Profile Education Experience Expertise Research Vision
Molecular Biologist | Epigenetics | Developmental Toxicology

Kavya Prakash

Environmental Exposures & Neurodevelopment

Exploring mechanistic pathways through molecular and stem cell-based models.

M.Sc. graduate in Biology (Immunology and Microbiology) from Uppsala University with experience in stem cell biology, epigenetics, neurodevelopmental toxicology, and transcriptomic data analysis. Skilled in qPCR, pyrosequencing, immunofluorescence, stem cell culture, RNA-seq analysis, and functional genomics. Seeking a PhD position in cell and molecular biology with a focus on disease mechanisms and stem cell-based models.

Environmental Epigenomics Stem Cell Models Endocrine Disruptors Cortical Neurodevelopment
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Kavya Prakash, molecular biologist and early-career researcher
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Institution

Uppsala University

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Degree

MSc Biology (Immunology and Microbiology)

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Experimental Models

hESC mESC SH-SY5Y Caco-2
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Molecular Techniques

RT-qPCR Pyrosequencing Immunofluorescence
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Data Analysis

R Statistics Biological Interpretation
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Career Direction

PhD Research in Developmental Epigenomics

Kavya Prakash performing laboratory research in a molecular biology laboratory

Current Affiliation

EpiTox Group · Department of Organismal Biology
Uppsala University, Sweden

Research Profile

Environmental epigenetics and neurodevelopmental biology

Investigating how chemical exposures reshape the epigenome during neural development

My research centres on understanding how environmental exposures — particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A and bisphenol F — influence epigenetic regulation during the earliest stages of neurodevelopment. I am interested in the molecular mechanisms through which these chemicals alter DNA methylation patterns, disrupt transcriptional programmes, and compromise the fidelity of stem cell differentiation toward neural lineages.

My experimental training spans epigenetic profiling techniques (pyrosequencing, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence), stem cell culture and differentiation (human and mouse embryonic stem cells, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma, Caco-2), and downstream analytical/bioinformatics approaches (R, DESeq2, pathway enrichment, sequencing data interpretation). This training has been developed across two international academic systems — Kerala University, India, and Uppsala University, Sweden — complemented by three years of industry experience in quality assurance that instilled rigorous documentation and experimental reproducibility standards.

I am actively pursuing doctoral research opportunities at the intersection of cell and molecular biology, developmental epigenomics, environmental exposure biology, and stem cell-based disease modelling, with a focus on exploring disease mechanisms using stem cell differentiation, advanced molecular techniques, and in vitro disease modelling.

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Epigenetics Focus

DNA methylation, EDC mechanisms, stem cell epigenomics

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Wet-Lab Expertise

Pyrosequencing, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, cell culture

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International Training

India → Sweden; multilingual; global research perspective

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Analytical Rigour

R & DESeq2, GLP, QA/QC documentation, pathway analysis

Academic Formation

Education

An academic trajectory spanning molecular biology, immunology, and epigenomics across two continents.

2024–2026

M.Sc. in Biology — Immunology and Microbiology

Uppsala University, Sweden

Advanced training in immunology, microbiology, and epigenomics. Thesis research embedded within the EpiTox Group investigating environmental pollutant effects on stem cell epigenetics and neurodevelopment. Complemented by teaching assistantship duties across advanced molecular biology courses.

Uppsala, Sweden
2019–2021

M.Sc. in Biotechnology

Kerala University, India

Thesis focused on miRNA-mediated regulation of chemoresistance in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells, combining expression profiling with bioinformatics-assisted pathway analysis. Developed foundational skills in molecular biology and cancer biology.

Thiruvananthapuram, India
2016–2019

B.Sc. in Biotechnology

Kerala University, India

Undergraduate foundation in core life sciences: biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. Developed early laboratory skills and scientific reasoning that underpinned subsequent postgraduate research.

Thiruvananthapuram, India
Academic Instruction

Teaching & Mentorship

Laboratory instruction experience across advanced molecular biology techniques at Uppsala University.

Laboratory Teaching Assistant

Uppsala University
Nov 2025 — Jan 2026

Techniques Instructed

  • Pyrosequencing — bisulfite-converted DNA methylation analysis
  • RT-qPCR / qPCR — gene expression quantification and primer optimisation
  • Live-cell imaging — real-time cellular observation and documentation
  • Whole-mount in situ hybridisation (WISH) — zebrafish developmental gene expression
  • Drosophila behavioural assays — model organism experimental design

Supervision & Impact

  • Instructed undergraduate and graduate students in pyrosequencing, RT-qPCR, zebrafish whole-mount in situ hybridisation, Drosophila behavioural assays, and live-cell imaging.
  • Supported laboratory operations, sample preparation, equipment setup, and experimental workflow design.
Pyrosequencing qPCR Live-Cell Imaging WISH (Zebrafish) Experimental Reproducibility Student Supervision
Research History

Research Experience

A consistent record of hands-on research spanning epigenetics, neurotoxicology, cancer biology, and environmental science.

