.S Chauhan Medal and Shield: Best student in Chemistry in Grade 11 and 12
• Mrs. Swati Bishnoi Memorial Medal: Best student in Mathematics in Grade 11 and 12
• Dr. (Mrs.) Inderjeet Kaur Pahwa Medal: Best Student in a batch of 200+ students
Leadership Experience
Mridang, Indian Dance Society of Miranda House, University of Delhi 2018-2021
Logistics Head and Member
• Mentored 30+ students; Won 25+ group folk dance competitions nationally; Organized 15+ events including
Tarangini-annual classical and group folk dance competition, which witnessed 40+ participants from across India.
• Got recognized as one of the top 3 dance societies across the University of Delhi-a first since the society was established.
Science and Research Society, Miranda House, University of Delhi 2020-2021
Creative Head
• A peak pandemic initiative to popularize STEMM communication; Established a community of 50+ students from
different science departments to expose them to innovative and trending scientific research.
• Led a team of 10 members; Published 3 and edited 70+ articles on interdisciplinary sciences to be uploaded on the
society’s social media pages in just 1 year since its inception.
Rasayanika, Chemical Society of Miranda House, University of Delhi 2019-2020
Joint Secretary
• Organized the IUPAC Centenary Celebrations Seminar: To celebrate 100 years of IUPAC.
• Coordinated IUPAC Symposium on Bonding to Create Future Leaders in Sciences - Global Women Breakfast: An
international event held in conjunction with the U.N Day of Women and Girls in Science.
• Conducted 5+ events in 12 months with the participation of 10+ colleges across the University of Delhi.
La Martiniere Girls’ College 2017-2018
Vice Head Girl
• Led a council of 40+ students and handled the entire student wing, spearheading the school’s academic, annual, and
cultural events including the first-ever Farida Abraham Memorial National Debate and Quiz which witnessed the
participation of 12+ schools nationally.
Volunteering Experience
BioXspace, Fostering interdisciplinarity of Biology with other STEMM fields Sep’21-Present
Scientific Communications Coordinator
• Create content and implement effective digital marketing strategies to promote the E-learning platform; Conduct
interactive webinars and interviews with world-renowned scientists; Published 3 articles on the official website of
BioXspace; Formulated research projects focusing on healthcare and climate change.
Puraskaar, Free access to education (NGO) Jan’22-Present
HR and Logistics Department
• Maintain records of 20+ academic departments; Review and recommend policies to improve the functioning of the
organization; Conduct new volunteer orientations, employee relations counselling, and administrative meetings.
Conferences Attended
Miranda House, University of Delhi 2018-2021
• IUPAC Symposium on ‘Empowering Diversity in Science’
• International Conference on ‘Chemistry-the catalyst for change’
• National Conclave on ‘Biodiversity for Everyone’s Life’
• National Webinar on ‘Learnings from the Corona Pandemic’
• Bridge Course in Laboratory Safety and Handling of Equipment
Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India Jan’20
• International Summit on Women in STEM -‘Visualizing the Future: New Skylines’ - A 2-day summit that addressed
issues women in STEM face.
Certifications
Udemy Dec’21-Present
• Cheminformatics and Medicinal Chemistry (completed)
• Nanotechnology: Introduction, Essentials, and Opportunities (completed)
• Introduction to Medical Imaging (completed)
• Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python (ongoing)
Skills
Languages: English (Professional, IELTS Band Score: 7.5), Hindi and Kashmiri (Native), Sanskrit
Technical: MS Office, ArgusLab, ChemSketch, ChemDraw, BioRender, Tableau
Soft: teamwork, scientific temperament, all-rounder, leadership, professionalism, time management, confidence
Hobbies: Indian classical (Kathak and Bharatanatyam) dance, badminton, embroidery, Mandala art, travelling
