resume - palur gunasekar
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Curriculum Vitae
PALUR G. GUNASEKAR, MS., M. Phil., Ph. D
6638, Averell Drive, Dayton, OH 45424
Phone # 937-237-0192 (H); 832-661-8183 (C)
Email: [email protected]
Immigration Status: U.S. Citizen
Qualification and Expertise Summary:
I am a Research Biologist/Toxicologist with more than 25 years experience in
Academic and Government Institutions. Broad experience in the design, develop, support
and perform various biochemical, molecular, immunologic-based assays, neurobehavioral,
immunohistochemistry and histopathology to identify cell death/injury and mechanistic
toxicology of environmental and occupational compounds (chemical/warfare threats agents,
metals, pesticides, particulates, etc ) research programs and intervention strategies.
My goal is to promote, lead, and independently conduct multifaceted research programs and
support investigating neurotoxicity/neurodegeneration, biomarkers discovery, reproductive,
developmental and inhalation toxicity and traumatic brain injury areas.
General Capabilities:
Demonstrated in providing leadership, scientific expertise and technical advice for
division research programs focused on toxicology of environmental and occupational
health.
Supervised and evaluated progress reports on all program projects and conducted
administrative review on projects, inter and intra agencies grant proposals and
communications to address complex emerging scientific problems.
Performed short-and–long-term plans, goals and objectives for research programs.
Served as Navy Toxicological Science liaison to higher command, Federal agencies,
working groups, environmental councils, task forces and professional foundations.
Broad experience in identifying, defining, and/or selecting specific problems in the
areas of basic and applied biomedical environments.
Independently plan, develop, implement and manage all experiments and protocols.
Wide experience in mechanistic, molecular and toxicological approaches in
Parkinson’s disease model (rodent).
Familiar in inhalation toxicology application on sand dust (particulate matters), gas,
vapor, chemical and nanomaterials exposure studies.
Experience handling mechanistic toxicological approach for chemical threats, metals,
pesticides and organophosphate studies.
Obtaining grants as Principal Investigator- on number of studies from NIH, APDA,
Army, Navy clients.
Principal Investigator-Traumatic Brain Injury/Biomarker Discovery for Therapeutics,
from Defense Medical Research Development Program (DMRDP).
Proficiency providing written report/documentation, manuscripts, proposal writing.
Excellent in presentation, strong publication record and communication skills.
Experience in Institutional Animal Care and Use Program (IACUC) member, provide
oversight, review animal protocols, SOP’s, guidelines and animal facilities inspection.
Editorial review board member and a reviewer on several peer reviewed journals.
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Recognized for Technical Expertise in Following Methodologies:
Environmental/chemical exposure-induced toxicity, Neurotoxicity /
Neurobehavioral and Reproductive/developmental (two generation study).
Design and conduct of single/repeat dose; acute, sub-acute and chronic dose
rodent, guinea pig, and non-human primate toxicokinetic and health impact
studies.
Use of in vitro (primary and cell lines) for mechanistic investigation of
toxicology for chemicals, metals, pesticides, nano, war threat agents and
particulate matters.
Identification of Reactive oxygen species, metabolic and cell death pathways
and injury mechanisms and prevention.
Hands on fluorescence, confocal microcopies, luminex based assay, receptor
assay, TUNEL, micronucleus, Ames assays, immunohistochemistry,
genotoxicity, radioactive isotopes, Flow cytometry, multiplex system, ELISA,
etc.,
Handling biological safety level 2 microorganisms and knowledge regarding
biosafety and biosecurity practices.
Inhalation exposure studies (whole body and nose-only).
Blast trauma rodent model and identification of biomarkers and prevention
techniques.
Education:
1993-1996 Post-doctoral (Neurotoxicology), Purdue University, West Lafayette,
Indiana, USA
1983-1987 Ph.D. (Endocrinology), University of Madras, Chennai, India.
1981-1982 M. Phil. (Endocrinology), University of Madras, Chennai, India.
1977-1979 M.S. (Zoology), University of Madras, Chennai, India.
Toxicology Credential: Several special courses & trainings dealing with
toxicological research principles, methods in toxicology, essentials of toxicology, and
toxicological reviews of specific chemicals, mixtures, biological origin toxins, industrial
chemicals and products substances (at Society of Toxicology & Toxicology Risk
Assessment), workshops’ courses and DABT certificate course training were taken for
toxicology credit (>12 semester hrs).
Areas of Expertise/Core Competencies
Neurotoxicology / Neurodegeneration; Behavioral Toxicology; Chemical / Environmental /
Occupational exposure toxicity; Fatigue Physiology; Countermeasures; Mechanistic
Toxicology; Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology; Predictive Toxicology; Genotoxicity;
Biomarkers Identification; In Vitro/In-Vivo Models; Chronic, sub-chronic and acute studies;
Inhalation Toxicology, Reproductive/Developmental toxicity; Traumatic Injury model /
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Interventional Studies; Endocrinology/ Neuroendocrinology; Prostate Cancer Research; Skin
irritation / pathology; Histopathology; Neuroimmunochemistry; Tissue injury; Oxidative
stress /calcium signaling; Apoptotic/Necrotic cell death; Nanotoxicology; Metal toxicology;
I am an expert in…..
Mechanistic Toxicology (In Vitro and In Vivo Models)
Molecular biological techniques
Early Biomarkers identification (serum, tissue) and Injury Prevention.
Neurotoxicology and Neurodegeneration
Proteomic, Genomic, Western, Northern, RT-PCR
Biochemical, Molecular Biology Assay and Analytical skills
Blast trauma/Injury model and Interventional Studies
Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry (Biomarkers identification and injury
mechanisms and preventive strategies).
Fluorescence, confocal Imaging and digital phosphorescence microscopy for image
capture; inverted microscopy technique for calcium tracing.
Behavioral Functional Test Battery
Metals and Jet Fuel Toxicity
ELISA, Flow Cytometry and Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Urinary hormone assays.
Cytotoxicity assessment
Multiplex system analysis.
Hand on calcium signaling including tracing in neuronal cells and manipulation with
different drugs for protection.
Performing cDNA microarray gene profile in serum and tissue.
Plasmid purification, DNA/RNA purification and quantization, production of
recombinant vectors, subcloning, cell transfection and electromobility shift assay.
Genotoxicity assay -Spectra Karyotyping (SKY); Fluorescent in situ Hybridization
(FISH) Assay.
A bacterial test for gene mutation (e.g. Ames assay) assay.
Affymetrix gene analysis (Jet Fuel, tungsten, Sand dust and manganese studies)
In Vivo Expression Technology (IVET)
Hands on spectroscopic methods and chromatographic techniques, including NMR,
FTIR, MS, LC/MS, GC/MS, and HPLC and other analytical tools.
Primary neuron and glia cultures and other cell lines with proven publication record.
Rodent model handling, drug formulation, dosing and sampling (CSF collection, blood
and tissue collection).
Rodent stereotaxic surgeries.
In-vivo microdialysis (probe placement, samples collection and analysis).
Ischemia/reperfusion tissue injury, transgenic and experimental models of
neurodegeneration.
Animal necropsy (rat, mouse, guinea pig, monkeys)
Clinical chemistry and hematology analyses (complete blood counts, hematology
parameters, serum chemistry)
Clinical signs of toxicity in F1 and F2 generation animal model (rat).
Reproductive, behavioral, developmental and neonatal offspring toxicology testing.
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Biochemical and histological/pathological characterization of neurodegenerative
disease.
Strong data analysis skills including a practical knowledge of statistics.
Enzymatic and cell based assays; kinase and oxidative stress mediated signaling.
Stable cell line generation, siRNA gene knockdown, and advanced knowledge of
molecular biology techniques including RNA preparation for molecular profiling
analysis.
Developing assays for high throughput screening and drug discovery (prostate
cancer drug screening).
Jet fuel, components and xylene induced dermal toxicity in vivo and in vitro models.
Performing power of analysis studies on all protocols for proposals.
Collecting and recording data, to include extensive use of computers and monitoring
instruments, as well as creating and implementing new databases for new protocols.
Calculating results of assays and evaluating validity of data.
Statistical computations of data such as: mean, standard deviation, standard errors,
analysis of variance and statistical significance.
Preparing graphical representations of data and analyses, photography, graphics,
and image production, for study presentations and publications.
Interpretation of results and assisting juniors in preparation of grants, manuscripts,
reports and presentations.
Maintaining research records and experimental data in compliance with regulatory
committee policies.
Oral and written communication skills, including preparation of study reports, tech
reports and presentations. Conceiving, designing, running and multi projects
involving biological, physiological and toxicological studies.
Writing and obtaining clearances for animal protocols from regulatory committee.
Monitoring and analyzing data from in vitro and animal models.
Writing manuscripts based on research data and publish in peer- reviewed journals.
Maintaining a safe workplace ensuring task area is aware and observes appropriate
safety and occupational health rules and regulations.
Complies with occupational health and safety standards and other applicable
regulations and guidelines which may include medical surveillance.
Writing good competitive grant proposals for funding.
Accomplishments:
Best Student Award obtained at Undergraduate level for overall performance, at
University of Madras during 1975.
Obtained Senior Research and Research Associateship Awards [1985-1993] to fulfill
Ph. D program.
Accomplished a project title, “Prolactin influence on testicular function in Bonnet
Monkeys for my Ph.D degree during 1982-1987 and published significant data in
peer reviewed journals (4 papers at National and International levels).
Department of Army and NIH provided fundings to conduct a basic and applied
research on the mechanism of action for chemical warfare (CW) threat agents
(cyanide, pyridostigmine bromide, sulfur mustard), toxic industrial chemicals (TICS-
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TMT and lead) during post-doctoral training and Research Scientist at Purdue
University (1993-1999). 9 papers produced in peer reviewed journals and obtained
grant from Army for pyridostigmine bromide toxicity investigation.
(a) Cyanide (CN) induced neurotoxicity project was executed effectively
managed the study and completed the work within a scheduled time.
(b) Identified NMDA glutamate receptor subtype activation, cascade
signaling and oxidative stress mechanism for CN injury. Explored
phospholipase A2 and AA activation by COX-2, LOX pathways and NOS
for cyanide-induced damage (published).
(c) Identified specific calcium channel for NMDA receptor involved in CN-
induced neuronal injury through patch clamp. Explored MK-801 prevents
receptor-mediated cell signaling processes and injury.
(d) Explored differential susceptibility of the brain to cyanide with different
modes of cell death as a new finding through TUNEL (Published).
(e) Screened clinical drugs in cell culture and animal models and identified
Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) as a good anti-dote for cyanide (Published).
(f) Developed a rat model for Parkinson disease and explored dopamineric
loss at substantia nigra. Performed several antioxidant drugs screening
for protection including felbamate (Published).
(g) As a Co-Investigator, showed CN formation and possible receptor
pathway from brain cells through high put technology (Published).
(h) A cholinesterase inhibitor, Pyridostigmine bromide efficacy on neuronal
functions studied and explored toxicity (apoptosis and necrosis) in
different regions (cortex, dentate gyrus, sub. nigra) of the rat brain.
(i) PKC mechanism and glutamate excitotoxicity were explored in
trimethyltin-induced neuronal damage (hippocampus and dentate gyrus
regions of the brain, Published).
As a Contractor Scientist at Toxicology Operational Branch, Air Force Research
Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (1999-2001) investigated the impact of
Jet fuel exposure and volatile chemical solvents (xylene, component of JP-8) on skin
irritation in guinea pig. Explored histopathological damage, skin irritation /
inflammation and identified molecular changes (IL-1 alpha, iNOS) by Western Blot
and RT-PCR and established “predictive markers” for skin irritation and inflammation.
(a) Dermal absorption of jet fuel (JP-8), irritation and potential formation of
ROS as indicators of JP-8 exposure were revealed. Timing factor (within
one hr) for irritation and inflammation explored (Published).
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(b) Explored histological and molecular changes (IL-1 alpha & iNOS
production) in rodent skin by brief topical exposures to m-xylene as
early indicators of skin irritation (Published).
(c) Exemplary Scientist Award from Air Force Research Laboratory,
Toxicology Operational Branch, WPAFB, OH (2001).
(d) Invited as an “Adjunct Faculty” in the Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology at Wright State Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Dayton during 2000.
(e) Research Travel Grant Award from the Department of Pharmacology
and Toxicology at Wright State University, Dayton, OH (2000).
