Sanika Bodas
Omaha
Summary
Versatile biomedical scientist with expertise in cancer biomarker discovery, molecular genetics and interdisciplinary research. Adept at molecular and cellular biology techniques, DNA methylation analyses, bioinformatics, and stem cell research, with a strong foundation in translational medicine and clinical diagnostics. Proven ability to bridge scientific research with real-world applications to make a measurable impact biomedical and healthcare innovation. Skilled in scientific research, data analysis, and strategic problem-solving, with experience leading cross-functional collaborations and contributing to interdisciplinary projects that drive advancements in oncology, regenerative medicine, and molecular diagnostics. Strong background in research project management, optimizing protocols, and developing innovative biomarker-based diagnostic tools.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Doctoral Research Assistant
University Of Nebraska Med Center
Omaha
08.2019 - Current
- Designed and Executed Innovative Molecular R&D Studies: Uncovered novel epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms driving NRP2 overexpression in aggressive prostate cancer through conceptualization and integration of in vitro, in vivo and patient tissue data.
- Applied Advanced Bioinformatics to Drive Data-Driven Insights: Analyzed and established the DNA methylation profile of NRP2. Analyzed 500+ TCGA/SU2C patient samples with R (DESeq2), achieving 95% accuracy in correlating NRP2 methylation with expression. Processed 10+ RNA-seq and ChIP-seq datasets, streamlining hypothesis generation and enhancing mechanistic understanding of NRP2 regulation in prostate cancer.
- Developed and Validated Biomarkers for Precision Medicine: Identified NRP2 promoter hypomethylation in cell-free DNA as a therapy resistance biomarker in 20 ADT-resistant patients using NGS-based methylome sequencing, detecting 70% differential methylation between responders and non-responders. Quantified NRP2 expression via IHC in 29 high-grade patient tissues, revealing 80% positivity in metastatic cases vs. 40% in non-metastatic, positioning NRP2 as a prognostic marker for R&D pipelines.
- Advanced Therapeutic Target Identification and Development: Established NRP2 as a candidate for therapies like efzofitimod, contributing to 2 potential treatment strategies through mechanistic insights and in vivo validation, aligning with R&D goals for novel oncology therapeutics.
- Collaborated with 5+ cross-functional team members (bioinformaticians, clinicians) across continents to integrate findings into 3 clinical research proposals, accelerating translation from bench to bedside.
- Demonstrated Scientific Leadership and Communication Excellence: Presented research findings on various platforms, including multimedia and podcasts, earning recognition and showcasing ability to communicate complex data to R&D stakeholders.
- Mentored 3 junior researchers, boosting lab productivity by 30% through training in molecular techniques and bioinformatics, demonstrating leadership in team-driven R&D environments.
Student Research Assistant
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Newark
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Characterized dental phenotypes using micro-computed tomography (microCT), revealing up to a 17% increase in enamel mineral density in knockout mice.
- Conducted nanoindentation testing to quantify mechanical properties, demonstrating a 1.5-fold increase in enamel hardness and stiffness.
- Performed RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry to assess differential gene expression in ameloblasts, identifying downregulation of ameloblastin and upregulation of KLK4 and MMP20 as key mechanisms driving the altered enamel matrix phenotype.
- Established and maintained ex vivo organ cultures of murine ameloblasts with surrounding tissue, validating epigenetic findings through pharmacologic EZH2 inhibition (GSK126).
- Executed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and contributed to advanced image analysis, revealing structural densification of enamel rods.
- Co-authored a peer-reviewed publication in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, providing foundational evidence for the epigenetic control of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions in odontogenesis.
Associate General Dentist
Dr. Piyush Halkare
Pune
06.2016 - 04.2017
- Diagnosis & Treatment: Conducted thorough clinical evaluations, formulated treatment plans, and delivered procedures such as restorations, extractions, root canal therapies, and oral prophylaxis.
- Patient Management: Delivered compassionate and clear communication to ensure patient understanding and satisfaction, particularly among anxious or pediatric patients.
- Infection Control & Safety: Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols and cross-contamination prevention in line with the highest clinical standards.
- Interdisciplinary Coordination: Collaborated with specialists when necessary, ensuring continuity of care for complex cases involving prosthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery.
- Efficiency & Workflow: Managed a high-volume practice environment with effective time management and prioritization of care without compromising quality.
- Preventive Education: Empowered patients with knowledge about oral hygiene and long-term preventive care, contributing to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Molecular Genetics And Cell Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE07.2025
Master of Science (MS) - Oral Biology
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Newark, NJ05.2019
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) - Dental Surgery
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
Nashik, India05.2014
Skills
- Molecular Genetics
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biomarker Discovery
- DNA Methylation Analysis
- Bioinformatics
- Genomic & Transcriptomic Data Analysis
- R&D Project Management
- Translational Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Stem Cell Culturing
- Immunohistochemistry
- Strategic Problem-Solving
- Histology & Pathology
- Cryosectioning
- Autopsy Specimen Processing
- Nucleic Acid Isolation
- CfDNA Extraction
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- QPCR
- Protein Quantification
- FISH
- Advanced Confocal Microscopy
- Stable Lentiviral Transduction
- In-vivo Cre-lox Systems
- Conditional & Inducible Gene Knockouts
- Primer Design
- MicroCT Analysis
- BioRender
- GraphPad Prism
- Aperio ImageWare
- DataScan
Academic Leadership
- Graduate Student Association, UNMC, Interprofessional Education Chair, 2021, 2022, Led interprofessional education initiatives., Spearheaded problem-based learning events.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, Student Representative, 2022, 2023, Planned and executed educational and social events.
Honors And Awards
- UNMC Assistantship and Fellowship, 08/2023 - 05/2024
- UNMC Assistantship and Fellowship, 08/2022 - 05/2023
- Research Topic Podcast by OncologyTube, Featured in an interview discussing prostate cancer research., https://www.oncologytube.com/video/40939/sanika-bodas-phd-unmc-aacr22-prostatecancer-understanding-neurophilin2-upregulation?channelName=AACR
- Secured Third Place for Oral Presentation at the Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum, 02/2021, Awarded Certificate and $100 reward
- Third Place for Poster Presentation at Balbo Day, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
- Best Dissertation Award in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at MUHS, India
Computational Tools
- BioRender
- GraphPad Prism
- Aperio ImageWare
- DataScan
Affiliations
- Running
- Cooking
- Reading
Timeline
Doctoral Research Assistant
University Of Nebraska Med Center
08.2019 - Current
Student Research Assistant
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
06.2017 - 05.2019
Associate General Dentist
Dr. Piyush Halkare
06.2016 - 04.2017
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Molecular Genetics And Cell Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Master of Science (MS) - Oral Biology
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) - Dental Surgery
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
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