CV

Postdoctoral Research Associate

School of Medicine, Wayne State University

Studied the biological significance of growth-regulatory signaling networks and proto-oncogenes in normal development and tumorigenesis of the mammary gland and pancreas

• Conducted research on the role of JAK1 in pancreatic cancer initiation and progression as part of an NIH-funded project by applying molecular and cellular biology techniques related to DNA/RNA/protein analysis, using cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models, successfully completing the project and publishing one first-author research paper and one co-authored review paper.
• Identified critical roles of JAK/STAT signaling in postnatal pancreas development and pancreatitis by employing a genetically engineered mouse model to analyze the pancreas at various developmental stages, both prenatal and postnatal, with a first-authored manuscript detailing these findings currently in preparation.
• Initiated and established the pancreatic explant culture in Wagner's lab, becoming the first to do so after training at Dr. Howard Crawford’s lab at Henry Ford Health in Michigan, USA, and subsequently trained others in the procedure.
• Conducted drug assays for a JAK1 inhibitor using pancreatic cancer cell lines to study JAK/STAT signaling in cancer cell proliferation and in explant cultures to evaluate JAK1’s role in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. This research contributed to an NIH grant submission, with results currently pending.
• Performed bioinformatic analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing datasets for projects focused on pancreas and mammary gland development, leading to valuable insights into the role of JAK/STAT signaling in developmental processes.
• Collaborated and assisted in a project focused on the biological significance of growth-regulatory signaling networks and proto-oncogenes in normal mammary gland development and tumorigenesis, resulting in the publication of four co-authored research papers.
• Guided and trained interns and graduate students in conducting laboratory experiments using molecular biology, cell biology, immunological, and in-vivo animal techniques, fostering skill development and ensuring high-quality research outcomes.
• Reviewed over 30 articles on cancer biology, encompassing molecular mechanisms, treatment strategies, and emerging research trends, for prestigious scientific journals, thereby enhancing the quality and dissemination of cutting-edge research.

Graduate Student

Chonnam National University

Studied the factors affecting adherens junction complexes and function of δ-catenin in cancer and Alzheimer's disease

• Conducted extensive molecular biology experiments to investigate factors affecting adherens junction complexes and the function of δ-catenin in cancer, contributing to an enhanced understanding of cancer progression and resulting in three first-authored peer-reviewed publications, two co-authored papers, and multiple conference presentations, demonstrating effective communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams on projects investigating the role of δ-catenin in Alzheimer’s disease, enhancing understanding of its involvement and contributing valuable insights to interdisciplinary research efforts.
• Supported faculty in teaching undergraduate courses through conducting proctoring of exams, grading assessments, and supervising practical classes, facilitating effective course administration and enriching the educational experience for students.

Regulatory Affairs Pharmacist

Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal

Conducted sample collection, inspections, and inquiries at pharmacy outlets across various regions of the country to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Lecturer

Pinnacle Technical College Pvt. Ltd.

Mentored and supervised Diploma in Pharmacy students by conducting theory classes and overseeing practical lessons in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology for 2nd and 3rd-year students, each class containing 35+ students, resulting in a 100% pass rate in board exams for each taught subject and significantly enhancing their understanding and practical skills.

Ad hoc reviewer

Have been actively reviewing papers for the following journals:

• Scientific Reports
• Cellular Signalling
• Cancer Control
• The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
• European Journal of Cell Biology

Reviewer Board Member

MDPI

Have been actively reviewing papers for the following MDPI journals:

• Cells
• Cancers
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Biomolecules
• Medicina
• Journal of Clinical Medicine

IPSF-Contact Person

Pokhara University University Students' Pharma Association

Facilitated seamless communication, collaboration, and the successful execution of International Pharmaceutical Students'​ Federation(IPSF)'s objectives and initiatives within the local context

PhD

Chonnam National University

Pharmacy, Molecular Pathology

• Advisor: Prof. Kim Kwonseop
• Major Courseworks: Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pharmacology, and Bioinformatics
• GPA: 4.46/4.5
• Research Focus: Studying the factors affecting adherens junction complexes and function of δ-catenin in cancer
• Dissertation title: Investigation of the molecular mechanism of Hakai-mediated stabilization of δ-catenin

Master of Pharmacy

Chonnam National University

Pharmacy, Molecular Pathology

• Advisor: Prof. Kim Kwonseop
• Major Courseworks: Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pharmacology, and Bioinformatics
• GPA: 4.29/4.5
• Research Focus: Studying the factors affecting adherens junction complexes and function of δ-catenin in cancer
• Thesis title: Hakai, an E3-ligase for E-cadherin, stabilizes δ-catenin and affects E-cadherin complex.

