VIJAYA KOPPISETTI
PROFILE
Microbiology postgraduate with research experience in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), molecular diagnostics, and microbial biotechnology. Hands-on expertise in antibiotic susceptibility profiling, multiplex PCR, conjugation assays, in vivo infection modelling, and GABA biosynthesis from marine isolates. Seeking research positions in microbiology or infectious disease laboratories.
Research Interests:
Antimicrobial resistance · Molecular epidemiology · Host-pathogen interactions · Marine microbial biotechnology
EDUCATION
M.Sc. Microbiology
Aug 2024 – May 2026GITAM University, Visakhapatnam
Dissertation: Isolation, OFAT Optimisation & Molecular Characterisation of GABA-Producing Marine Bacterial Isolates (Supervisor: Prof. K.V. Chaitanya)
PGDip Biomedical Science (Clinical Microbiology)
Jan 2023 – Apr 2024Swansea University, UK
Project: Characterisation of NDM-1 Positive Bacterial Strains — AST, Transmission & Fitness (Supervisor: Dr. Jon Tyrell)
B.Sc. Biotechnology
Jun 2019 – Apr 2022Affiliated to Andhra University, India
RESEARCH & LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
Isolation & Optimisation: Isolated marine bacterial candidates; applied OFAT optimisation (pH, temperature, carbon/nitrogen sources) to maximise GABA production by isolate MSN-1
Molecular ID: Performed DNA extraction, 16S rRNA PCR, and gel confirmation; submitted product for Sanger sequencing; interpreted BLAST results identifying MSN-1 as Escherichia fergusonii
Purification: Purified GABA from fermentation extracts using ion-exchange chromatography (Amberlite IRA-400); quantified yield by spectrophotometry and colorimetric assays
Laboratory Internship
May – Jun 2025GITAM University, Visakhapatnam
Media preparation, sterilisation, Growth Promotion Testing (GPT), instrument calibration, and SOP-compliant culture maintenance
AST: Disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer), MIC by agar dilution (colistin), and broth microdilution (cephalexin) on 33 NDM-1 positive Enterobacteriaceae; interpreted using EUCAST v13.0
Multiplex PCR: Screened all isolates across 6 panels for virulence genes (fimH, fyuA, iutA), CTX-M enzymes, and mcr colistin resistance genes; confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis
Conjugation Assay: Demonstrated NDM-1 plasmid horizontal transfer in 28/33 isolates using dual selection (cephalexin + sodium azide)
Galleria mellonella Assay: Assessed virulence of transconjugants via larval survival curves at 24/48/72 h; Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-rank test (p=0.0024)
Growth Rate Analysis: OD600-based growth curves; calculated doubling times to assess fitness cost of NDM-1 plasmid
KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS
- AST Methods:Disc diffusion, MIC agar dilution, MIC broth microdilution; EUCAST/CLSI interpretation
- Molecular:Multiplex PCR, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, 16S rRNA sequencing, NCBI BLAST
- Biochemical:Spectrophotometry, colorimetric assays, ion-exchange chromatography, OFAT optimisation
- Microbiology:BSL-2 isolate handling, aseptic technique, Gram staining, media prep, GPT, McFarland standards
- Quality:ISO 15189, GCP (ICH-GCP E6 R2), HACCP, GMP, SOP compliance, CAPA, internal audit
CERTIFICATIONS
- ISO 15189:2022 – Medical laboratory quality and competence standards
- Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP E6 R2) – Data integrity and regulatory compliance in research
- FoSTaC Advance Manufacturing (FSSAI) – GMP-based hygienic manufacturing practices
- HACCP Implementation – Hazard analysis and critical control points
- Internal Auditor Training – SOP compliance, audit procedures, and CAPA
VOLUNTEERING
- Volunteer – Superbugs Public Engagement Programme, United Kingdom (science communication in infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance)
- Committee Member – Inclusivity Week 2023, Swansea University
- National Service Scheme (India) – Medical check-up camps and community health outreach
REFERENCES
- Prof. K.V. Chaitanya:Dissertation Supervisor, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam
- Dr. Jon Tyrell:Research Supervisor, Swansea University Medical School, UK