Instructor Profile:
Dr. Indrani Sarkar
Dr. Indrani Sarkar is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Bioinformatics Department at Kalinga University, commencing this role on September 28, 2023. With a diverse professional journey encompassing bioinformatics, research biology, and teaching, Dr. Sarkar has made significant contributions to her field.
In her prior position as a Research Biologist at the University of North Bengal from March 2, 2020, to March 31, 2023, Dr. Sarkar led a team dedicated to critical research during the Covid-19 period. Her focus included developing a drug-repurposing model and screening molecules for syndromes such as Post-Covid Neurodegeneration, Mucormycosis, and Monkey-Pox Virus.
Additionally, Dr. Sarkar held a Visiting Faculty role at the University of North Bengal from March 12, 2020, to March 12, 2021, where she imparted knowledge on the nutritional aspects of different foods and their implications on diverse populations.
Dr. Sarkar earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Bengal, focusing on “Bioinformatic Characterization of selected Actinobacteria with a focus on biotopic diversity.” Her post-doctoral role at the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History concentrated on the bioinformatic analysis of avian mitochondrial genomes, contributing significantly to environmental research.
Educationally, Dr. Sarkar holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Burdwan University, specializing in Bioinformatics in Microbial Genomics.
Beyond academic and research pursuits, Dr. Sarkar actively engages in collaborative research projects, collaborating with researchers globally, including the USA, France, Tunisia, and Portugal. Notable awards include the DBT Young Scientist Award in 2023 and the Research Excellence Award from InSc in 2021. Dr. Sarkar has a prolific publication record, with over 30 research papers and a cumulative impact factor of 116.41, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in bioinformatics and research biology.
Glimpse of Instructor Background
Education Background:
- Post-Doctoral from Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History: Focused on the bioinformatic analysis of avian mitochondrial genomes, contributing significantly to environmental research.
- D. from the University of North Bengal.
- Sc. in Biotechnology from Burdwan University, specializing in Bioinformatics in Microbial Genomics.
Professional Journey:
- Research Biologist at the University of North Bengal (March 2, 2020, to March 31, 2023).
- Led a team during the critical COVID-19 period, focusing on drug-repurposing models and screening molecules against related syndromes.
- Visiting Faculty at the University of North Bengal (March 12, 2020, to March 12, 2021).
- Conducted sessions on the nutritional aspects of various foods and their implications for diverse populations.
Global Collaborations:
- Actively engaged in collaborative research projects with researchers from the USA, France, Tunisia, and Portugal.
Awards and Recognition:
- DBT Young Scientist Award in 2023.
- Research Excellence Award from InSc in 2021.
Research Contributions:
- Published more than 30 research papers with a total impact factor of 116.41.
Dr. Indrani Sarkar brings a wealth of expertise in bioinformatics, research biology, and teaching, making her an ideal choice for presenting course content. Her extensive experience, global collaborations, and recognition in the form of awards and research excellence underline her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
Module-wise course content: Introduction to Basics of Immunology
Module 1: Fundamentals of Immunity
- Definition of immunity and its foundational aspects.
- Exploration of immune system organs and their roles.
- Differentiation between innate and adaptive immunity.
- Significance of lymphoid organs like spleen and thymus.
- Roles of key immune cells: T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
Module 2: Antibody Structure and Function
- In-depth examination of antibody structure, focusing on the Y-shaped configuration.
- Roles of heavy and light chains in antibody function.
- Overview of antibody types: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.
- Exploration of unique functions of each antibody type within the immune response.
- Dynamic interaction between antigens and antibodies.
Module 3: Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Investigation of hypersensitivity reactions as exaggerated immune responses.
- Categorization of hypersensitivity reactions into four types based on immune mechanisms.
- Discussion of causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for hypersensitivity reactions.
- Understanding the spectrum of hypersensitivity, from mild allergies to severe autoimmune conditions.
By progressing through these modules, learners will develop a solid foundation in immunology, covering basic principles of immunity, the intricate interactions between antibodies and antigens, and the complexities of hypersensitivity reactions.
