About me

Geetanjali Tomar

Dr. Geetanjali Tomar

Dr. Geetanjali Tomar qualified the All India Biotechnology Entrance Exam and did her Master’s in biotechnology from School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore in the year 2005. She qualified CSIR-UGC NET in 2004 and joined Dr. Mohan R. Wani’s lab at National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune for her PhD. During her PhD, she identified a novel source of mesenchymal stem cells form dental tissue, gingiva and proved that it was better than bone marrow. Currently she is working as an Assistant Professor at IBB, SPPU and is actively involvevd in teaching and research related activities.

Professional Summary

  • Research Scientist with experience towards contributing to stem cell biology and biomaterial development for tissue engineering applications in regenerative
  • Professional background includes a proven history of working in higher education segment, with 10 years of teaching and research experience as Principal investigator, training both Master’s and Doctoral students, writing scientific articles, maintaining research lab operations, setting up Biosafety facilities and other administrative
  • Vast Experience across many verticals which includes but not limited to running Consultancy for industries throughout India.

Awards

DST INSPIRE Faculty Award

2013

Junior and Senior Research Fellowship for Ph.D

2005 - 2010

Scholarship for M.Sc Biotechnology through Common Entrance Exam conducted by JNU, Delhi

2003

4th rank in the University, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore

2003

Best allrounder students by SICA School Trust, Indore

1999

Experience

July 2021 – present

DST Women Scientist B

Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB), Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune), India

  • Development of thermo-responsive scaffold for regeneration of intervertebral disc. Filed a provisional patent for the same.
  • Working as consultant for industries and generating revenue for SPPU.
June 2019 – June 2021

Assistant Professor

Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB), Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune), India

  • Post-graduate and under-graduate teaching: Subjects including genetic engineering, immunology, animal tissue culture, developmental biology, animal physiology and cell biology.

  • Mentoring 2 Ph.D. students: Broad topics of research – development of biomaterial scaffold for bone tissue engineering; deciphering the signaling pathways involved in maintenance of bone homeostasis.

  • Administrative responsibilities: Syllabus revision, coordination of hiring services, hostel facility, academic calendar; maintenance of Biosafety facility; organization of seminars, guest lectures and student evaluations.

September 2013 – September 2018

DST INSPIRE Faculty

Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB), Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune), India

  • Established interdisciplinary collaborations with Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Centre (DHMRC, Pune), Defense Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT, Pune), Pre- Clinical Research and Development Organization (PRADO, Pune) and other inter-departmental collaborations.
  • Established Stem Cell laboratory at IBB.
  • Developed ovariectomized mice model to replicate post-menopausal osteoporosis.
  • Developed methods to evaluate bone regeneration.
  • Scientific writing and communications.
  • Involved in purchase of high-end equipment including flow cytometer, florescence microscope, biosafety cabinets, incubators, air-showers, dynamic light scattering equipment, cryopreservation units and many other small equipment.
  • Post-graduate teaching, student mentoring and other administrative responsibilities.
  • Guided 4 M.Tech and 10 M.Sc dissertations.
November 2011-September 2013

Research Associate

Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB), Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune), India

  • Post-graduate and under-graduate teaching.
  • Osteogenic activity of gold nanoparticles.
August 2005 – June 2011

Doctoral Research

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India

  • Identified and characterized gingiva as the novel source of mesenchymal stem cells.
  • Established gingiva as a better source of stem cells than bone marrow.
  • Elaborated the signaling mechanism involved in the anti-osteoclast activity of interleukin-3.
  • Developed mice model for collagen-induced arthritis.
  • Developed a cell-seeded live allograft for treatment of gingival recession.
January 2005 - May 2005

Master’s Thesis

School of Life Science, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, India

  • Analyzed polymorphism in mannose-binding lectin gene in asthma patients.

Education

2005-2011

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology

National Center for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India

Topic: Identification and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human gingiva.

2003-2005

Master of Science (M.Sc) in Biotechnology (9.38 CGPA)

School of Biotechnology (SBT), Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, India

2001-2003

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Microbiology

P. M. B. Gujrati Science College, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, India