Nithin Karthic Balaji

EDUCATION

College / University

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Technology

Major Subjects

Biotechnology

Country

India

Lab Experience

Bacterial/Yeast/Mammalian Cloning and associated techniques, DNA/RNA Isolation, PCR, Electrophoresis, Protein Purification, Click Chemistry (CuAAC), Protein Characterization assays, Surface Plasmon Resonance, Biolayer Interferometry, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, Western Blotting, Nano-DSF

Projects / Research

  • 2024 – 2025: "Development of a protein sub-unit vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus”, Varadarajan Lab, Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science
  • 2023 – 2024: "Design and development of Nanobody Drug Conjugates (NDCs) as targeted therapeutics for Fibrotic Disorders”, Centre for Engineered Therapeutics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Scholarships / Awards

2026 – 2027: Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My experiences in Immunoengineering labs have shaped my interest in research and I am aiming to understand the molecular basis of Host-Pathogen Interactions in a translational context. I would like to study the molecular basis of how emerging viruses and/or ESKAPE pathogens interact with the hosts to understand and to identify possible prophylactics. In particular, I find it interesting to probe the parallels between self-reactive cells and pathogens to establish newly found molecular mimicry, and to leverage the knowledge to develop prophylactics and/or theranostics. This field lies at an interesting space between Immunology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Structural Biology – subjects that I really enjoy and look forward to studying at depth during my Masters. Working in translational research allowed me to appreciate interdisciplinary science shaping my approach to problems. I want to build on this by exploring fundamental biological questions that lead to better human health outcomes.