As a faculty at Indiana University and Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI),
accomplished acrylonitrile toxicity (mechanism and mitochondrial resistance for
carcinogenesis) in glial cells as per schedule (2001-2002).
Taught Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Biology, Histopathology courses for
Pre-Nursing, Psychology and Biology Pre-Med majors (2002-2006) at Texas Southern
University (TSU), Houston, TX as an Assistant Professor.
Faculty Oral Presentation, 1 st place Honor award from TSU Research Week 2005.
Obtained a competitive grant on “manganese exposure induced toxicity-Parkinson
Model” from The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., Upstate, NY (2003).
Project was well accomplished with significant results, explored NF-κB DNA binding
activity, proteolytic degradation of subunit IκBα (cytosol) and NF-κB gene expression
during neurodegeneration. Two publications from this study (2005-2006).
Revealed PKC modulation, glutamate excitotoxicity and calcium as the mechanism of
lead toxicity with correlation of neurobehavioral impairment 2005-2006 (Published).
As a Co-investigator and mentor, obtained funding from Army and assisted and
guided eight minority students to investigate on “prostate cancer research” for
summer internship program at Univ. of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences, Houston, TX in 2005-2006.
In 2006-2009, excellently served as a Technical Director at Environmental Health
Effects Laboratory (now changed into Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton) at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Used scientific knowledge and expertise and
performed a variety of management functions associated with emerging issues,
research and research supported activities, science oversight and assisted higher
graded Scientific Review Officers for administrative review of programs, projects and
grants.
(a) Effectively directed, evaluated and managed all toxicity projects as a
team leader, integrated with project investigators, planned and executed
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in support of the Command to identify, implement and solve
occupational & environmental issues including health risk assessment.
(b) Reviewed regular (Bi-weekly) staff performance on projects, identified
targeted results and time frame and decision made to report to OIC.
(c) Served as a Science Advisor to the Officer-In-Charge in the Command.
Involved in number of inside and outside agencies, advisory committees,
represented DoD and established contacts through professional activities
and maintained active involvement in program and related areas.
(d) Performed toxicological evaluation jointly with OIC and provided
recommendations & constructive criticisms on pesticides, chemical
threat agents, fibers, jet fuels, paints, indoor air PCB, diesel engine
emission and metals and their health impact and 21st century
alternative in vitro toxicity, ICCVAM Test, tobacco and other chemicals
toxicity assessments. This led to increase personal growth, awareness,
interaction and collaboration with other Federal organizations.
(e) Excellently maintained as a “Science Liaison” with higher and adjacent
commands and cultivated relationships with Academia, Industry, Federal
and DoD agencies and served as a point-of-contact with stakeholders.
(f) Interacted with Naval Medical R&D Strategic Planning Initiative Science
Leaders (higher echelon) at Washington, DC in the year 2008 & 2009
and elevated toxicological research capabilities.
(g) Performed several “Road shows” and expanded Navy unit R&D
programs and research capabilities awareness among DoD sub-labs and
increased collaboration and funding opportunities.
(h) Organized specialty DoD group meetings as a Chair and Co-Chair at
Annual Society of Toxicology and identified knowledge gaps. This led to
investigate on Middle East sand dust for the first time in DoD. Identified
adverse effects of sand dust in animal and tissue culture. Results
conveyed scientific thoughts and ideas related to particulate matter
exposure impact (Published).
(i) Effectively served on Air Force Base Institutional Animal Care and Use
Program (IACUC) from 2007-2014. Provided admirable oversight &
reviewed number of protocols, SOP’s, guidelines, policies and facilities.
(j) Reviewed significant number of grant proposals, manuscripts, SOP’s and
tech reports and provided critical input based on my expertise.
(k) Provided constructive criticism on burn pits proposal for GWOT funding
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
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(l) Trained in “Lean Six Sigma” and established strategies and tools
necessary for process improvement, time and money in the division.
(m) Acted as National Research Council Research Associate (NRC) advisor
for NAMRU-D on behalf of command.
(n) Invited as an Editorial Review Board Member (Toxicology Mechanisms
and Methods) and as a reviewer on several peer reviewed journals.
(o) On behalf of Command, arranged number of speakers for
symposia/meetings to identify the data gaps and defense related
toxicological issues.
(p) Well participated in the division regular R&D programs, and provided
advice on budget and metrics and performed short and long-term
annual strategic planning for division.
(q) Recommended number of new research initiatives (combat casualty care
burn pit injury, Bio fuels, metal exposure induced Parkinson model,
particulate impact on brain, women health in submarine contamination,
etc,) and contributed significantly to the success of the Navy Org.
(r) Recommended number of grants/contracts to university investigators
(Univ. of Cincinnati-tungsten study, Boston College-Biosensor, Wayne
State University-TBI study) to facilitate specific research areas.
(s) Number of competent proposals (5) was developed within a short
periods (2008-2009). Obtained funding from Navy for TBI Biomarker
identification study. EHEL provided funding for manganese neurotoxicity.
(t) As a study director, conceived, designed, run multiple projects at a time
(CO toxicity; manganese toxicity; tungsten effect on immune response
and neurobehavioral; sand dust inhalation toxicity; TBI biomarkers).
(u) Demonstrated and introduced number of testing tools and protocols /
biochemical signaling assays, early response markers for neurological
injury and chemicals exposure and thus effectively solved health issues.
(v) Mentored number of staff, students, post-doctoral research associates
since 1994-till date. Served as an external examiner for number of MS
and PHD students’ thesis evaluation and adjudication.
As a Research Biologist in 2010-2014, effectively served as a Principle Researcher in
Environmental Toxicology and Neurotoxicity research. Improved efficiency and
effectiveness of the project work and implemented mission required research
products through metrics (customer needs, collaboration & significant publications
/tech reports) and enhanced the performance of armed forces personnel.
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(a) Served as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the unit
division on trauma and other toxicological and physiological studies.
(b) Maintained active research programs on Middle East sand dust effects on
mTBI, nanomaterials, Tungsten and other munitions products.
(c) Immunohistopathology, histology and protocols (techniques) were
introduced for Biomarkers identification.
(d) Accomplished in providing toxicological review and recommendation and
tools to mitigate the problems and issues on following products -
tungsten and tungsten alloy, Insensitive munitions compounds, Diesel
engine CO product, nanomaterials, Jet fuel toxicity, beryllium, chromium
VI, etc, to colleagues of other DOD agencies (Army), Industries
(Reynolds tobacco, Exxon Mobile, Battelle) and EPA.
(e) Performed excellent review on following invited manuscripts from Walter
Reed Army Institute of Research and provided constructive comments
(Repeated blast trauma and countermeasures for neuronal injury,
chemical warfare nerve agents, soman/organophosphate toxicity).
(f) Identified critical data gaps/issues in response to emerging problems
and developed new study proposals (Insensitive Munitions Compounds,
Altitude- induced Hypoxia and Hyperbaric O2-Synaptic functions.
(g) Executed and successfully managed multi projects at a time (Navy ILIR-
TBI, Army DMRDP-TBI, manganese project, and sand dust in vitro
project) and accomplished the goals of the mission as per schedule.
(h) Partnered with other investigators and enhanced proposal competency
for funding - with Wayne State University and Drexel University.
Identified the significant early biomarkers in the serum and brain tissues
of the blast trauma. The results were presented at Defense TBI
Biomarkers conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2011.
(i) Explored toxicity for Afghanistan sand dust in neurons (first time in this
area). The significant findings were presented at Int. Neurotoxicology
Conf, Portland, OR, 2010 (Published as a tech report).
(j) Continued research on manganese neurotoxicity and identified a
significant α-synuclein signaling molecule that may facilitate
neurotoxicity in conjunction with NF-κβ. Presented at John Hopkins Univ.
and enhanced collaboration.
(k) Accomplished in developing a project on “Women in submarine”
Performed two generation study rodent (inhalation) and identified the
health risk for women in the submarine CO, CO2 and low O2
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contamination. Study developed safe exposure limit for shipment & were
incorporated in the submarine guidelines. (Prepared 2 manuscripts).
(l) Performed genomic studies (Affymetrix system -gene array) for various
military relevant materials exposure studies (sand, Jet fuel, tungsten,
manganese) and presented significant outcome at various conferences.
(m) Reviewed toxicological studies and recommended new research
initiatives (Trauma biomarkers, Noise and hearing loss, Hyperbaric O2
toxicity, Altitude hypoxia brain physiology; Biofuel toxicity; Fatigue and
countermeasures, organophosphate agents/neurotoxicity, etc,).
Employment and Professional Experience:
03/1993-11/1999 Post-Doctoral, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Conducted basic and applied research on mechanism of action for chemical warfare
(CW) threat agents (cyanide and pyridostigmine,), toxic industrial chemicals (lead,
trimethyltin), and toxins of biological origin on brain, skin, pulmonary and other
systemic organs. Assumed responsibility for the planning, development,
implementation, and management of all experiments and experimental protocols.
Identified the mechanism of neuronal injury following exposure to chemicals and
other toxins (ex: cyanide, trimethyltin, pyridistigmine bromide) and directed
research towards establishing therapeutic anti-dotes/countermeasures to protect
from exposure toxicity.
Identified Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) as a good anti-dote for cyanide poisoning in rat
model- screened several clinical drugs in cell culture and animal models.
On NIH project, explored the mechanism of neuronal injury or cell death in cell
culture and rat model using cyanide (KCN) as a potent neurotoxicant. KCN was used
to study DA-induced apoptosis in primary cultured mesencephalon cells. Treatment
of neurons with DA (300 microM) for 24h produced apoptosis as determined by
TUNEL staining, DNA fragmentation and increased caspase activity. Pretreatment
with KCN (100 microM) 30min prior to DA increased the number of cells undergoing
apoptosis. DA stimulated intracellular generation of ROS, and treatment with KCN
enhanced ROS generation. Treatment of cells with glutathione or uric acid
(antioxidants/scavengers) attenuated both the increase in ROS generation and the
apoptosis, demonstrating that ROS are initiators of the cytotoxicity. St udy on the
sequence of events mediating the response showed that DA-induced depolarization
of the mitochondrial membrane was conducted. Results demonstratde that oxidative
stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are initiators of DA-induced apoptosis.
Subsequent cytochrome c release activates the caspase effector component of
apoptosis. Cyanide potentiates the neurotoxicity of DA by enhancing the generation
of ROS and impairing mitochondrial function. Identified that NMDA glutamate
receptor subtype activation was responsible for further intracellular cascade signaling
and oxidative mechanism of injury.
Histopathology techniques including paraffin embedding, sectioning, mounting and
immunohistochemistry and scoring damaged cells versus normal slides were
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performed to establish cyanide and other neurotoxicants induced cell death.
Differential susceptibility of the brain to cyanide poisoning involving different modes
of cell death was identified as a new finding in rat model.
Through patch clamp, identified calcium channel that were involved in cyanide-
induced neuronal injury utilizing specific channel blockers. Also determined MK-801
prevents receptor-mediated cell signaling processes and thus neuronal injury.
Used primary neuronal cell lines and modulated various calcium channels with
inverted microscope culture tracing using number of NMDA receptor antagonist.
Published study results, drug effects on cyanide induced neurotoxicity in
Neurochemistry Journal.
Conducted studies in cell culture and animal models and developed anti-dotes for
cyanide poisoning. Performed cyanide dosage effect on animals with reference to
neurotoxicity and ischemia and convulsion. Evaluated number of pharmacological
active drugs of NMDA receptor specific and non-specific antagonists (MK-801, AP,5
ISDN, etc) against cyanide toxicity in animal model and cell culture. Summarized the
animal studies results and recommended for the disposition of the drugs. The
significant supportive results are presented at Neuroscience and Neurotoxicology
meetings and symposia.
Worked on NMDA receptor activation and its associated mechanism in neuronal cells.
Cells exposed to glutamate (10 µM) produced a rapid generation of oxidants that was
blocked approximately 70% by MK-801 (a noncompetitive NMDA-receptor
antagonist). To determine if nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS)
contributed to the oxidation of DCF, cells were treated with compounds L-NAME,
reduced hemoglobin, SOD scavengers, catalase, PKC blocker [chelerthrine,
quinacrine, phospholipase A2 blockers that altered their generation. In cytotoxicity
studies, a positive correlation was observed between glutamate-induced death and
oxidant generation. Glutamate-induced cytotoxicity was blocked by MK-801 and
attenuated by treatment with L-NAME, chelerythrine, SOD, or quinacrine. It is
concluded that glutamate induces concurrent generation of NO and ROS by
activation of both NMDA receptors and non-NMDA receptors through a Ca(2+)-free-
mediated process. Activation of NO synthase and phospholipase A2 contribute
significantly to this response. It is proposed that simultaneous generation of NO and
ROS results in formation of peroxynitrite, which initiates the cellular damage.
