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Lalita L

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Mumbai University, India

Expertise

Microbiology [bacteriology and virology], immunology, molecular biology

Bio

I have done my Ph.D. in Microbiology from Mumbai University, India. I have been closely associated with teaching for as many as 16 years in India and four years in the USA. Last five years, I have been designing scientific programs through my website, 'BioEd Initiative.' It is a window to the scientific world and research opportunities. My website, 'BioEd Initiative,' has helped me enjoy my research interest and passion for teaching. 'BioEd Initiative' online programs have helped students write minireviews - giving them exposure to scientific writing. I have been preparing students for the AP biology examination.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Can tools of bioinformatics help with the study of coronavirus variants ?

Spike protein of coronavirus that covers the viral surface plays crucial role in infecting the host cell. Spike protein comes in different forms due to high rate of mutations in S gene that codes it. During pandemic human population got exposed to many variants of the coronavirus owing to the spike protein changes. Tools of bioinformatics can be of help to study these variants. Through this project students will learn to identify the spatial, and geographical distribution of such genetic mutations using tools of bioinformatics. Students will understand how to access huge databases created for coronavirus study. This program aims at mentoring a student write a minireview. Students will get exposure to databases, literature survey and scientific writing through this project.

Can high fiber diet affect the gut-brain axis?

People around the world are now more mindful about their food choices. Let's explore how fiber, an important element of our diet, affects our brain. How does fiber affect our endocrine system? Learn interesting facts about the link between the nervous and digestive system. This project aims to assist students in writing a mini-review. Through this project, students will gain an understanding of how to utilize various databases for literature surveys, gain knowledge on signal transduction processes, and learn about the enteroendocrine system.

Coding skills

None

Languages I know

English, Hindi, Marathi

Teaching experience

Experience of 20 years teaching undergraduate students at the university level in India. For the last five years, my website, 'BioEd Initiative,' designed programs in biology for US-based students to prepare them for university admission. I also prepare US students for the AP biology exam. Link to my website: https://www.bioedinitiative.com

Credentials

Work experience

Mumbai University (1997 - 2015)
Lecturer

Education

Mumbai University, India
BS Bachelor of Science (1992)
Microbiology
Mumbai University, India
MS Master of Science (1994)
Microbiology
Mumbai University, India
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2017)
Microbiology

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