Master's Thesis Researcher

EpiTox Group · Department of Organismal Biology · Uppsala University
Oct 2025 — May 2026

Project: Cellular and Molecular Impact of BPA and BPF on Human and Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Models of Dorsal Forebrain Differentiation

Key Contributions

  • Established and optimised a dorsal forebrain differentiation protocol in human (hESC) and mouse (mESC) embryonic stem cells to model early cortical neurodevelopment in vitro.
  • Characterised the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF) on neuroectodermal differentiation markers and cellular stress responses using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining.
  • Integrated molecular and imaging data to evaluate endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) effects on epigenetic and transcriptional programmes during neural induction.
hESC / mESC Culture RT-qPCR Immunofluorescence BPA / BPF Toxicology Neural Induction Epigenetics

Independent Bioinformatics Project

Transcriptomic Analysis of Valproic Acid-Induced Neurodevelopmental Alterations in Human Forebrain Organoids
Independent Project

Project: Re-analysed publicly available RNA-seq data from human forebrain organoids exposed to valproic acid (VPA)

Key Contributions

  • Re-analysed publicly available RNA-seq data from human forebrain organoids exposed to valproic acid (VPA), a neurodevelopmental toxicant associated with autism spectrum disorder risk.
  • Performed transcript quantification, differential gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology enrichment, and KEGG pathway analysis using Salmon, DESeq2, and R.
  • Identified 7,151 significantly differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.05), including 1,676 high-confidence DEGs with absolute log2 fold change greater than 1.
  • Observed enrichment of pathways associated with ciliogenesis, neuronal development, synaptic signalling, myelination, and chromatin remodelling.
  • Repository: github.com/kavyaprakash-vks/vpa-forebrain-organoid-rnaseq
Salmon / DESeq2 R (ggplot2) RNA-seq Analysis Pathway Enrichment Functional Genomics

Research Trainee

Dept. of Organismal Biology — Physiology & Environmental Toxicology · Uppsala University
Jul — Sep 2025

Key Contributions

  • Differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells toward a glutamatergic neuronal phenotype and validated neuronal marker expression using qPCR.
  • Maintained SH-SY5Y and Caco-2 cell cultures and optimised molecular protocols for toxicological studies.
SH-SY5Y Differentiation qPCR Caco-2 Culture Primer Optimisation Neurotoxicology

M.Sc. Thesis Researcher — Cancer Biology

Kerala University, India
2019 — 2021

Project: Identification of microRNAs Regulating Differentially Expressed Genes in Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells

Key Contributions

  • Profiled microRNA-mediated regulation of chemoresistance pathways in ovarian cancer using expression analysis and bioinformatics-assisted pathway interpretation.
  • Identified candidate miRNA–mRNA regulatory axes relevant to platinum-based drug resistance mechanisms.
miRNA Expression Analysis Bioinformatics Pathway Interpretation Ovarian Cancer Biology Chemoresistance

Quality Assurance & Quality Control Specialist

Nexus Agro Farms · Kerala, India
Oct 2021 — Jun 2024

Key Contributions

  • Implemented QA/QC procedures for hybrid crop testing and applied data-driven approaches to improve product consistency and regulatory compliance.
QA/QC Protocol Design Regulatory Compliance Data-Driven Metrics Field Sampling Cross-functional Leadership
Competencies

Technical Expertise

Core experimental and analytical competencies developed across academic research and industry practice.

Epigenetics & Molecular Biology

Core Methodologies
RT-qPCR / qPCRAdvanced
Pyrosequencing (bisulfite DNA methylation)Advanced
Immunofluorescence StainingAdvanced
RNA & DNA ExtractionAdvanced

Additional Wet-Lab Techniques

Laboratory Methods
ELISA & Western BlottingProficient
Flow CytometryIntermediate
Whole-Mount In Situ HybridisationProficient
Live-Cell ImagingProficient

Cell Culture & Models

Biological Systems
hESC & mESC CultureAdvanced
SH-SY5Y NeuroblastomaProficient
Caco-2 Intestinal EpithelialProficient
Dorsal Forebrain DifferentiationProficient

Bioinformatics & Data Analysis

Computational Competencies
R (DESeq2, ggplot2, stats)Proficient
DGE & Pathway Analysis (GO, KEGG)Proficient
PCA, Heatmaps & Volcano PlotsProficient
Linux CLI & Sequencing InterpretationIntermediate

Laboratory & Regulatory

Professional Standards
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)Advanced
Equipment Maintenance & QA/QCAdvanced
Safety ComplianceAdvanced
Experimental DocumentationAdvanced

Languages & Communication

Global Engagement
English (Fluent, IELTS 8.0)Advanced
Malayalam (Native)Native
Swedish (Basic)Basic
Scientific Writing & PresentationsProficient
Scientific Focus

Research Interests

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Epigenomics

DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin organisation, and genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming during development

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Neurodevelopmental Toxicology

How early-life chemical exposures impair cortical differentiation and programme lasting neurological consequences

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Endocrine Disruption

Mechanistic investigation of bisphenols, plasticisers, and environmental chemicals on hormonal and transcriptional signalling

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Circadian Biology

Rhythmicity in DNA methylation and its intersection with developmental timing and environmental stress responses

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Stem Cell Models

Human and mouse embryonic stem cells as precision platforms for developmental toxicology and mechanistic epigenomics

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Cancer Epigenetics

miRNA-mediated chemoresistance, epigenetic plasticity in tumour progression, and novel therapeutic targets

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Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Investigating molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders using stem cell-based in vitro models to study disease progression, cellular dysfunction, and therapeutic targets.