Showed dopaminergic loss at substantia nigra through histochemistry in rat rat
model for Parkinson disease using several antioxidant drugs for protection including
felbamate (Published). During my post-doc period, published 6 papers in peer –
reviewed journals.
I was promoted to Research Scientist during 2007 period, based on my
accomplishments on project completion in time and publications record
within short period of time.
Performed cell culture techniques, molecular biology, neurochemical, biochemical
analyses (including gene amplification and cloning using polymerase chain reaction
(PCR), and histology (immunohistochemical stains) and identified oxidative stress
mediated neurotoxicity in cyanide and trimethyltin induced toxicity.
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The mechanism of neurotoxicity of trimethyltin (TMT) was investigated. The effects
of TMT were tested in primary neuronal cultures from rat cerebellum and compared
them with astrocytes and mixed cultures. Neuronal damage observed following TMT
exposure was less in the presence of astrocytes and astrocytes alone were resistant
to TMT. It appears that oxidative stress mediates a large part of the destructive
action of TMT in neuronal cultures. The presence of astrocytes appears to modulate
TMT-induced oxidative stress so that TMT causes only a small increase in lipid
peroxidation in mouse brain after systemic administration. Thus, TMT induces a
pronounced oxidative stress in cultured neurons, but when astrocytes are present,
oxidative species play a lesser role in the neurotoxic action of TMT.
As a Co-Investigator, evaluated cyanide formation from neuronal cells through high
put technology and determined the possible pathway and the receptor system
involved and results were published.
Investigated pyridostigmine bromide efficacy on neuronal functions in rat model
through histopathological and immunological techniques and showed toxicity
(apoptosis and necrosis) in different regions of the brain. Sophisticated TUNEL and
biochemical techniques (caspase activity) were employed to identify cell death and
injury. Using TUNEL method and electron microscopy, apoptotic brain cell death was
noted in cerebral cortex over a dose range of 0.5-1.85 mg/kg and at the higher dose
(1.85 mg/kg), apoptosis was also noted in striatum and hippocampus. These
responses were blocked by pretreatment with atropine. Rat cortical cells in culture
also underwent apoptosis when exposed to pyridostigmine (250 microM for 24 hr),
indicating that the pyridostigmine can initiate apoptosis, independent of peripheral
mechanisms. Pretreatment of cells with atropine (10 microM) inhibited
pyridostigmine-induced apoptosis, confirming the response was mediated by
muscarinic receptors. Short term treatment of rats with pyridostigmine (1.85 mg/kg
twice daily for 4 days) induced a prolonged apoptotic response, which was evident in
rat cortex up to 30 days after the last dose. These in vivo and in vitro observations
indicate that pyridostigmine can initiate a prolonged neurodegeneration. This was
published in Neurotoxicology journal.
Carried out a variety of sophisticated methods for data analyses applying standard
statistical methods such as dispersion, analysis of variance, and regression and
correlation analysis.
Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Assisted in the training
and teaching of the laboratory personnel, including technicians, students, and
collaborators. Acquired, developed, and maintained relevant and appropriate job
skills through training or other developmental activities.
12/1999-12/2001 Scientist (contractor), Operational Toxicology Branch, Air Force
Research Laboratory/HEST, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton,
Ohio.
Performed investigation on JP-8 and other inhaled jet fuels components (xylene)
induced dermal inflammation and irritation toxicity in animal model (guinea pig). This
study examined histological and molecular changes in rodent skin caused by brief
topical exposures to m-xylene. At 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after 1-h exposure, skin
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samples were removed and analyzed for histopathological changes and interleukin-1
alpha (IL-1 alpha) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels.
Histopathological changes (epidermal-dermal separation and granulocyte infiltration)
and IL-1 alpha and iNOS protein expression were observed. Study results revealed
that dermal exposure to m-xylene promotes IL-1 alpha and iNOS production in skin
and these proteins may serve as early indicators of skin irritation. Performed
experiments in accordance with approved methods and procedures (GLP and EPA
guidelines). Performed necropsy through transcardial perfusion with saline and
neutral buffered formalin for histology and histopathology.
Collaborated with other research scientists at AFRL to discuss scope and objectives of
research projects.
Dermal absorption of JP-8 jet fuel was carryout to understand the mechanism for
skin irritation. This study detected the formation of oxidative species and low-
molecular-weight DNA in rat skin as potential indicators of JP-8-induced skin injury.
The results demonstrate significant increases in oxidative species and low-molecular-
weight DNA levels in the skin following dermal exposure to JP-8. These responses
may serve as indicators of skin injury following exposure to JP-8 jet fuel and other
volatile chemicals or mixtures.
For JP-8 exposure study, applied a variety of molecular biological (Western, RT -PCR),
cell biological (histopathology), immunological (NOS, IgM, IgG), and in vivo and in
vitro (skin culture) techniques in order to determine skin irritation and toxicity.
Analyzed and interprets results of experiments and determined their validity.
Identified intermolecular changes in response (IL-1 alpha, iNOS) to exposure to
organic chemicals such as Jet fuels and solvents by Western Blot, RT -PCR and
histological observation, and established predictive markers for inflammation and
irritation.
Trained others including post-doctoral student and technicians on the methods,
procedures, and equipment used in the laboratory.
Results of the study were published (three research articles) in peer-reviewed
journals.
Organized, maintained and introduced “In Vitro technology” for Air Force Toxicology
Laboratory including administrative documentation in the basic science and
toxicology research programs.
During this period (12/1999-12/2001), I was invited to join as Assistant
Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University,
Dayton, OH to contribute my expertise on their research involved in “low-level
exposure to Sarin and Gulf war syndrome project”. Provided guidelines, technical
aspects and new signaling pathway concepts for brain toxicity.
01/2001-03/2002 Assistant Professor / Assistant Scientist, Division of Toxicology,
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University
School of Medicine, (IUPUI) Indianapolis, Indiana.
Performed investigation on the mechanism of acrylonitrile induced toxicity in cell
culture and animal models to understand the tumor formation.
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Explored the mechanism of acrylonitrile toxicity in glial cells and identified
mitochondrial resistance increase was responsible for glial cell carcinogenesis.
Collaborated with other research scientists to discuss scope and objectives of the
research projects.
Assisted in the training and teaching of the laboratory personnel, including
technicians, students, and collaborators.
Provided technical guidance, training on laboratory procedures and guidelines for
toxicity.
Taught graduate Toxicology/Advanced Pharmacology Courses at the Master’s and Ph.
D levels in the Division of Toxicology.
Proposal on “Manganese exposure induced neurotoxicity” was developed and
submitted to NIH (R01) for external funding. Another proposal on manganese
exposure induced toxicity Parkinson Model was submitted to The American
Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., Upstate, NY.
05/2002-10/2006 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Texas Southern
University, Houston, Texas.
Faculty position was awarded to teach comprehensive courses in Human Anatomy
and Physiology, General Biology, Histology (Histopathology/Histochemistry) for Pre-
Nursing, Psychology, Physical education majors and Biology Pre-Med majors,
respectively.
Presented everyday four lectures for three days/week on Anatomy and Physiology
and Histology for Nursing students and undergraduate students.
My teaching activities included coordination of research activities with post -doctoral
students and undergraduate students on manganese neurotoxicity project.
Provided guidance and technical skills including analysis, calculation, statistics,
graphs on power point, and made them to present the results.
The findings of the results were presented at Society of Toxicology and Neuroscience
meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals (3 papers).
Resubmitted grant proposal for NIH (R01) on “manganese exposure induced
neurotoxicity-Parkinson model”, along with budget for funding.
Obtained funding on manganese exposure induced neurotoxicity-Parkinson Model
from The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., Upstate, NY.
Occupational and environmental exposure to manganese (Mn2+) is an increasing
problem. It manifests neuronal degeneration characterized by dyskinesia resembling
Parkinson’s disease. PC12 cells were used to measure changes in the DNA binding
activities of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay
following Mn exposure. Activation of NF-κB DNA binding activity by Mn2+ at 1.0 µM
correlated with proteolytic degradation of the inhibitory subunit IκBα as evidenced in
cytosol. Additional experiments on NF-κB reporter gene assay also showed increased
NF-κB gene expression at 1.0 and 5.0 µM Mn2+ and this was completely blocked in
the presence of NF-κB translocation inhibitor, IκBα-DN supporting that NF-κB
induction occurred during Mn2+ exposure. The results suggest that Mn2+ at a low
dose appears to induce the expression of immediate early gene, NF-κB through
MAPKK by a mechanism in which IκBα phosphorylation may be involved.
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Participated at Philip Morris scientist meeting in regards to tobacco products issue
and grant proposal called for RCMI minority community. In response to this call,
prepared a white proposal on “nicotine” as joint proposal to elucidate the molecular
mechanisms that are involved in the neuronal properties of brain structure during
exposure with more focused on calcium homeostasis and early expression gene in
tissue and associated sign of behavioral change.
Developed proposal on “Effects of Supplemental L-Tryptophan and Microgravity on
Locomotor Function, Gene Expression and Several Metabolites in Two Distinct
Genetic Strains of Mice” with object to understand the impact of microgravity on
central nervous system, including sleep disturbance cycle and clock genes
involvement. I have also developed another proposal on neurotoxicity and the
mechanism, of injury following microgravity in rat model in response to NASA call.
Performed Lead exposure-induced neurotoxicity, using Master students (for training)
involving PKC modulation, glutamate excitotoxicity and calcium as mechanism of
toxicity and correlated them with neurobehavioral and cognitive impairment. Results
indicated that in Pb-induced cytotoxicity, modulation of PKC and intracellular calcium
play significant roles in augmenting glutamate receptor mediated oxidative species
formation and subsequent cell death (Published).
01/2005-10/2006 Summer Research Intern, Faculty Mentor (for minority), U.T. M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
While I was working as faculty at Texas Southern University, demonstrated my
ability to work on Army research project in collaboration with Univ. of Texas
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. As a Co-investigator and mentor, assisted
and guided eight minority students to work on “prostate cancer research” and also
myself involved in learning cutting edge technologies available for prostate cancer
research at M.D. Anderson Research labs.
Performed number of drugs screening for toxicity as well as for protective efficacy on
prostate cancer cell lines. Results were analyzed and presented at the end of
internship program along with students’ presentation.
During this intern period, I was trained with several techniques including laser
capturing of prostate cancer cells, fluorescence imaging capture, etc.
12/2006-10/2009 Technical Director (GS-13-14), Naval Health Research Center Det.
Environmental Health Effects Laboratory (NHRC Det/EHEL), Wright
Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA.
Administrative Skills I had:
Maintained internal and external customer support with continual oversight of
Federal, DoD, and U.S. Navy programs to include management of administrative,
fiscal, safety, facility, and contracting functions.
Served as a principal advisor to NHRC Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and effectively
implemented and oversee mission required research products to enhance
performance of armed forces personnel and maintained science and technology
network.
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Being an executive member and Technical Director (TD) briefed, updated
departmental research programs, budget and metrics for all science projects and
future funding situations and strategic planning. Planned, implemented, and
managed basic, applied, and non-clinical research projects and studies involving
complex administrative and management issues.
Organized, reviewed and updated strategic planning initiatives with scientific team
and monitored and tracked the time lines regularly to meet milestones and delivering
products. Performed annual and bimonthly strategic planning (short -term and long-
term) meeting and discussed budget and research areas and knowledge data gaps.
Merit and demerits of scientific research areas were analyzed following discussion
with scientific staffs and Commanding officer and identified new research
opportunities in align with unit vision and goals. The merit research areas were
focused and proposed with more emphasis during high level DoD Science Director’s
meeting at Washington, DC.
Participated and interacted with Naval Medical R&D Strategic Planning Initiative
Science Leaders (higher echelon) at Department of Defense, Washington, DC to
develop and maintain Division scientific thrust areas and to elevate our toxicological
research capabilities. In order to meet new strategic development and policies,
reviewed with officer-in-charge and analyzed the impact on existing R&D, science
policies and programs and maintain important research thrust areas in the local
division.
