Jan 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 2 mos · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States · On-site

Oct 2023 – Dec 2023 · 2 mos · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States · On-site

• Due to challenges in recognizing the impact that genetic variants on non-coding genes have on human health, especially ranking and prioritizing them since interpretation of non-coding genes, my work focused on utilizing mathematical and data analysis models to look at the probabilities for changes in protein expression and predicting any premature exon endings for protein-coding exons.

Jun 2022 – Aug 2022 · 2 mos · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

• Research and testing of next -generation novel sequencing protocol to identify the pathogenesis of infectious diseases including, Corona Virus diseases(SARS-COV-2), Ebola Virus disease(EVD), and tick-borne illnesses.
• Activities Includes:
• Optimizing Library Construction PCR step in a novel metagenomic sequencing protocol utilizing the early pooling and barcoding method.
• Performed tests with multiple buffer mixes, specifically changing salt concentrations, and adding existing PCR additives, to increase sensitivity and speed of PCR step.
• Identified best buffer mix to reduce the off-target amplification and mis-priming events to increase yield and quality of sequencing library.

May 2022 – Jun 2022 · 1 mo · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

• Conditionally activated therapeutics for infectious disease and cancer: Shadowed research on lung tumor targeted drug delivery system utilizing polypeptide delivery mechanism and fucose-based nanoparticles.
• Engineering synthetic breath biomarkers for respiratory disease: Shadowed research on developing a serial breath tests to monitor changes in neutrophil elastase activity in lung infections.
• Activities include plasmid cloning, tissue staining, administration and monitoring of bio-distribution of proteins in live mice models.

Aug 2021 – Dec 2021 · 4 mos · Denver, Colorado, United States

• Partnering with Colorado Office of Attorney General's to support the state's opioid response plans.
• Contributing to strengthening policies and laws that support community activism, ensure lasting impact of changes in our communities.
• Shadowing Dept of Law officials on campaign management and target demographics to create a successful opioid response plan for the salient challenges in our community.

Aug 2020 – Dec 2020 · 4 mos · Denver, Colorado, United States

• Internship program in partnership with select Lockheed Martin scientists and engineers to develop solutions for challenges in space travel and permanent planetary bases.
• Role of a science specialist and creative director in a multidisciplinary team
• Responsibilities included providing biological science support and instrument integration to develop solutions to the problems of growing vegetation during long term space travel
• Worked with team members with diverse skills to develop prototypes and final presentations

Mar 2020 – Present · 6 yrs · Book available in 5 languages. Coming soon in other languages

• Published Author of "Young innovator's Guide to STEM", which is available in 6 different languages world-wide and used as a STEM curriculum for refugee center and after school innovation clubs. Vietnamese, Arabic and Indian edition coming soon. To self sustain my innovation workshops beyond my schedule, the book was published and complements the workshops.
• Her new book, released summer 2024, titled "Young Innovators Guide to Planning for Success", continues from her previous book and talks about planning for future in high school, while balancing personal passions and social commitments.

Dec 2018 – Nov 2022 · 3 yrs 11 mos

• Research Intern working on Mu opioid receptor gene protein expression in response to prescription opioids under the guidance of Associate Professor, Dr. Michael McMurray, Cell and Development Biology Lab.
• Salient Activities:
• Experience in lab work including PCR, ELISA, Agarose DNA electrophoresis, polyacrylamide protein electrophoresis, immunoblotting, protein and DNA extraction, yeast and bacterial transformation
• Conducted research on the process of protein production in specific genes and cell surface protein expression.
• Designed, modeled and programmed colorimetric based prototype device, with a partner mobile app, to recognize various concentrations of expressed protein that helps with directional diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction.
• Shared prototype design to industry experts on commercial feasibility of the product

Oct 2018 – Present · 7 yrs 5 mos · North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, Africa · On-site

• Gitanjali Rao is an experienced global keynote speaker, inspiring audiences to harness the ingenuity of youth for social change. With a focus on using science and tech as catalysts, she advocates for education equality and future technology advancements. Her impactful speeches have led to increased investments in youth, influencing organizations and universities to start mentorship programs and innovative changes in education curriculum.

Mar 2018 – Jun 2019 · 1 yr 3 mos · Various Global Locations

• 2019 TED TV talk - Nov '19: https://go.ted.com/6rJJ
• 2018 TEDx Chennai, India - March '18: https://youtu.be/dHbTZelQET0
• 2017 TEDx Nashville , US- March '18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVgaJN3GI6U
• 2018 TEDxGateway, Mumbai, India - Dec '18 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn4SNdXqYBw

Jan 2018 – Jul 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos · Colorado, United States

• Research Intern working on a portable lead testing device using nanomaterials under the guidance of Lab Manager, Dr. Selene Hernandez
• Lab work: Mass spectrometer methods, creating stock solutions of various contaminant concentration
• Conducted research on measuring and determining the amount of lead in ppb using doped carbon nanotubes
• Created a portable device for measuring lead content in water
• Calibrated and compared device created, with other lead detection devices including ICPMS methods
• Calibrated and measured device for false positives
• Formulated an approach to determine amount of lead particles in water samples using doped carbon nanotubes

Nov 2017 – Aug 2020 · 2 yrs 9 mos · Colorado, United States

• Intern in leading additive printing, 3D modeling and design business
• Lead design and printing for customer orders. Award design for Boeing/Jeppesen employees
• Designed, modeled, and printed animal prosthetics using “Onshape”
• Designed biomedical device outer parts
• Advised customer on appropriate design and biomaterials to suit their needs

Jan 2017 – Jul 2023 · 6 yrs 6 mos · Various

• Portfolio Highlights:
• Asclepius - A snake-bite detector using non-contact thermography. Python, Arduino C++
• Tethys - A carbon nanotube based sensor based device to detect lead contamination in water. Developed core idea, conducted research and testing, fabricated the device in 3D modeler, developed a companion mobile app that connects over Bluetooth LE. Arduino C++, Raspeberry Pi Python, Android Studio, AppInventor 2
• Kindly - An NLP/AI-based, self-learning web service API over REST, that facilitates real-time check of content to flag any cyber-bullying content. Can be called from chat client, browser extensions or mobile apps. Also, developed a sample chat application and a Chrome browser extension. Raspeberry Pi Python, Azure ML, Azure DevOps, Node, Android Studio, AppInventor 2, Chrome Extension (HTML, CSS, Javascript)
• Epione - A early diagnosis solution for prescription opioid addiction. Uses human OPRM! gene and protein expression. Also developed the accompanying mobile app and remote diagnosis feature. Raspeberry Pi Python, Android Studio, AppInventor 2

Apr 2014 – Present · 11 yrs 11 mos · Nashville Metropolitan Area

• Recruited and mentored other young volunteers to conduct kindness sessions
• Conducted more than 50 "Moozie" kindness sessions to elementary students spreading and sharing the message of kindness to 300 students yearly
• Organized yearly kindness essay contests reaching out to about 500 families yearly
• Partnership with Center of Brain Health, University of Texas on Kindness Initiative program
• Planning on an Youth Advisory Committee to develop a business model and social media plan for CKN