Cytogenetics , Radio protection , Nanogenotoxicity , Automation in cytogenetic image analysis , Genetics of birth defects
About
Dr Sonal Bakshi is a cancer biologist with expertise in cytogenetics of leukemia, in vitro assays of genotoxicity, and genetics of human diseases. She joined Institute of Science in 2010 for academic research in Genetics and Cancer. She is currently teaching courses like Cell Biology, Human Genetics, and Cancer Biology. After MSc in Microbiology from MS University of Baroda, she worked in a clinical research laboratory of Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute where she also completed PhD on cytogenetics of neoplasia from Gujarat University. During her tenure at GC & RI for about 23 years, she worked on leukemia cytogenetics clinical research on patients samples and carried out projects funded by the GSBTM, GUJCOST, and ICMR Indo-German. She had established automation in chromosome studies of leukemia, and also started FISH, m-FISH, and BAC-FISH for the first time which has now become a routine test. With PhD guideship from Nirma University in 2010, three PhD projects are completed on genetic determinants of ideopathic mental retardation, parental and meiotic origin of Down syndrome, and gentoxicity of nanoparticles with funding support from GSBTM and GUJCOST, Govt. of Gujarat. Currently there are three ongoing PhD projects on genetic analysis of spontaneous abortions, and radio protective activity of plant extracts. The Ministry of AYUSH has funded the project which is in collaboration with Institute of Pharmacy. Her collaboration with Institute of Technology is in the areas of automation in image analysis for cytogenetics, and biological effect of exposure to cell phone radiation. Apart from teaching and research she is involved in various activities of the institute and university like; Vice President of Alumni Association, Institute coordinator of University and Alumni Newsletters, worked for DSIR recognition as SIRO for university, coordinator for Students Placement, Student Section, Library council, and Social Extension activity etc.