Reviewed number of grant proposals from the Office of Naval research (ONR) - based
on technical and scientific merit, proposal applications were scored and established
for proposal granting/declining.
Reviewed materials presented for publications and presentation (abstracts,
manuscripts, tech reports, posters, etc.), SOP’s, clearances for scientific content, and
compliance with applicable GLP requirements and insure they are completed per
sponsoring organization requirement or higher authority deadline.
Supervised, monitored all deliverables to ensure they meet deadlines in accordance
with EHEL’s Strategic goals, objectives, measures, goals, barriers, milestones and
initiatives.
Tracked/maintained accuracy of all clearances in APRS and clearance database.
Recommended new research initiatives (carbon monoxide toxicity, hyperbaric oxygen
health impact, burn pit exposure, tungsten effect on systemic organs, etc) and
funded for program research in consultation with Officer-in-Charge.
Involved in number of Departmental and outside agenc ies advisory committees on
critical issues pertaining to occupational/environmental contaminants and its health
impact/and associated problems and provided recommendations and solutions to
meet the mission’s goals.
Assisted command in identifying and hiring candidate for several GS and Contractors
positions (technical, contractors, Post-doctoral and summer students). Employed
nondiscriminatory practices for merit promotion, recruitment and hiring of
applicants; Established performance objectives and assessed staff performance,
promotion and award selection.
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Provided counsel and advice to staff members regarding work and administrative
matters. Recommended for proper technical training to accomplish the project
milestones.
Implemented budget spread sheet for each project including time and cost personals
and reviewed overall budget analysis for reports, justification and documentation.
Supervised, provided technical guidance, leadership and mentorship to subordinates
and military personnel. Coordinated the work of scientific subordinate staff involved
in the development and execution of multidisciplinary research projects, regularly
monitored the project milestones, budgets and programs consistent with on-going
military requirements and strategic planning and Naval Research Enterprise.
Tracked all projects through Microsoft Project (trained this software) (monitored
progress of research to assure that goals and objectives are met).
Reviewed and provided constructive criticism on burn pits proposal for GWOT funding
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the work.
Quick literature search made for number of COT (Committee on Toxicology)
recommended chemicals, and recommended proposal to Navy Marine Corps and
Public Health Command (NMCPHC).
Reviewed toxicological projects results including tobacco product carbon monoxide
toxicity neurobehavioral data and provided constructive ideas and solutions for
obstacles during experimentation. Analyzed data and significant results were
presented in the Department and at Toxicology symposia/conference.
Communicated and updated Departmental policies, decision making and project
awareness with departmental staff every week through power point presentation as
well as through email communications as minutes.
Established working relationship with inhalation engineering staffs, contractors and
other supportive groups and with Air Force scientists and contractors.
Provided my toxicological review and technical guidance based on expertise on
tungsten and tungsten alloys (used in Bullets), glass wool fibers toxicity, 21 century
in vitro toxicological methods for toxicity assessment, chemical threat agents,
pesticides, Jet fuel toxicity, etc to colleagues with other DOD agencies (Air Force,
Army Public Health Command), Industries and NIH (NTP). Several proposals from
Army Public Health Command and sister labs including EPA, NTP were received for
review.
Provided my comments and suggestion on EPA requests information and expert
advice on mitigation for structures impacted by PCB-containing caulk (indoor air PCB
(polychlorinated biphenyl) levels in schools and other buildings where caulk was used
as a standard construction material around windows, doorways, etc.)
Provided my response to ICCVAM Test Recommendations on March 2008.
Established significant rapport with academic institutions (Ex: faculties at Texas
University of Health Science at Houston) and assisted in developing joint proposal on
medical device (catheter) issue for bio-film formation and toxicity identification and
prevention). Established variety of toxicological testing procedures to identify the
contamination and provided solutions for contamination prevention (anti-oxidant
application).
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Prepared number of summary statements and submitted to the division and higher
authority. Prepared writing position papers to recruit staffs and civilian personnel in
the division.
Reviewed regular Bi-weekly staff scientific and technical activities and identified
targeted results and time frame and made decision on appropriate toxicity testing
and efficacy and reported to OIC.
Evaluated and investigated anticipated problems and resolved environment al health
risk issues.
Performed several “road shows” among DoD labs in order to expand unit R&D
programs and research capabilities awareness and thus increased collaboration,
funding opportunities and interaction.
Served in directing the development, performance and independently reviewed all
research programs (internal and external peer review processes), memoranda,
congressional inquiries, program documents, inspection findings, technical/scientific
papers, and presentations slides in coordination with OIC and produced high
scientific quality.
Conducted and reviewed equipment facilities, analytical methods in accordance with
Federal regulation and documented the scientific and technical aspects of the
systems for efficacy and safety; performed monthly inspections on Bio Safety Labs
(BSL-2) and Neurobehavioral testing facilities and animal testing labs and reviewed
activities and reported to the higher authority as a Technical Director.
Acted as scientific liaison with NHRC, Office of Naval Research (ONR), Naval
Research Laboratory (NRL)
Evaluated and reviewed equipments and lab facilities and documented the scientific
and technical aspects of the systems for efficacy and safety.
Recommended and provided support for grants/contracts to university investigators
(Univ. of Cincinnati [tungsten study], Boston College [Biosensor] and Wayne State
University [TBI study]) in order to facilitate or emphasis specific research areas
requirement.
Assisted and individually evaluated performance of the staffs including post-doctoral
scientists and technicians.
As an IACUC member, provided education and supervision to all principal
Investigators, animal technicians and animal care takers. Provided oversight and
formulated, reviewed, and suggested standard operating procedures, guidelines,
policies, protocols and animal facilities. Reviewed new investigation drug applications
for animal use and provided evaluation to investigators and Committee chair as a
team member.
Organized, chaired, co-chaired and presented Defense related seminars, symposia,
workshops and other related professional activities at National and International
levels and published related research activities in peer-reviewed journals.
Participated and presented Society of Toxicology, Toxicology and Risk Assessment
(TRAC), DoD Jet fuel conference and Society for Neuroscience meetings/symposia
and presented project results. Distributed meeting materials and technology related
research articles to Departmental staffs. Shared information in regards to advanced
new technologies/methodologies related information with staff to accomplish project
goals.
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Invited and arranged number of speakers for symposia/meetings to identify and
understand the data gap and defense related toxicological issues.
Trained in Lean Six Sigma (green belt) and established strategies and tools
necessary for process improvement, time and money in the working organization.
Acted as National Research Council Research Associate (NRC) advisor for NAMRU-D
on behalf of command and updated research opportunity.
Performed equal employment opportunity (EEO) survey by taking positive steps to
assure the accomplishment of affirmative action objectives.
Research Execution Skills I had:
Investigated health effects in military personnel as a result of occupational exposure
to Jet fuels. Performed investigation in laboratory animals to jet fuels exposure and
tested pulmonary inflammation, tumor formation and histopathology. Investigated
gene expression changes including oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes through
Affymetrics microarray. Performed analysis on Jet fuel induced genomic toxicity data
and interpreted the results associated with risk and presented at Jet fuel conference
(JSEM meeting). To test carcinogen, genotoxicity, hepatocytes testing (micronucleus
assay, comet assay) performed in cell line. Investigated gene profiles in response to
JP-8, S-8 and Jet A and potential results were presented at JSEM meeting.
Developed a new proposal on manganese exposure induced neurotoxicity (Parkinson
Model) - executed, mentored and trained post-doctoral scholar, technicians and
monitored project performance and technical skills of the staff. Further, directed the
research towards therapeutic countermeasures using various antioxidants and SiRNA
against neurodegeneration. Through investigation, the potential detrimental role of
BNIP3 in manganese induced neuronal cell death was established. Developed
transient transfection with siRNA and designed safer vector corresponding to BNIP3
and knock down gene expression for manganese neurotoxicity project. Published the
significant outcome of the project in peer-reviewed journals (3 publications).
Reviewed background information (literature), analyzed and evaluated toxicological
effects on humans resulting from chemicals, vapors, pesticides, fibers, jet fuels and
metals exposure (Ex: CO, CO2 and O2; glass wool fibers; tungsten, lead; catheter,
coating (paint), Beryllium, Chromium, Naphthalene, TCE, nanomaterials) and
provided recommendations to tasks from higher authority and other Federal labs.
Reviewed, prepared and submitted number of proposals in alignment with Navy
Medicine and EHEL strategic initiatives to external and intramural funding agencies.
Demonstrated and introduced new technologies (inhalation [whole body & nose-
only], hyperbaric chamber, behavioral testing facilities and in vitro testing assays)
and precedents and methods to solve and test variety of toxicological issues.
Participated as a primary investigator, reviewed background materials and other
information on submarine contaminants and prioritized the chemicals and gases in
align with division. Performed comparative evaluation and assessment on
contaminated chemicals/gases and their toxicity and associated risk level and
submitted report to SAAB committee for recommendation.
Explored neurobehavioral response to tungsten exposure in rat model. This project
was conducted in collaboration with University of Cincinnati, employed post-doc at
this lab. The study evaluated the reproductive, systemic and neurobehavioral effects
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of sodium tungstate (NaW) in rats following 70 days of daily pre-and postnatal
exposure via oral gavage to 5, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg/ day of NaW through mating,
gestation and weaning (PND 0–20). Histopathological evidence suggested no severe
chronic injury or loss of function in these organs. However, the heart showed
histological lesions, histiocytic inflammation from minimal to mild with cardiomyocyte
degeneration and necrosis in several P0 animals of 125 mg NaW dose group. The
result of this study suggests that pre and postnatal exposure to NaW may produce
subtle neurobehavioral effects in offspring related to motor activity and emotionality.
Developed new toxicity testing procedures and protocols in the lab (for oxidative
stress toxicity, free radical testing, apoptotic markers) including
immunohistochemistry staining for toxicity assessment .
Timely resolutions were made on different occasions during time conflicts due to
members’ absence or unforeseen incidents, by way of working with other staffs and
solved the issues and gap to maximize the work on right step.
Being a study director, conceived, designed, run, and monitored, investigated
number of projects (tobacco product carbon monoxide toxicity; manganese exposure
and its impact on neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration; tungsten and tungsten alloys
effect on immune response (biomarkers) and neurobehavioral; sand inhalation
toxicity).
Proposed a study with University of Cincinnati for burn injury study using ethanol on
skin and investigated the immunological and physiological responses in order to
predict countermeasures for protection.
Coordinated as a team worker with departmental technical staffs, contractors and
civilian scientist to accomplish several research projects to meet the milestones in
time.
Oversight the following projects including, impact of tungsten and tungsten alloys
and immunological impact; jet fuel/hearing loss, Jet fuel/immune response,
pulmonary impacts; sand dust/immune cells response; Neuronal Uptake of Inhaled
Heavy Metals to the Brain: The Effects on the CNS and Potential Role in
Neurodegeneration;
Identified undetectable microorganisms in environmental samples (care was taken
according to a lab-specific standard operating procedure (SOP) and the standards
set forth in Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories);
Over sighted some other projects: a) application of bromodeoxyuridine labeling to
identify the presence of non-culturable, metabolically active microorganisms in
environ. samples such as Iraqi sand; b) development of a highly sensitive biosensor
based on a novel nanocavity (with Boston College); c)“Genotoxicity assessment of
military relevant exposure materials; d) “identification of promoters induced by
hazardous chemicals through In Vivo Expression Technology (IVET); e) Possible
application for the development of a bacterial-based biosensor able to detect and
quantify specific chemicals in the environment” (Tech Report produced in DTIC);
Proposed nano-exposure toxicity studies (in vitro and in vivo) in order to facilitate
nanotechnology and nanobiosensor development in the division. Developed a
proposal on nanomaterials (Silver, aluminum, exposure studies –intratracheal
instiilation studies in rat model – to find their disposition in the systemic organs and
their toxicity.
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Proposed a joint collaboration as CO-PI with University of Dayton (Biology and
Engineering and Biosensor Departments faculties) on “Novel photonic surface
enhancement techniques for detection of chemical and biological analytes”. Lead ion,
thrombin protein, Ricin B chain protein, Bacillus thuringiensis spore will be utilized for
fundamental investigation of photonic band gap structure enhancement phenomena.
