Dr. Nishanth Pitcham: JRF at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, India
P. Nishanth is a dedicated researcher in the field of biotechnology, with a focus on molecular biology, drug design, and bioinformatics. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in a DBT-NER-funded project. Nishanth’s academic background, which includes a Master’s degree in Biotechnology with an outstanding 81.9% from Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, has laid a strong foundation for his research career. His expertise extends to areas such as cancer biology, virology, and the development of antiviral peptides derived from animal venoms. Nishanth is motivated by the desire to contribute to global health solutions, particularly in drug discovery and molecular diagnostics, with a focus on emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Online Profiles
Education
My academic path has been centered around the study of biotechnology, providing me with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. I earned my M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, graduating with an impressive 81.9%. I also completed my B.Sc. in Biotechnology from the same institution in 2019, where I developed a strong foundation in various biotechnological techniques. Additionally, I’ve pursued several certificate courses to complement my degree, such as a Certificate in Bioinformatics (76.5%) and a Diploma in Horticulture Biotechnology (77.4%). My educational background also includes certifications in Information Technology, SPSS Basics, and various molecular biology techniques, all of which contribute to my current research trajectory.
Research Focus
My research is largely focused on drug design and bioinformatics, particularly the development of antiviral peptides to combat viral diseases, including COVID-19. I am actively involved in the molecular docking and in silico drug design for targeting key proteins in viral pathogens, utilizing animal venoms as a potential source for antiviral peptides. Additionally, my work encompasses genetic engineering and bioinformatics tools to identify therapeutic agents against diseases such as cancer and viral infections. My research aims to bridge the gap between biotechnology and real-world therapeutic applications, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in global healthcare challenges.
Experience
I have gained valuable practical experience throughout my academic career. As a Research Engineer at Weetech Solutions, I focused on writing scientific content for publications and articles in the field of biotechnology, gaining exposure to industry-related challenges and trends. My experience as CRC-Execution at Spinos Life Science and Research Pvt. Ltd. allowed me to develop strong project management and research execution skills. In addition, I worked as a Research Analyst at KEDS Groups, where I contributed to data analysis and research insights in biotechnology. My internship experiences, including in Horticulture Biotechnology at Vijaya Agro Services, have provided me with a hands-on understanding of plant biotechnology and its applications. Furthermore, my role as an Editor for the book titled “Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology Volume 3” has honed my academic editing and writing skills.
Research Timeline
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2022 – Present: Currently pursuing a Ph.D. as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in a DBT-NER-funded project at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, focusing on antiviral peptides for drug design.
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2021: Completed an online internship as a Research Analyst at KEDS Groups, where I gained hands-on experience in data analysis and research methodology.
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2021: Undertook a research internship on Horticulture Biotechnology at Vijaya Agro Services, focusing on plant tissue culture techniques and biotechnology applications in agriculture.
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2020: Worked as a Research Engineer at Weetech Solutions, where I contributed to scientific content creation for biotechnology publications and articles.
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2019: Worked as a CRC-Execution at Spinos Life Science, where I assisted in the execution of clinical research projects and data collection.
This timeline reflects my continuous development in the biotechnology research field, with hands-on experience in both academic and industrial settings.
Awards & Honors
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First Prize in the Lights Camera Action (Shortfilm) competition at MICROFIESTA.20, organized by the Department of Microbiology, The American College, Madurai.
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Official Selection for my short film, “Polladha Boomi”, at the Kalakari International Film Festival, highlighting my creative approach to science communication.
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Volunteer at the “Gift of Vision” Rural Outreach Eye Care Programme by Sankara Eye Hospital, demonstrating my commitment to social causes.
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Recognition at the National Seminar on “Recent Advancements in Bioenergy and Bioproducts (RABB-17)” for my paper on bioenergy research in Malaimadu Bos indicus.
These honors and awards reflect my ability to excel in both scientific research and extracurricular activities, demonstrating my diverse skill set and interests.
Top-Noted Publications
“Exploring the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bioactive Compounds from Assam Tea Clones: In Silico and In Vitro Approaches”
International Journal of Secondary Metabolite (2025-06-11)
DOI: 10.21448/ijsm.1542644
Contributors: Nishanth Pitcham, Hariram Natarajan
This study delves into the anti-inflammatory potential of bioactive compounds derived from Assam tea clones, employing both in silico (computational) and in vitro (laboratory) approaches to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy. The article provides insights into the molecular interactions of these compounds with pro-inflammatory pathways, highlighting the potential of Assam tea as a source of natural anti-inflammatory agents.