For a focused and hardworking person, truly sky is the limit to achieve goals. 

Nilisha Pokhrel is one such gem who has caught attention overseas with her brilliance in and after her BTech Biotechnology. Hailing from Nepal, the girl is all set to make a mark in the field of Biotechnology. In fact, her research papers are in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Cancer Research. And, they have been much applauded. Also, she has received 18 citations so far.

Nilisha began her ambitious career at Sharda University. Here she was enrolled in BTech Biotechnology course from 2011-2015.

She cleared GRE and TOEFL securing very high scores and got direct admission for the Ph.D. program in Marquette University, Wisconsin, USA (2015-2021). Pokhrel was also got the Charles O’Hara Scholarship from the University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Enzymology and Biophysics. Besides being a graduate student, she is also a teaching assistant at the varsity. Her research area is ‘understanding how ATPases function through biochemical approach’.

In her own words “Transcription termination is an important step in the synthesis of the proper length of RNA. Senataxin (Setx) is a helicase which interacts with two other proteins Nrd1 and Nab3 to form Nrd1-Nab3-Setx (NNS) complex for an effective transcription termination. Mutations in Setx generates small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). They are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 4 (ALS4) and Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia (AOA2). I have an interest in the biochemical characterization of the interaction between NNS complex and transcription bubble including its role in transcription termination.”

Nilisha has a multi-faceted personality. While pursuing her B.Tech degree at Sharda, she was active in co-curricular activities. She was a member of the core committee, Contrivance Fest 2014.

Also, of Dance, Fashion in Chorus (Annual Fest) 2012, 2013, 2014. In fact, she participated in Biotechnology Innovations and Opportunities 2013 organized in the campus.

She recently attended the Genetic Code Expansion Conference held at Oregon and the 4th Midwest Single Molecule Workshop 2016 at Iowa.

More About BTech Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a highly interdisciplinary science that combines biological sciences with engineering technologies. In fact, vast researches are conducted to manipulate living organisms and biological systems to produce products that advance healthcare, medicine, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and environment control. Specifically, genomic sequencing technology, natural alternatives to pesticides, production of biofuels and developments in stem cells technology are some of the best innovative fields and extensions of this stream.

Indian companies that offer fulfilling careers to graduates in biotechnology include Biocon, IFGL Bioceramics Limited, Orbees Medical, Invitrogen, GlaxoSmithKline, Reliance Life Sciences, CTS Life Sciences, Dr.Reddy’s Labs, Cipla, Jubilant Life Sciences, Wockhardt, Torrent Pharma, Cadila Healthcare and Ranbaxy.