Submitted to DTRA for funding.
Reviewed and analyzed the data results from Sulfur Mustard gas investigation on
skin following oral dose of N-acetyl cystein. A Potential Prophylaxis for Sulfur
Mustard (HD).
Developed in vitro based cell lines and primary cells derived from lung, liver and
immune system to identify morphological and biochemical changes (include cytotoxic
markers [e.g. pro-inflammatory cytokines such as. IL-8], 2D-Gel-electrophoresis
analysis of Heat Shock protein Cells, Comet assay for DNA fragmentation, gene
mutation assay (micronucleus testing) Microscopic Histopathological Analysis (e.g.
SEM) that occur following exposure to jet fuel –gained experience in aerosol
concentration and distribution following experiment exposing jet fuel to rats through
whole body inhalation system.
Evaluated aerosol concentration and retention following exposure by creating loop
system for Jet Fuel Vapor Standards Used in the Calibration of Infrared
Spectrophotometers and Gas Chromatographs with help of inhalation engineers.
Performed experiments in animal model following exposure to jet fuel and Middle
East sand dust and evaluated organ specific changes including blood, spleen, liver
and lungs. Took lung lavage fluid for protein and LDH assay for toxicity. Examined
compartments for cell types, apoptosis, and functional capabilities following
activation with fMLP, LPS and others including proliferation, phagocytosis, and
cytokine production. Gene array was carried out to look for any cell specific changes.
Invited USEPA investigator (Dr Lindsay Stanek) as Co-Chair and organized session
on “Advances in Exposure and Toxicity Assessment of Particulate Matter” at
Toxicology and Risk Assessment Conference and examined issues in exposure
assessment and reported on recent epidemiological findings of health effects
associated with particulate matter exposure. The outcome of the meeting and
discussion were evaluated and data gaps were identified and published in Toxicology
and Pharmacology journal.
Interacted with Tri-Service Toxicology consortium as coordinator for Tri-Service
Research, as directed by OIC.
Advised on the development and interpretation of information and provided solution
to problems in area of specialization.
New tools and toxicity testing assays and evaluation methods for various
environmental product contaminations including jet fuels, nanomaterial, CO and
other products) were explained as power point presentation as a subject matter
expert.
In TBI project, managed potential barriers on inhalation exposure and pressure
development and advised new tool and methodology and evaluated in response to
changes made and solved the issues with team members to implement the project
goals and milestone in time.
Collaborated and jointly published research articles with other Principal Investigators.
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Reviewed and critically evaluated number of Ph. D dissertations as an external
examiner.
Stay abreast of federal, state and local environmental regulations as well as current
literature on defense biological, medical and toxicological sciences (Performed
periodic journal reading and stays up-to-date in professional/technical areas) related
areas and recent developments.
11/2009-08/2014 Research Biologist (GS-14/4), Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton
(NAMRU-D), Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, USA
Administrative Responsibilities I had:
Performed senior scientific leadership and served on Departmental League of
Supergenous Science Management Team.
Participated in Directorate’s meeting, panel, committees and provided input.
Coordinated with departmental staffs and improved problems solving,
communication, and completed assigned tasks.
Served WPAFB Institutional Animal Care and Use Program (IACUC) member and
provided oversight, reviewed, and suggested standard operating procedures,
guidelines, policies, protocols and animal facilities inspection.
Served as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for trauma and other
toxicological and physiological studies and updated and assisted other Principle
Investigators for grant applications.
Served as a Principle Researcher and reviewer in Environmental Toxicology and
Neurotoxicity/Neuroscience research. Improved efficiency and effectiveness of
project work processes in anticipation how work processes might be affected by
changes in the environment work force and created highly effective alternatives.
Extensive interactions with internal and external scientists (DOD, academia and
other Federal agencies) in toxicology and other biomedical disciplines performed and
maintained active research programs especially on Middle East sand dust
occupational effects on traumatic brain injury (TBI), Tungsten and other munitions
products and nanomaterials (aluminum and silver with AFRL) impact and its
disposition in organ systems and health consequences.
Provided toxicological review and recommendation (including toxicological guidance,
alternative testing) based on expertise on tungsten and tungsten alloys (used in
Bullets), Insensitive Munitions Compounds (NTO and DNAN), nanomaterials
inhalation, beryllium, chromium VI and its implication, etc to colleagues of other
DOD agencies (Army Public Health Command), Industries and EPA.
Participated as a representative on behalf of organization (Reynolds tobacco products
Company, Exxon Mobile, Battelle) and interacted with others in regards to
toxicological issues and data gaps (Ex: Diesel engine CO product, beryllium impact
on health, jet fuel influence on toxicity) and provided suggestions and tools to
mitigate the problems and issues.
Identified review panel members based on my expertise and contacts in the related
areas and recommended for review.
Reviewed number of grant proposals (merits and demerits), tech reports and
protocols internally and provided constructive criticism.
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Prepared grant applications, program proposals, budget spread sheets with timing
table and reports.
Prepared scientific review in result of organized specialty symposia on tungsten,
particulate matters and Traumatic brain injury areas in relation to public and military
personnel health impact (behavioral, biochemical and physiological changes) and
published as manuscripts, tech reports and scientific review.
Reviewed invited manuscripts and provided constructive comments in areas
particularly on repeated blast trauma and countermeasures for neuronal injury,
neuroprotective chemical warfare nerve agents’ soman and organophosphate toxicity
from Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (Ex: A combination of [+] and [-]-
Huperzine A improves protection against soman toxicity compared to [+]-Huperzine
A in guinea pigs; Crossroads in the evaluation of paraoxonase 1 for protection
against nerve agent and organophosphate toxicity: Distinct patterns of expression of
traumatic brain injury biomarkers after blast exposure: role of compromised cell
membrane integrity).
Identified critical data gaps/issues in response to emerging problems following
thorough literature and diversified data study and utilized opportunity and created
new study proposal on Insensitive Munitions Compounds, Altitude-induced Hypoxia
and health Impact, Hyperbaric Oxygen and Synaptic functions in sliced brain and
animal study.
Performed work coordination, administrative program matters such as grants,
contracts and cooperative agreements. Analyzed and reviewed scientific research
data for accuracy and reliability and prepared final reports based.
As a subject expert collaborated and coordinated with other Federal Toxicology
professionals (FDA, NIH, and EPA) and improved research programs in the unit.
Proposed a joint collaboration with academic faculty (Wright State University) on
“Interaction of some endocrine disturbing chemicals on the development of obesity-a
mouse model” for funding.
Prepared and presented meeting materials, agendas, departmental research,
brochure and other related materials on the web site as a long-standing subject
matter expert.
Participated and presented Society of Toxicology, Toxicology and Risk Assessment
(TRAC), DoD Jet fuel conferences and Society for Neuroscience meetings/symposia
every year regularly and presented project results.
Organized, served as chair and presented Defense related seminars, symposia,
workshops at National and International levels and other related professional
activities and published related research activities in peer-reviewed journals.
Prepared power point slides for number of meeting presentation.
Performed review on manuscripts, including proof reading, editing and provided
helpful comments.
Developed animal protocols and SOP’s to improve research programs and compliance
and maintained research integrity.
Mentored junior staff scientists and assisted investigators including post-doctoral
students in planning, organizing and prioritizing their research activities.
Evaluated performance of the staffs including post-doctoral scientists and technicians
and prepared reports as a joining effort with OIC.
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Expanded administrative capabilities undertaking and trained toxicology course
offered by Mid-America Toxicology Course for DABT exam. Several special courses &
trainings (at SOT & Toxic Risk Assessment workshops and DABT certificate course
training) includes dealing with toxicological research principles, methods, essentials
of toxicology, and toxicological reviews of specific chemicals, mixtures, biological
origin toxins, industrial chemicals and products substances were took as credit.
Acted as National Research Council Research Associate (NRC) advisor for NAMRU-D
on behalf of command and updated research opportunity.
Research Execution Skills I had:
Planned, conducted, and completed the following projects independently as a project
director. Involved with highly diversified laboratory tasks and variety of technical
approaches.
Executed and successfully managed multi projects at a time (Navy ILIR-TBI project,
Army DMRDP-TBI project, manganese project, and sand dust in vitro project) to
accomplish the goals of the mission as per schedule.
Served a principal investigator on the project title, “Middle East sand dust inhalation
on humans through animal blast injury model (TBI)”. Made collaboration with Wayne
State University (Dr. Cynthia Bir as CO-PI) and Drexel University (Dr. Ramesh
Raghupathy as CO-PI). Designed and orchestrated the project in discussion with
other staff members and accomplished well on time. Briefly, through nose-only
inhalation animals were pre-exposed to Afghanistan sand dust and then performed
blast injury at various time points and pressure. Investigated the mechanism of
injury (neurotoxicity/neurobehavioral and serum biomarkers) and the possible
therapeutic markers for countermeasures. Prior to sacrifice, cognitive tests were
performed on 7, 14, 28 and 90 days post-trauma animals. Flow cytometric analysis
of lymphocyte panel showed that neither blast nor blast plus sand dust exposures
had an effect on immune cells or subpopulations of immune cells. Investigation made
on serum levels of cytokines and chemokines, including growth factors through
multiplex bead assay. ELISA was used to measure several significant serum
biomarkers (Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), Myelin Basic Protein (MBP),
α-synuclein levels, Neuron Specific Enolase and Cyc loxygenase-2 levels).
Histopathological analysis of brain tissues was also performed to determine the
injury. Results from this study suggest that some serum markers investigated shown
to be increased following TBI. In addition, this study also suggests that the single
blast pressure that was employed in the present study was not enough, and that
multiple exposures might be required to produce substantial brain injury and
cognitive deficits. The results of this study were presented at Defense TBI
Biomarkers conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Recently, submitted new proposal (multiple blast exposure) in response to Navy
Medicine Support Command WII Call on TBI/PH Clinical Investigation Program (CIP)
title, “Evaluation of Biomarkers and Cognitive Function following mild Traumatic brain
Injury in rat model pre-exposed to Afghanistan Sand - Effect of Cyclosporin A and
valproate (revised). This project involves proteomic & genomic changes following
multiple exposures with blast injury.
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Identified toxicity in dopaminergic cell lines in response to Middle Eastern
(Afghanistan) sand dust exposure. The soluble components of Middle Eastern sands
can be toxic to neuronal cells through ROS and impairing mitochondrial function in
culture system. The findings were presented at 26th International Neurotoxicology
Conference, Portland, OR, 2010. (Published as a tech report).
Continued research on manganese (Mn) exposure induced Parkinson model.
Organized this study in such a way that project reached maximum accomplishment
(4 publications) with sophisticated training provided to post-doc and technician on
this project. The study continued to evaluate the mechanism(s) of dopaminergic
degeneration associated with α-synuclein expression in response to Mn exposure and
to assess the role of nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ) activation as an intermediary of Mn-
induced neurotoxicity. The results of this study indicates that the transcription factor
NF-κβ, p38 MAPK, and apoptotic signaling cascades are activated by Mn in human α-
synuclein-overexpressing cells. Thus, α-synuclein may facilitate Mn-induced
neurotoxicity, and along with NF-κβ, it may play a role in dopaminergic cell death.
The results were presented at John Hopkins University at Neurotoxicology division
(Dr. Tom Guilarte) and shared information with them for collaboration.
Made partnership (Co-Investigator) with other scientists/faculties from academic
(Drexel University, Wayne State University, University of Dayton) and other Defense
agencies (Army Public health command, Air Force) on TBI, tungsten, biosensor,
nanotoxicity projects) for funding competency to fulfill mission goals.
Proposed to identify the biological toxins or metals deposition in the brain following
Afghanistan sand dust inhalation exposure in order to show any brain toxicity and
pathogenesis for countermeasures. Performed immunotoxicity testing profiles and
identified adverse effect on the structure and function of the immune system in
response to sand dust particulate. We used flow cytometry for protokine, cytokine,
apoptotic and other inflammatory markers profiles for injury.
For long-term vision, developed research project on Women in submarine utilizing
my expertise (reviewed scientific literatures and data sheets in Nat. Acad. Science
(National Research Council) published submarine contaminants reports in this area
and interacted with SAAB and related conference calls. The potential effects of the
gas mixtures on neurobehavioral, serum hormone levels, F1 generation offspring
development and female estrous cyclicity were investigated. Provided new
toxicological risk data and solution for risk assessment (reproductive, neurotoxicity,
developmental toxicity, maternal and offspring behavior, serum chemistry [Blood
components], etc) based on level of exposure and timing. Determined and
recommended safe exposure limit for shipment and were incorporated in the
submarine guidelines in order to protect war fighters health. Results from this project
were analyzed, interpreted and prepared two manuscripts for peer review publication
(submitted recently).
