About Shachee Swaraj
I’m a Ph.D. research scholar in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Awarded the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship in May 2020, I investigate broad-spectrum, interferon-independent antiviral innate immune mechanisms across viruses including IAV, ZIKV, DENV, HSV1, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2.
Current position: Prime Minister’s Research Fellow & Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dept. of Microbiology & Cell Biology, IISc Bengaluru.
My work characterizes antiviral factors that function outside classical IFN signaling to reveal new dimensions of mammalian antiviral immunity and enable future therapeutic strategies.
Research Interest
Exploring viral and bacterial infectious diseases, decoding molecular mechanisms of disease establishment, and mapping host innate/adaptive immune responses alongside vaccine development and efficacy testing. Focused on emerging viral diseases, viral biology, and antiviral innate immunity under the supervision of Dr. Shashank Tripathi. Aiming to characterize signaling pathways and mediators of interferon-independent antiviral responses in mammalian cells, to reveal new antiviral factors tested against coronaviruses, influenza, flaviviruses (Dengue, Zika), retroviruses (HIV), and DNA viruses (Herpes). Long-term goal: translate discoveries into novel drugs and vaccination strategies for human health.
Work Experience
- 2020 – Present: PMRF Fellow & Ph.D. Student, IISc. Studying IRF3 stability and interferon-independent antiviral pathways.
- 2018: Fishery Training, Fish Farmers Training Centre (FFTC), Ranchi.
- 2013–2019: Biology Faculty across Vidyamandir Classes, E-World, Finatee Classes (Ranchi).
Education
- 2019 – Present: Ph.D., IISc Bengaluru (Microbiology and Cell Biology).
- 2017 – 2019: M.Sc. Zoology (Gold Medal), Dr. S. P. Mukherjee University.
- 2014 – 2017: B.Sc. Zoology, St. Xavier's College, Ranchi.
- 2012 – 2014: HSC, Delhi Public School, Ranchi.
- 2000 – 2012: SSC, Notre Dame School, Gumla.
Courses done at IISc
- Essentials in Microbiology (MC203) — Aug-Dec 2019, 3 credits, Grade: A (9/10)
- Principles of Genetic Engineering (MC208) — Aug-Dec 2019, 3 credits, Grade: A+ (10/10)
- Molecular Biology (MC207) — Aug-Dec 2019, 3 credits, Grade: A (9/10)
- Essentials in Immunology (MC306) — Aug-Dec 2019, 3 credits, Grade: A (9/10)
Publications & Presentations
- Identification of COVID-19 prognostic markers and therapeutic targets through meta-analysis — EBioMedicine (The Lancet), 2021.
- COVID-19: What happens inside you? — covid-gyan.in, 2020.
- Multiple posters on emerging viral diseases and climate change impact on lac culture.
Skills & Leadership
Treasurer of MCB Society (2020-2021), award-winning educator, and active contributor to academic communities through talks, posters, and collaborative research.
Leadership & Achievements
- Treasurer of the MCB Society (2020-2021).
- Winner of 'Face of The University' competition in College Fest Aahvan 2019.
- Student Council Member; Captain of Nehru Club, Notre Dame School, Gumla.
- Winner of inter-house science exhibitions and multiple academic event accolades.
- Winner of Creative Writing in English, debates, group discussions, and Rangoli.
- Winner of inter-school group dance competitions (folk, cultural, patriotic).
- Winner of 'One Act Plays' for three consecutive years.
- Extempore speeches and elocutions; keen singer and dancer (semi-classical, freestyle, Bhangra).
- Ukulele and musical performance enthusiast.