Associate editor
Qualification:
2008 – 2013: Doctor of Philosophy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
2003 – 2006: Master Degree in Periodontology, TNMGR Medical University, India
Present Position:
Senior Lecturer in Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago.
Main objectives of this position: undertake teaching of Oral Biology to undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Oral Health, Bachelor of Dental Technology students, Doctor of Clinical Dentistry postgraduate students. This position also includes undertaking research and publishing in quality peer-reviewed journals.
Scholarships/Awards/Distinctions
2015: 2nd Best Poster Award at SCADA meeting, Melbourne, Australia
2008 – 2012: University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
2011: Faculty of Dentistry PhD Travel Award
2011: Oral Microbiology Research Theme Travel Award
2011: International Association of Dental Research-Colgate Poster Award– New Zealand Section winner
Teaching experience
2006 – present: Invited Lecturer/Speaker Multiple Institutions (including University of Otago)
Memberships:
Dental Council of India,International Association of Dental Research,Indian Society of Periodontology,International Association of Oral Pathologists.
Research Interest: Immunopathogenesis of Oral Diseases: The role of immune response in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases has always been my core interest. As a part of my Doctor of Philosophy degree, completed under the supervision of Professor Gregory Seymour, Professor Alison Rich, Dr. Trudy Milne and Dr. Dawn Coates, I investigated the role of Regulatory T-cells and Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease using a variety of immunohistological and molecular techniques such as Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, qPCR and ELISA. Acquiring an in depth knowledge about immunological mechanisms and gaining essential research skills, especially in area of research project development and immunohistological and molecular techniques, has further led me to investigate the immunopathological mechanisms underlying in the other oral chronic inflammatory diseases such as Oral Mucosal Lichen Planus and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
My current research interest focuses on the role of microRNA in chronic inflammatory periodontal tissues. To date there are no studies that investigated the expression profile of miRs and their immunomodulatory role in periodontal health and disease in New Zealand population. I wish to expand and further develop this research line in collaboration with in-house, inter-departmental, local, and overseas faculty. The results of this study will help to identify the putative miRs biomarkers that play a role in periodontal disease process and also help to develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient management.