Research Dissemination

Scientific Communication

A commitment to effective dissemination of research across academic and public audiences.

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Research Presentations

Oral presentation at the Uppsala University Student Conference in Science and Technology, communicating neurotoxicology research to a multidisciplinary audience

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Laboratory Mentoring

Instructed 20+ students in pyrosequencing, qPCR, live-cell imaging, and whole-mount in situ hybridisation as teaching assistant at Uppsala University

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International Engagement

International Student Ambassador for the Office of Science and Technology at Uppsala University, representing the institution's research community globally

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Scientific Writing

Master's thesis manuscript in preparation on BPA/BPF effects on embryonic stem cell models of dorsal forebrain differentiation, expected 2026

Scholarly Output

Presentations & Conferences

Conference Presentation · Oral

Environmental Pollutants and Brain Health: Insights from Human Cell Models of Neurodegeneration

Kavya Prakash · Uppsala University Student Conference in Science and Technology, 2025

Manuscript in Preparation

Master's thesis manuscript in preparation · Expected 2026

Research on BPA/BPF effects on human and mouse ESC models of dorsal forebrain differentiation

Recognition

Awards & Leadership

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International Student Ambassador

Office of Science and Technology, Uppsala University — representing the institution's international academic community

2025 — 2026
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Conference Speaker

Selected to present at the Uppsala University Student Conference in Science and Technology — communicating original research to a multidisciplinary audience

2025
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IELTS Band 8.0

Exceptional English language proficiency demonstrating readiness for international doctoral programmes and global scientific collaboration

Academic
Research Vision

Advancing Neurodegeneration Research Using Stem Cell-Based In Vitro Models

My research vision is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases through the development and application of optimized in vitro model systems. Neurodegenerative disorders are complex and multifactorial, involving processes such as protein aggregation, impaired cellular homeostasis, altered neuronal function, and progressive cell loss. Improving experimental models that accurately recapitulate these pathological features is essential for understanding disease mechanisms and developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Building on my background in stem cell biology, I aim to utilize and refine stem cell-based in vitro models to better mimic the cellular and molecular characteristics of neurodegeneration. I am particularly interested in developing physiologically relevant disease models that enable the investigation of early pathological events and cellular responses associated with neurodegenerative processes. Through these models, I hope to identify key molecular pathways involved in disease initiation and progression and explore how disruptions in cellular quality control systems contribute to neuronal dysfunction.

I am especially interested in bridging the gap between model development and mechanistic understanding by integrating advanced cellular models with molecular and functional analyses. Such approaches have significant translational potential, not only for improving our understanding of disease biology but also for facilitating biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and the development of more predictive platforms for drug screening.

I am seeking PhD opportunities within collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments, including European doctoral programmes, institutional fellowships, and industry-oriented research initiatives, where I can contribute my experimental expertise in stem cell biology and cell culture techniques while further developing my research skills in neurodegeneration and disease modelling. I am also interested in translational and industrial research settings that focus on developing advanced disease models, therapeutic discovery, and innovative approaches to studying neurodegenerative disorders.

For Recruiters & Supervisors

Why Kavya?

A considered and evidence-based case for Kavya Prakash as a doctoral candidate or early-career research scientist.

01

Rare Epigenetic Technique Depth

Hands-on pyrosequencing experience is uncommon at M.Sc. level and directly relevant to genome-wide DNA methylation research programmes.

02

Mechanistic Continuity

Both M.Sc. theses (miRNA/cancer epigenetics; BPA/neurodevelopment) reflect a coherent interest in how molecular signals alter gene regulation — strong foundation for PhD work.

03

Lab-Ready from Day One

Already embedded within Uppsala's EpiTox Group since mid-2025, Kavya brings contextual familiarity with the lab culture, protocols, and research questions.

04

International Academic Profile

Trained across two countries, fluent in English (IELTS 8.0), and serving as an International Student Ambassador — genuinely global in outlook and approach.

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Industry Discipline in Academia

Three years of QA/QC work instilled documentation rigour, regulatory compliance, and systematic troubleshooting — directly valuable in any research environment.

06

Strong Scientific Communication

Conference presenter, laboratory instructor, and student ambassador — a scientist who can communicate ideas across audiences and contribute to a research community.

Get in Touch

Let's discuss science

Whether you are a prospective PhD supervisor, a principal investigator, a research coordinator, or a biotechnology recruiter, Kavya welcomes conversations about doctoral programmes, research collaborations, and career opportunities in molecular biology and epigenetics.

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Email kavyaprakash0398@gmail.com
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Phone · Uppsala, Sweden +46 7696 40 800
in
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kavya-prakash-vks
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