Performed animal necropsy (rat, mouse, guinea pig, monkeys). Clinical chemistry
and hematology (complete blood counts, hematology parameters, serum chemistry)
using standard laboratory procedures and equipments.
Clinical signs of toxicity were performed in submarine contamination toxicity study
on F1 and F1 generation animal models and compared with normal during 90 day
exposure period. Data were collected with appropriate statistical analysis.
26
In continuation of women in submarine project , developed collaboration with Battelle
Inhalation toxicology science groups for CO toxicity, assisted and provided
suggestion and modified the methodology and planning with and without cigarette
smoke component exposure in animal models to establish exposure dosage levels in
order to protect submarine community personnel health.
Analyzed genomic toxicity (Affymetrix system -gene array) following exposure to
military relevant materials exposure (sand dust, Jet fuel, metal [tungsten,
manganese]) and identified the risk and were presented at Toxicology Risk
assessment conference.
Evaluated the results of tungsten study from internal (NHRC-EHEL studies) and
external (Army Public Health Command) sources and explored the risk and safety of
the tungsten usage in the bullet. Performed the biocompatibility of the tungsten
(contacting materials present in the bullet) through several testing (endotoxin,
characterization of other components or chemicals, cytotoxicity, etc).
Used my expertise for troubleshoots/problems with equipment and experimental
techniques and methods and resolved (immunohistochemistry/histopathology,
biomarkers assay, inhalation exposure technique/blast pressure, etc).
Identified issues on ILIR-TBI project data and appropriate discussion made with
collaborators and drew conclusion with potential alternative plan to accomplish the
project goals.
Adjusted projects schedule following communication and carefully listen to our
technical staff concerns and sought their ideas on time and fewer personnel because
of several projects on line.
Identified deficiencies in neurobehavioral testing methodology, while performing TBI
study in response to contradictory results among various laboratories. Discussed
with other investigators and technical staff and modified the toxicity testing protocol
and strategies. Explored investigation on exacerbation of brain trauma pathology by
Iraqi sand dust (particulate matter) and mitigation strategies.
Immunohistopathology, histology and protocols (techniques) were introduced for
Biomarkers identification.
Rodent neurobehavioral test tools were developed to evaluate cognition deficiency
and to understand the mechanism in response to blast injury and sand dust
exposure.
Operated and maintained specialized laboratory equipments and instrumentation for
neurobehavioral testing laboratory, endocrinological tools (beta and gamma counters
for RIA and receptor assays), biochemical laboratory (spectroscopic methods and
chromatographic techniques, including Flow cytometry, cell sorting, NMR, FTIR, MS,
LC/MS, GC/MS, and HPLC and other analytical tools), genomic laboratory, cell culture
labs, BSL-2 lab, inhalation lab, etc as a Certified Scientist and solved if any issues on
the equipments.
Reviewed toxicological and epidemiological studies and recommended and
implemented new research initiatives (Trauma biomarkers, behavioral physiology,
Noise and hearing loss, Hyperbaric Oxygen toxicity, Altitude hypoxia and its impact
on brain physiology and Jet fuel/Biofuel toxicity; Fatigue
mechanism/countermeasures, organophosphate agents/neurotoxicity).
27
Developed number of white papers (Ex: Altitude hypoxia and its impact on brain
injury, Noise and hearing loss, hyperbaric oxygen and synaptic signaling and sub-
chronic toxicity study of xylene on reproduction and developmental health in a rat
model) in response to DoD requirements.
Developed a research proposal in response to Air Force call Physiology studies on
combat casualty care injuries - “altitude induced hypoxia and its impact on
ischemia/reperfusion injury following blast trauma”. Animal models have been
proposed to demonstrate the concept of ischemia and other neuronal tissue injury.
Prepared proposal in collaboration with NIH investigator (Dr. Jean Harry) on chemical
warfare agents in response to call from DoD in the area of “Immune Response
Mechanisms to Organophosphate Agents and /or Organophosphate Pesticides” and
submitted (title: Identification of neuroprotective interventions against delayed
neuronal death and promoting neuronal regeneration and repair).
Prepared number of manuscripts (5), tech reports (3), scientific briefings, and
abstracts for peer-reviewed publications and report documents.
Developed new technologies for nanomaterial toxicity detection and chemical
exposure induced toxicity and introduced them as course materials to staff through
power point presentation.
Provided training materials on 21 st toxicology operational and testing evaluation
related course materials to junior staffs and technicians. Identified their technical
deficiencies and advised them or introduced to take training related to the project.
New tools and toxicity testing assays (in vitro alternative testing assays including
gene mutation micronucleus assay, comet assay using various primary and
propagated cell lines from neuronal, hepatocytes and spleen cells) and evaluation
methods for various environmental product contaminations were explained as power
point presentation as a subject matter expert.
Performed collaboration with other Principal Investigators in the unit as a Co-
Investigator and submitted a joint proposal (Ex: Altitude effect on TBI).
Maintained familiarity with salient current research developments.
Since 01/2007-08/2014 holding joint appointment Adjunct Assistant Professor
with Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology at Wright State
University, Dayton, OH.
Grants
1. NIH grant [Gary Isom (PI)]: “Cyanide Neurotoxicity” (Funded 1993-1996).
2. Department of Defense Grant [Gary Isom (PI)] “Pyridostigmine bromide role on
Neurodegeneration/Toxicity in animal model” (Funded 1997-1998).
3. The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., [Principal Investigator], “Role of
Early Transcription Factors in Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration of Manganese-Induced
Parkinsonism in rat model”, $ 35,000 (2002-2004).
4. Department of Defense Grant (DoD), [Faculty Mentor at TSU], “Epidemiological and
28
Pharmacological Studies on Prostate Cancer”, $199,899, Texas Southern University and
the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) Undergraduate
Collaborative Training Program in Prostate Cancer (Funded, Dec, 2004).
5. NIH grant [Principal Investigator, (NIH-1RO1HD039038-01)], “Down syndrome,
Mitochondrial DNA and Oxidative Stress”, (Funded, 2000-2005).
6. DHP grant [Principal Investigator], “Hyperbaric vs. Normobaric Oxygen Therapy after
Acute or Sub Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication in the Prevention of Brain Damage
and Neurologic Sequelae in Male Sprague Dawley Rats (Rattus norvegicus)”, 2008-
2009.
7. Office of Naval Research –In House Laboratory Independent Research Program [Principal
Investigator], “Investigation on exacerbation of brain trauma pathology by Iraqi sand
particulate matter and mitigation strategy”, (Funded, 2010-2011]
8. FY10 Defense Medical Research Development Program (DMRDP) proposal (Principal
Investigator), “Identification and characterization of serum/cerebrospinal fluid
biomarkers following blast trauma (mTBI) in rats: Short -term and Long-term Impact”
(Funded, 2010-2011).
9. Navy Medicine Support Command WII Call on TBI/PH Clinical Investigation Program
(CIP) (Principal Investigator) – “Evaluation of Biomarkers and Cognitive Function
following mild Traumatic brain Injury in rat model pre-exposed to Afghanistan Sand -
Effect of Cyclosporin A and valproate” (Proposal Reviewed for resubmission, 2013).
10. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) grant -
[Principal Investigator],Toxicological Evaluation of the Insensitive Munitions
Compounds NTO and DNAN on Reproductive Health (Not-Funded).
11. Office of Naval Research (ONR) (Principal Investigator) – Exploring Fatigue Modulated
Genes That Affect Immune Function and Cognitive Performance-Possible
Countermeasures” (Not-Funded).
12. Internal DHP Funding [Principal Investigator], – “Disposition and Toxicity of
Nanoparticles Following Intratracheal Instillation in a Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Model”
submitted (2012) in collaboration with Air Force Research Lab, WPAFB.
13. Office of Naval Research (ONR) [Principal Investigator], – Title, “Real Time Detection
of Neuronal Synaptic Activity as an Index of Hyperbaric Oxygen Toxicity” for funding
(2013).
14. Air Force call (Research Area: En Route Care-Impact of Environment on Patient
Physiology to include Optimal Casualty Management) Title: ‘Effects of acute altitude
exposure on brain specific hypoxia signaling pathways, neuroinflammatory markers
and cognitive performance in injured rat model (TBI)” (prepared for submission)
29
Selected Expert Committees/Advisory Panels/Organizing Committees:
2007 Participated and gave presentation as a representative at International
Congress of Toxicology Conference, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
2007 Participated and presented Navy EHEL capabilities at Air Force Research
Laboratory Biotechnology Workshop at George Tech Atlanta GA.
2007 Participated Navy Strategic Planning Initiative Workshop, Washington, DC
2007-10 Participated on behalf of Command as an active member in Dayton
coalition Government for organization awareness and its impact on
research and job opportunity.
2008 Speaker on Jet Fuel Exposure and Health Effect at National Defense
Industrial Associations, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO.
2008 Performed Navy Roadmap on capabilities for collaboration and funding
support from Sponsors.
2008 Panel to Response to ICCVAM (In vitro Test) Test Recommendations.
2007-09 Advisory and Executive Steering Committee Panels, NHRC Det EHEL.
2008 Invited to conduct EEO Command climate survey
2008 Participated and experienced Navy Medicine Enterprise Brochure, Quad
chart, Medical Equities and Business Plan.
2008 Participated and Trained in Navy Champion Green Belt (Lean Six Sigma) at
Jacksonville, FL.
2008 Participated and interacted with Naval Medical R&D at Strategic Planning
Initiative Science Leaders workshop at NMRC, Silver Spring, MD.
Developed and maintained our scientific thrust areas to elevate our
toxicological research capabilities.
2008-09 Acted as a member of NHRC Scientific Review Board.
2009 Session Chair and Speaker, on “Particulate Matter Exposure and Health
Effects for War Personnel” Toxicology and Risk Assessment Conference,
Cincinnati, OH.
2009 Report on “Sanitizing agents for Shipboard use” presented to the
Command.
2009 Proposal on “Women in Submarine contaminants” submitted to Committee
on Toxicology (COT).
2007-09 Advisory and Executive Steering Committee Panels.
2009 Active member in DOD and Industry (MERIT) Tungsten Working group.
2009 Departmental Strategic Planning Presented.
2009 Navy Roadmap on capabilities for collaboration and funding support from
Sponsors (stakeholders).
2010 Department of Defense Nanomaterial working group committee.
2010 Session Chair and Speaker, on “Metal Specialty Session: Impact of
Tungsten and Tungsten Alloys on Health Risk”, Society of Toxicology.
2010- 11 Participated and interacted with expert panels on Biofuels/Alternative fuels
meetings organized by Petroleum Industry Chemicals.
2011 Planning Committee and Session Chair, Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Conference, West Chester, OH.
30
2011 Chaired the session on “Toxicity Evaluation of New Ordnance Compounds—
A Phased Approach” at Toxicology Risk Assessment Conference, West
Chester, Ohio, 26-27, April 2011.
2007-13 National Research Council (NRC) Advisor for Research on behalf of
Command.
2007-13 Invited as Adjunct faculty at Wright State University, Dayton, OH.
2007-13 Active member on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Participated several AALAC meetings and programs and provided training
to local IACUC members. Reviewed a number of Federal (AALAC) agency
regulations, policies, grants, amendments, etc in the wide-ranging areas of
laboratory animal research.
Selected Publications in Recent Years (from a total of 52 peer-reviewed)
1. Hardt, DJ, James RA, Gut, Jr.CP, McInturf SM, Gargas ML and Gunasekar PG.
Evaluation of Submariner Atmosphere Components (CO, CO2 and O2) on
Reproduction and Development in Rats: I. 28-Day Study (under publication, 2013).
2. Hardt, DJ, James RA, Gut, Jr.CP, McInturf SM, Gargas ML and Gunasekar PG.
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Evaluation of Major Submarine
Atmospheric Components (CO, CO2 and O2) Exposures in the Rat. II. 90-Day Study
(under publication, 2013).
