Ms. Priya Paithankar has a strong background in biological sciences, specializing in Microbiology, and holds an industrial certification in Pharmacovigilance. Her experience covers both academic and administrative roles, where she has managed academic operations, taught diverse courses, and contributed to curriculum development. She has also been actively involved in research, focusing on environmental toxicology, disease biomarkers, and microbial diversity. This blend of teaching, administration, and research expertise enables her to contribute effectively to both academic and industry settings.
Academic background/Qualification
- Industry Certification in Pharmacovigilance – Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI New Delhi), 2022 CGPA: 9.67
- M.Sc. Microbiology – MSU Vadodara, 2017 GPA: 7.1
- B.Sc. Zoology – MSU Vadodara, 2015 GPA: 7.6, University Rank Holder, Awarded UGC scholarship
Professional or Industrial Experience
- Current Role: Teaching Assistant – School of Science, Navrachana University, Vadodara | May 2023 – Present
- Academic Coordinator – UID, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar | Nov 2021 – Jul 2022
- Teaching Experience: Academic Associate, Navrachana University (Jun – Dec 2019)
- Visiting Faculty at Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Institute of Cell & Molecular Biology, MSU Baroda (2017 – 2018)
Research Experience:
- Project Assistantship 2017-2018 on Biomarker identification for early detection of leprosy under the guidance of Dr. Pushpendra Singh, MSU Baroda, India.
- Dissertation: “Culturable microbial diversity of subsurface sediment core from Rampura industrial estate of Mahi River basin, Western India” (Under the guidance of Prof. G. Archana, Head of The Department of Microbiology, MSU Baroda)
Teaching
Courses taught: As a Teaching Assistant at Navrachana University, Ms. Priya teaches both theory and practical courses in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Science and Biotechnology, focusing on bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Teaching Philosophy: Ms. Priya’s teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. She creates an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and highlights the interdisciplinary connections within the biological sciences.
Innovative Teaching Methods: Ms. Priya incorporates interactive tools and digital platforms to enhance engagement. Techniques like virtual simulations in labs and flipped classrooms allow for more hands-on activities and discussions. Additionally, she utilize case studies and project-based learning to promote practical application and critical thinking.
Area of Expertise and Research
- Primary Area: Microbiology, with a strong focus on the study of microbial organisms, their physiology, genetics, and interactions with the environment. And have extensive experience in various sub-disciplines, including clinical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology.
- Secondary Area: Zoology, Biochemistry and Life Science
Publications
- Environmentally relevant concentrations of nickel and imidacloprid induce reproductive toxicity in earthworm (Eisenia fetida fetida). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024 Jun. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109964.
Conferences/Seminars
International
- Committee member and attended- International Conference On Molecular Medicine, Reproduction and Endocrinology ICMMRE 2023, held on 14-17 September 2023, hosted by Division of Biomedical and Life Science, Navrachana University Baroda.
- Attended Two Day international conference organized by Microbiology department on ”Microbial Odyssey: Converging Biotechnology and Industry” on 28 and 29 December, 2023.
- Poster Presentation and Winner of GYAN scholarship in NextGen Genomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies (NGBT) conference held at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India in Oct, 2018.
National
- Participated and attended Science excellence 2018 organized by Botany Department, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India on September 20, 2018.
- Attended 4th Global Bird Watcher’s Conference 2014 during 31st Jan to 03rd Feb 2014 organised by FICCI and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Lts
Training/Workshops
- Faculty Development Program 2023
- Attended one-day workshop organized by VNSGU Biotech department on Computation in Life Science, 25th March 2018
Awards/Honors
- Secured 1st position in the poster competition, Comparative transcriptome analysis revealing candidate biomarkers and pathways affected during leprosy progression at Science excellence 2018 organized by Botany Department, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India on September 20, 2018.
- Poster Presentation and Winner of GYAN scholarship in NextGen Genomics, Biology, Bioinformatics and Technologies (NGBT) conference held at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India in Oct, 2018.
- Awarded with UGC (New Delhi) Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holder (2015- 2017).
- 2nd Rank in B.Sc. Zoology at The Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (GUJARAT).
- Minaxi-lalit award 2015, given by Gujarat Science Academy (Government of Gujarat).