Bachelor of Sciences

Pokhara University

Pharmaceutical Sciences

• GPA: 3.59/4.00
• Major Courseworks: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics; and Anatomy and Physiology

WooJung Academic Excellence Aid Fund for International Students

WooJung Education and Culture Foundation

WooJung Education and Culture Foundation, established in 2008, fosters global talent through scholarships, enhancing the educational environment. It biannually awards scholarships to foreign students referred by foreign Embassies in Korea, recognizing their academic excellence. This contributes to national and social development, including countries with historical ties to Korea and those in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia.

Korean Government Academic Achievement Award

National Institute of Education and Development, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, South Korea

I was granted this award in recognition of my outstanding academic achievements while pursuing my master's degree as a beneficiary of the Korean government scholarship. This award was conferred by the National Institute for International Education, which meticulously identified 33 scholarship recipients based on their exceptional academic performance from a pool of over 700 foreign scholarship students invited by the Korean government from across the nation.

Fostering Next Generation Researchers Program Scholarship (학문후속세대장학)

Chonnam National University

This scholarship program is dedicated to enhancing research capabilities and fostering academic successors representing Chonnam National University. This scholarship supports Ph.D. candidates, with a maximum of eight recipients chosen annually.

Korean Government Scholarship

National Institute of Education and Development, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, South Korea

I was among 760 global recipients of the esteemed Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies in 2010. This highly competitive program provided comprehensive financial support and academic opportunities to me, enabling advanced studies in the field of cancer biology and drug discoveries at Chonnam National University, South Korea.

Dr. Katsuko Komatsu Award

Pokhara University, Kaski, Nepal

I was awarded Dr. Katsuko Komatsu Award for significant contributions to the study of crude drugs in the Bachelor of Pharmacy program.

The Janus kinase 1 is critical for pancreatic cancer initiation and progression

Cell Reports

We demonstrated that JAK1 is a key signaling mediator of cytokines that promote mutant KRAS-induced pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. We provided experimental evidence that deficiency in JAK1 prevents tumor formation, and we identified C/EBPd as a critical downstream effector of the pro-tumorigenic functions of JAK1/ STAT signaling.

Highly metastatic claudin-low mammary cancers can originate from luminal epithelial cells

Nature communications

Models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

Dual recombinase action in the normal and neoplastic mammary gland epithelium

Scientific Reports

Efficient tissue-type specific expression of target genes in a tetracycline-controlled manner from the ubiquitously active Eef1a1 locus

Scientific Reports

δ-Catenin increases the stability of EGFR by decreasing c-Cbl interaction and enhances EGFR/Erk1/2 signaling in prostate cancer

Molecules and cells

Janus Kinase 1 Plays a Critical Role in Mammary Cancer Progression

Cell Reports

In this paper, we demonstrated that JAK1 is the pivotal kinase that controls cytokine mediated activation of three STAT proteins in ERBB2-driven mammary cancer cells. We provide experimental evidence that deficiency in JAK1/STAT3 signaling and consequential downregulation of oncogenic targets inhibit migration, tumorsphere formation, and metastatic dissemination of mammary cancer cells.

Hakai, an E3-ligase for E-cadherin, stabilizes δ-catenin through Src kinase

Cellular Signalling

In this paper, we demonstrated that Hakai enhances the stability of δ-Catenin independent of its E3 ligase activity, and while Hakai and δ-Catenin do not physically associate, Hakai stabilizes δ-Catenin through the action of Src kinase. Furthermore, we observed that δ-Catenin mainly localizes in the plasma membrane, regardless of E-cadherin endocytosis after the overexpression of Hakai.

Interaction of EGFR to δ-catenin leads to δ-catenin phosphorylation and enhances EGFR signaling

Scientific Reports

Investigation of the molecular mechanism of δ-catenin ubiquitination: Implication of β--TrCP-1 as a potential E3 ligase

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Cell Research

In this paper, we demonstrated that δ-Catenin is subject to degradation through both the proteasomal and lysosomal pathways, with β-TrCP playing a key role by interacting with δ-Catenin to promote its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Additionally, we found that the primary ubiquitination sites on δ-Catenin are located at Lys1049 and Lys1158.

Role of Janus kinases (JAKs) and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) in mammary gland and pancreas development as well as cancer initiation and progression

Studying the factors affecting adherens junction complexes and function of δ-catenin in cancer