3. McInturf, S, Bekkedal, M.Y.V, Wilfong, E., Arfsten, D., Chapman, G, and Gunasekar,
PG. The Potential reproductive, neurobehavioral and systemic effects of soluble
sodium tungstate exposure in Sprague Dawley rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacology,
254, 133-137, 2011.
4. Prabhakaran, K., Chapman, GD, and Gunasekar, PG. α-Synuclein Overexpression
Enhances Manganese-Induced Neurotoxicity through NF-κB Mediated Pathway.
Toxicology and Mechanisms of Methods, Vol 21(6): 435-443, 2011.
5. Gunasekar, PG, and Stanek, LW. Advances in Exposure and Toxicity Assessment of
Particulate Matter: An Overview, Toxicol Appl Pharmacology, 254, 141-144,
2011.
6. Prabhakaran, K., Chapman, G.D and Gunasekar, P.G. BNIP3 up-regulation and
mitochondrial dysfunction in manganese-induced neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology,
30: 414-422, 2009.
7. Roboulet, J.E.; Cunningham, R., Gunasekar, P.G., Chapman, G.D., Stevens, S. Loop
System for Creating Jet Fuel Vapor Standards Used in the Calibration of Infrared
Spectrophotometers and Gas Chromatographs. Toxicology Mechanisms and
Methods, 19: 123-128, 2009.
8. McInturf, S.M.; Bekkedal, M. Y.-V., Wilfong, E., Arfsten, D.P., Gunasekar, P.G.,
Chapman, G.D. Neurobehavioral Effects of Sodium Tungstate Exposure on Rats and
Their Progeny. Journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 30: 455-461, 2008.
9. Prabhakaran, K., Ghosh, D, Chapman, G.D and Gunasekar, P.G. Molecular
mechanism of manganese exposure-induced dopaminergic toxicity. Brain Research
Bulletin, 76 (4): 361-367, 2008.
10. Ramakrishnan R., Prabhakaran, K., Jayakumar, A.R., Gunasekar, P.G., Sheeladevi,
R., and Suthanthirarajan, N. Neurotransmitter dysfunction and CaMkII expression
31
during hyperglycemia and acidosis: An implication in diabetic encephalopathy. J
Neurosci Res, 80: 518-528, 2005.
11. Gunasekar, P.G., Prabhakaran, K., Li, L., Zhang, L., Isom, G.E. and Borowitz, JL.
Receptor mechanisms mediating cyanide generation in PC12 cells and rat brain.
Neurosci Res, 49: 13-18, 2004.
12. Wise K, Manna S, Barr J, Gunasekar P, Ramesh G. Activation of activator protein-1
DNA binding activity due to low level manganese exposure in pheochromocytoma
cells. Toxicol Lett, 147 (3) 237-244, 2004.
13. Douglas, C.J., Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide enhancement
of dopamine-induced apoptosis in mesencephalon cells involves mitochondrial
dysfunction and oxidative stress. Neurotoxicology, 24 (3): 333-342, 2003.
14. Gunasekar, P.G., Rogers. J., Kabbur. M., Garrett, C.M., Brinkley, W.W. and
McDougal, J.N. Molecular and histological responses in rat skin exposed to m-xylene.
J. Biochem Mole Toxicol, 17(2): 92-94, 2003.
15. Ramesh G.T., Ghosh, D. and Gunasekar, P.G: Early activation of transcription factor,
NF-B following low-level Manganese exposure. Tox Lett, 136(2): 151-158, 2002.
16. Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L., Vera Mickova., Kotyzova, D. and Isom, G.E. Role of
astrocytes in trimethyltin neurotoxicity. J. Biochem. Mole. Toxicol. 15: 256-262,
2001.
17. Gunasekar, P.G., Li, L., Prabhakaran, K., Ebyl V., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E.
Mehanisms of the apoptotic and necrotic actions of trimethyltin in cerebellar granule
cells, Toxi Sci, 64: 83-89, 2001.
18. Kabbur. M., Gunasekar, P.G., Rogers. J., Garrett, C.M., and McDougal, J.N. Effect of
JP-8 Jet fuel on molecular and histological parameters related to acute skin irritation.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 175: 83-88, 2001.
19. Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L., Turek, J.J., Van Horn, D.A. and Isom, G.E.
Endogenous generation of cyanide in neuronal tissue: Involvement of a peroxidase
system. J. Neurosci Res, 61: 570- 575, 2000.
20. Jadhav, A.L., Ramesh, G.T. and Gunasekar, P.G. Contribution of protein kinase C and
glutamate in Pb2+-induced cytotoxicity. Tox Lett, 115: 89-98, 2000.
21. Li, L., Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E: Pyridostigmine induced acute
and delayed neuronal apoptosis. Neurotoxicology, 21 (4): 541-552, 2000.
22. Shou, Y., Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide induced apoptosis
involves oxidative stress activated NF-B in cortical neurons. Toxicol Appl
Pharmacol, 164:196-205, 2000.
23. Douglas, C.J., Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Dopamine-induced
apoptosis is mediated by oxidative stress and is enhanced by cyanide in
differentiated PC12 cells. J Neurochem, 74: 2296-2304, 2000.
24. Mills, E.M., Gunasekar, P.G. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide mediated neurodegeneration
involves differential susceptibility of brain areas and different modes of cell death.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 156: 6-16, 1999.
25. Sun, P.W., Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide interaction with
redox modulatory sites enhance NMDA receptor responses. J Biochem Mole
Toxicol, 13, 253-259, 1999.
32
26. Gunasekar, P.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide-induced oxidative species:
Involvement of Nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2: J Pharma Exp
Therap, 285 (1): 236-241, 1998.
27. Sun, P., Rane, S.G, Gunasekar, P.G. and Isom, G.E. Modulation of the NMDA
receptor by cyanide: Enhancement of receptor mediated responses. J Pharm Exp
Therap, 280: 1341-1348, 1997.
28. Borowitz, J.L., Gunasekar, P.G. and Isom, G.E. Hydrogen cyanide generation by -
opiate receptor activation: Possible neuromodulatory role of endogenous cyanide.
Brain Res, 768: 294-300, 1997.
29. Gunasekar, P.G., Sun, P.W., Kanthasamy, A.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E.
Cyanide induced neurotoxicity involves nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species
generations following NMDA receptor activation. J Pharm Exp Therp, 277 (1): 150-
155, 1996.
30. Mills, E.D., Gunasekar, P.G., Pavlakovic, G. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide-induced
apoptosis and oxidative stress in differentiated PC12 cells. J Neurochemistry, 67:
1039-1046, 1996.
31. Yang, C.W., Gunasekar, P.G. and Isom, G.E. Cyanide stimulated inositol 1,4,5-
trisphosphate formation: An intracellular neurotoxic signaling cascade. J Biochem
Toxicol, 11: 251-256, 1996.
32. Gunasekar, P.G., Kanthasamy, A.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. Monitoring
intracellular nitric oxide formation by dichlorofluorescein in neuronal cells. J
Neurosci Methods, 61:15-21,1995.
33. Gunasekar, P.G., Kanthasamy, A.G., Borowitz, J.L. and Isom, G.E. NMDA receptor
activation produces concurrent generation of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen
species: Implication for cell death. J Neurochemistry, 65: 2016-2021, 1995.
34. Sun, P., Borowitz, J.L., Kanthasamy, A.G., Kane, M.D., Gunasekar, P.G. and Isom,
G.E. Antagonism of cyanide toxicity by isosorbide dinitrate. Toxicology, 104: 105-
111, 1995.
35. Kanthasamy, A.G., Matsumoto, R.R., Gunasekar, P.G. and Truong, D.D.
Excitoprotective effect of felbamate in cultured cortical neurons. Brain Res, 705:
97-104, 1995.
36. Gunasekar, P. G., Kumaran, B. and Govindarajulu, P. Role of prolactin on neutral
lipids in the testicular compartments of bonnet monkeys. Endocr Japonica, 38:1-8,
1991.
37. Kumaran, B., Gunasekar, P.G., Aruldhas M.M. and Govindarajulu, P. Role of prolactin
on neural and glial cellular enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. I. Studies
on immature male bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiate). Brain Res, 450 323-333,
1988.
38. Gunasekar, P.G., Kumaran, B., and Govindarajulu, P. Prolactin effect on
steroidogenic enzymes in the testicular compartments of bonnet monkeys . Int J
Andrology, 11: 53-59, 1988.
Tech Reports
1. In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Afghanistan Sand Extract. Prabhakaran, K., and
Gunasekar, P.G. Technical Report NAMRU-D Report # 13-10 (Feb 2013)
33
2. Investigation on Exacerbation of Brain Trauma Pathology In Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)
By Middle East Sand Particulate Matter And Mitigation Strategy: Inhalation Technical
Report For Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4. James Arden and Gunasekar PG. Technical Report
(May 2011)
3. Development of a Infrared Spectrophotometric Method for the Analysis of Jet Fuel
Using a Loop Calibration Technique. James E. Reboulet, J. Robert Cunningham, Sean
C. Stevens, Palur Gunasekar, Gail D. Chapman. Technical Report-DTIC
20071116228 (Mar 2007).
4. Neurobehavioral Effects of Sodium Tungstate Exposure on Rats and Their Progeny.
McInturf, S., Bekkedal, M., Olabisi, A., Arfsten, D., Wilfong, E., Casavant, R.,
Jederberg, W., Gunasekar, P.G., Chapman, G.D. Technical Report-DTIC
20071116226 (Jun 2007).
5. Molecular and histological responses in rat skin exposed to m-xylene. Gunasekar,
P.G., Rogers. J., Kabbur. M., Garrett, C.M., Brinkley, W.W. and McDougal, J.N.
Technical Report-DTIC, 2003.
6. Effect of JP-8 Jet fuel on molecular and histological parameters related to acute skin
irritation. Kabbur. M., Gunasekar, P.G., Rogers. J., Garrett, C.M., and McDougal,
J.N. Technical Report-DTIC, 2001.
Papers Presented
Presented more than 100 research papers at various International and National
Conferences and Symposia since 1987. Some of them presented below:
1. The paper entitled, Identification of serum biomarkers following mild traumatic brain
injury (mTBI) in rat model - Short and long-terms impact. TBI Biomarkers
Conference at Ft. Lauderdale, FL, July, 2011.
2. The paper entitled, “Manganese Neurotoxicity is associated with Proteasome
Dysfunction in α-synuclein over expressed Dopaminergic Neurons” at Society of
Toxicology (2010), Salt Lake, Utah.
3. The paper entitled, “In vitro study of Afghanistan soluble sand extract – induced
neurotoxicity” at 26 th International Neurotoxicology Conference, Portland, OR, 2010
4. The paper entitled, “Effect of Short-Term Sodium Tungstate Exposure on Immune
Response in C57BL6 Mice after Immune Challenge” at 12th Annual Force Health
Protection conference (2009), Albuquerque, NM
5. The paper entitled, “Acute Effects of Oral Exposure to Middle East PM10 dust on
Systemic Parameters in Laboratory Mouse (Mus musculus)” at 12th Annual Force
Health Protection conference (2009), Albuquerque, NM.
6. The paper entitled, “Potential Toxic Effects of Manganese from Environmental
Materials – Mechanism of Neurodegeneration” at 12th Annual Force Health Protection
conference (2009), Albuquerque, NM.
7. The paper entitled, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Vs. Normobaric Oxygen in the Prevention of
Delayed Neurological Sequelae due to Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication in the Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)” at 12th Annual Force Health Protection conference (2009),
Albuquerque, NM.
34
8. The paper entitled, “Expression of α-Synuclein in Rat Dopaminergic Cells Increased
Susceptibility to Manganese Linked to Oxidative Stress, MAP Kinases and NF-κB
Mediated Neuronal Injury” at Society of Toxicology (2009), Baltimore, MD.
9. The paper entitled, “Acute Effects of Oral Exposure to Middle East Dust on Systemic
Parameters in Laboratory Mouse” at Society of Toxicology (2009), Baltimore, MD.
10. The paper entitled, “Response of Hemopoietic and Osteogenic Cells Following
Exposure to Tungsten and Tungsten Alloys in vitro” at Society of Toxicology (2009),
Baltimore, MD.
11. The paper entitled, “Examination of Potential Dermal Irritation for Different Sizes of
Metal Nanoparticles” at Society of Toxicology (2009), Baltimore, MD.
12. The paper entitled, “Prolonged Exposure to Carbon Monoxide Does Not Produce
Delayed Neurological Sequelae, Or Basic Behavior Differences in Male Sprague-
Dawley Rats (Rattus norvegicus) at Toxicology Risk Assessment Conference (TRAC),
Cincinnati, OH, April 2009.
13. The paper entitled, “Sodium tungstate in the rat brain: Transport mechanism and
pharmacokinetic study” at International Neurotoxicology Conference, 2008 in
Rochester, NY.
14. The paper entitled, “Up-regulation of BNIP3 and mitochondrial dysfunction in
manganese- induced neurotoxicity” at International Neurotoxicology Conference,
2008 in Rochester, NY.
15. The paper entitled, “Manganese neurotoxicity involves up-regulation of BNIP3 and
mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic cells” at Society for Neuroscience
Conference, 2008 in Washington DC.
16. The paper entitled, “Acute Effects of Oral Exposure to Middle East PM10 dust on
Systemic Parameters in Laboratory Mouse (Mus musculus)” at Geological Society of
America 2008, Houston, TX.
17. The paper entitled, “Comparative microarray study as biomarkers in cultured rat lung
cells following Jet Fuels exposure”. Force Health Protection conference (2008),
Albuquerque, NM.
18. The paper entitled, “Pharmacokinetic Delivery of Inhaled Tungstate in Rats” Force
Health Protection conference (2008), Albuquerque, NM.
19. The paper entitled, “Tungstate’s effects on human immune and non-immune cell
types when analyzed in vitro” Force Health Protection conference (2008),
Albuquerque, NM.
20. The paper entitled, “The effect of Iraqi PM and cigarette smoke on the pathogenesis
of acute airway inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness in rats” Force Health
Protection conference (2008), Albuquerque, NM.
21. The paper entitled, “Raman Microspectroscopy characterization of tungsten alloys:
The role of metal-binding speciation” Force Health Protection conference (2008),
Albuquerque, NM.
22. The paper entitled, “The response of hemopoietic and osteogenic cells following
exposure to tungsten and tungsten alloys” Force Health Protection conference
(2008), Albuquerque, NM.
23. The paper entitled, “Tungstate’s effects on immune and non-immune human cell
types when analyzed in vitro, Soc. of Toxicology (2008), Seattle, WA.
35
24. The paper entitled, “Pharmacokinetics of Tungsten (188W) Following Acute Sodium
Tungstate Inhalation in Rats” Soc. of Toxicology (2008), Seattle, WA.
25. The paper entitled, “Acute Sodium Tungstate Inhalation is not Associated with Direct
Olfactory Transport of Tungsten (188W) to the Rat Brain” Soc. of Toxicology (2008),
Seattle, WA.
26. The paper entitled, “Molecular Response of Pulmonary Epithelial Cells to Jet Fuel
Blends” presenting at Joint Service Environmental Management Training Conference
and Exposition (JSEM), 2008. Denver, CO.
27. The paper entitled, “The potential reproductive, neurobehavioral and systemic effects
of soluble sodium tungstate exposure in Sprague Dawley rats at Toxicology Risk
Assessment Conference (TRAC 2008), Cincinnati, OH, April 2008.
28. The paper entitled, “Tungstate’s effects on immune and non-immune human cell
types when analyzed in vitro” at Toxicology Risk Assessment Conference (TRAC
2008), Cincinnati, OH, April 2008.
29. The paper entitled, “Evaluation of the Systemic Effects, Reproductive and
Developmental Toxicity of Sodium Tungstate in Rat”. 46th Navy Occupational Health
and Preventative Medicine Conference, Hampton Roads, VA 2007.
30. The paper entitled, “The Acute Effects of Tungsten Alloy Munitions on the Airway”.
46th Navy Occupational Health and Preventative Medicine Conference, Hampton
Roads, VA 2007.
31. The paper entitled, “Evaluation of systemic effects, reproductive and developmental
toxicity of sodium tungstate in rats” presented to International Congress of
Toxicology held at Montreal, QC during July 15-19, 2007.
32. The paper entitle, “The effects of desert sand (PM10) on the rat airway” presented to
46th Annual meeting of Society of Toxicology held at Charlotte, NC, during March 25-
29, 2007.
33. The paper entitle, “Characterization of heavy metal effects of tungsten alloy on the
rat airway” presented to 46 th Annual meeting of Society of Toxicology held at
Charlotte, NC, during March 25-29, 2007.
34. The paper entitle, “Evaluation of systemic effects, reproductive and developmental
toxicity of sodium tungstate in rats” presented to 46th Annual meeting of Society of
Toxicology held at Charlotte, NC, during March 25-29, 2007.
35. The papers entitled, “Potentiation of Mitochondrial Susceptibility, Oxidative Stress
and NF-B Signaling Following Chemical Mixture (Lead and Arsenic)-Induced
Neurotoxicity” submitted to 44th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology held at
New Orleans, Louisiana, during March 6-10, 2005.
36. The paper entitled, “cDNA microarray NF-B gene expression profiling of neuronal
cells in manganese exposure enhanced dopamine modulation induced apoptosis”
submitted to 34th Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience held at San Diego, CA
during October 23-27, 2004.
37. The paper entitled “Activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase during dopamine
modulation with manganese toxicity involves early signaling transcription factor, NF-
B: Implication for cell death” presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Society of
Toxicology held at Baltimore, Maryland, during March 21-25, 2004.
38. The paper ent itled, “Dopamine modulation enhances manganese toxicity involving
oxidative stress and inducible nitric oxide synthase: A key mechanism for cell death”
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presented at Society for Neuroscience held at New Orleans, Louisiana, November 9-
14, 2003.
39. The paper ent itled “Involvement of caspase-3 protease in dopaminergic degeneration
following exposure to methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT)”
presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Soc. of Toxicology held at Salt Lake City,
Utah, during March 10-14, 2003.
40. The paper entitled “Molecular Mechanism of Neuronal Injury” presented at the 8 Th
RCMI International Symposium on Health Disparities held at Honolulu, Hawaii during
December 8-11, 2002.
Workshop Meetings on Current Research
1. “Neurodegeneration and Neurotoxicity,” Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans
(1997).
2. “Toxicity-Chemical Exposure,” Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio (2000).
3. “Anatomy Institute for Faculty from Minority Serving Institutions” at College of
Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI (2004).
4. Participated and performed research on prostate cancer under collaborative research
program (2005 and 2006) at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. During this
intern period, trained in several techniques including laser capturing of prostate
cancer cells, fluorescence imaging capture, etc
5. Participated in Fourth Annual U.S. Air Force – Taiwan Nanoscience Initiative
Workshop at University of Houston, Houston, TX during Feb 8-9, 2007.
6. Participated in the Toxicology Risk Assessment Conference at Cincinnati during Apr
23 26, 2007.
7. Participated workshop on “Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: The
medical consequences of TICs (toxic Industrial Chemicals) and TIMs (Toxic Industrial
Materials)” at Force Health Protection conference, Aug 2007.
8. Participated workshop on “Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: The
Emergency Medical Response to Toxic Industrial Chemicals and Materials
(TICs/TIMs)” at Force Health Protection conference, Aug 2008.
9. Participated in the Toxicology Risk Assessment Conference at Cincinnati during Apr
14-19, 2008.
10. Participated in continuing education course on “21 st Century In Vitro Toxicology
Testing” at Naval Marine Corps Public Health Center, Hampton, VA March 2010
11. Took Mid-America Toxicology Course for Toxicology Board Examination, April, 2010.
12. Participated at Tri Service sponsored Burn-Pit conference during Oct 2010
13. Participated and interacted with Biofuel Expert panels at Jet Fuel/Alternative fuel
meeting during Oct 2010 and 2011.
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14. Served as a Judge at State Science Fair, Columbus, OH, 2011 and 2012.
15. Took several DoD training to aware the situation awareness.
16. Participated and took number of IACUC related trainings as requirements.
17. Participated and interacted as NHRC Det EHEL representative in Dayton Coalition
Medical Task Force meeting.
Reviewer/Editorial Member
1. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
2. Journal of Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology
3. Toxicology Letters
4. Brain Research
5. Drug and Chemical Toxicology
6. Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods (Editorial Member)
7. Neurotoxicology
Teaching Experience
1. Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras – taught
M.Phil Graduate students – Reproductive Endocrinology from 1985-1993.
2. Wright State University, School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio – Selected me as a
Graduate Faculty [Assistant Professor] to teach Course for Graduates [Master
Program] in 2001.
3. Indiana University School of Medicine [IUPUI] Indianapolis, Indiana – taught
Advanced Pharmacology Course and Methods in Toxicology to MS and Ph. D
graduates in 2002.
4. Texas Southern University-Since Spring 2003 – 2006 taught the following courses:
Medical Histology/Histopathology
General Biology/Introductory Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology-I
Human Anatomy and Physiology-II
Endocrinology
Neurobiology/Toxicology
5. Houston Community College, Houston, TX summer & spring 2005, 2006 – taught the
following courses:
Human Anatomy and Physiology-I
Human Anatomy and Physiology-II
External Examiner for MS and Ph. D Dissertations
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Supervised number of graduate students and post docs and served as an External Examiner
for several Ph. D dissertations since 1999.
1. Mr. Mohammed Ebrahim, Ph. D Dissertation University of Madras (1999).
2. Mr. Ram Jagdheeswaran, Ph. D Dissertation University of Madras (2001).
3. Mr. Prince Singh, Ph. D Dissertation University of Madras (2003).
4. Mrs. M.S. Veena, Ph. D dissertation title, “Biochemical Studies on the
Chemopreventive /Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Geraniol in Benzo (a) Pyrene
Induced Experimental Lung Cancer” (2013).
Professional Affiliations
Active Member - Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC (since 1995)
Active Member - Society for Reproductive Biology & Comparative Endocrinology
Active Member - Society of Toxicology, USA (since 1995)
Active member - Gulf Coast Regional Chapter of Society for Neuroscience
Research Advisor - National Research Council (NRC)-National Academy of Science
Active Member - Department of Defense Merit Tungsten working Group Review Panel
Member - International Subject Matter Expert on Emerging Contaminants (EC)
Invited Seminars
1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Baltimore, Maryland (1998)
2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas, Little Rock (1999)
3. Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Illinois (1999)
4. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Dayton (1999)
5. Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve
University, Cleveland, Ohio (2001)
6. Department of Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
(2006)
7. Biotechnology Workshop, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), WPAFB at Georgia
Tech, Atlanta, GA during August 23-24, 2007.
8. Navy EHEL Road show at Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA January 14,
2008
9. Navy EHEL Road show at Naval Submarine Medical Research laboratory, Groton, RI Feb
11, 2008.
10. Navy EHEL Road show at NHRC Detachment Directed Energy Bioeffects Laboratory,
Brooks City –Base TX, June 19, 2008.
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11. Navy Road show at NEHC, AFMIC and DTRA Navy recruiters (Columbus, OH).
Department of Defense Related Training
Several trainings - Hazard training (OSO), Environmental Safety & Occupational
Health, CITI Course training for human tissue use, GMT training, Annual Ethics
training, Anti-Terrorism Awareness training, Basic HAZCOM Training (BUMED), NSPS
training, anti-fraud training, Run-Hide Fight Active shooter training, Record
management, Human relations, Information awareness training, Suicide awareness
training, Privacy and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Awareness Training,
Ethics, HIPPA training, Clearance training, Animal training, RCRA course training,
CPR/AED class training, radiation training, IACUC training, NAVY Supervisors and
JHA training have been completed.
Demonstrated an understanding of the organization's mission, functions, values, and
applicable policies and procedures, and internal and external factors that impact
environmental toxicological programs.
Demonstrated and conducted EEO survey at the organization to implement
affirmative action objectives.
Regularly have refresh training on DTS Travel Policies and Procedures.
Performed Department of Defense unit and project budgets –planning,
implementation, critical monthly and annual budget analysis and adjustments.
As a long-standing member provided WPAFB Institutional Animal Care and Use
Program oversight, reviewed, and suggested standard operating procedures, and
animal facility inspection.
Provided oversight of surgical program for large and small animals within the WPAFB
unit training and supervised staff doing procedures.
Knowledge to demonstrate animal nursing and husbandry for myriad research
laboratory animals.
Tained in Lean Six Sigma (green belt) certification training to understand and
establish strategies and tools necessary for process improvement , and save time and
money to the organization.