Dr. Aditya Parekh (Founder) (Ex- IIT Kgp, NCBS, Johns Hopkins)

Hello, I'm Aditya Parekh, a dynamic professional with an academic background in Life Science. Having graduated from IIT Kharagpur with a strong research background, I have experience working at esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, National Centre For Biological Sciences (TIFR), Anant National University, and IndiaBioscience, at both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Throughout my journey, I have served in various capacities, as a researcher, teacher, practitioner, and director. My passion lies in working in the domain encompassing career transition, skill development, and policy discussions. In the past, I have contributed to building resources, conducting talks, workshops, and organising events. Through the current venture, NaviClar, I strive to remain committed to making a positive difference by smoothening the career navigation journey for thousands of students.

Who we are

Dr. Mansi Srivastava (Postdoctoral fellow @ TIFR)

I completed my graduation from Hindu College, Delhi University and post-graduation from School of Life Sceinces, Jawaharlal Nehru University (SLS-JNU). Following my interest in research, I joined CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad for my PhD (2017-2023). My experience in various institutions across India has been very enriching. My experinece so far has facilitated interactions with students from diverse academic backgrounds. I think, we do not get the right resources to explore our strengths and build a career that we are best suited for. The path to transit into non-academic scientific careers in India is not laid out well. The vision of Naviclar resonates very well with the present requirements of students who are persuing higher education in Life Sciences in Indian institutes. The sustainability and progress of the scientific community is dependent on how well each component of the community is connected with the other, and we are trying to facilitate that.

Sakshi Poddar (PhD scholar @ NISER Bhubaneswar)

I am Sakshi Poddar, currently pursuing PhD in molecular microbiology from National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar. I have always been a science enthusiast. My journey started with a bachelor’s in biotechnology, zoology and chemistry from Bajaj College of Science, Nagpur University. followed by master’s in biochemistry from Pune University. The passion for research and something to do for the betterment of society was cultivating inside. Therefore, I got associated with initiatives like NaviClar and ASAR (Association for Socially Applicable Research), which aim to make a strong life science community in India and help to bridge between research and society. I feel connected to the vision of NaviClar that aims to build a strong life-science community in India and I believe that’s the need of the hour. As I am interacting with more and more students as a part of my role at NaviClar, I feel the need for more career awareness and exposure, which we aim to address shortly. Any small help that we as a NaviClar team can provide to our fellow life science people makes me feel happy.

Lead: Student engagement

Lead: Social Media and Outreach

Lead: Database and outreach

Parnika J Prakash (Project Associate, ICON)

I am Parnika J Prakash, recently completed my master's degree at MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore. I completed a BSc in Biotechnology from Government Science College, Hassan. I have hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics. I have worked on research projects focusing on molecular docking, phagosome maturation, and immunity characterization. Currently I am interning at JNCASR, Bengaluru at chronobiology and neuroscience unit to further enrich my expertise. I am passionate about contributing to scientific discoveries and I aspire to make meaningful contributions to the field of biotechnology. I am driven to be associated with NaviClar because of its mission to alleviate the career journey challenges faced by life science students and early career researchers and I think this the thing what life science graduates actually need right now. I am very happy to be one among them where I am aiming to contribute meaningfully to enhance my career as well as help my fellow mates .

Arun G S (M.Sc @ NCBS, Researcher)

Dr. Smita Jain (Associate Director @ CACTUS)

Smita is an enabler, mentor, and leader with 17+ years of experience in science promotion, communication, and business development and has a Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. With a history of working in the biotechnology industry at the start of her career trajectory, Smita had great stints at C-CAMP and IndiaBioscience, in the fields of science administration, management, and communication. Her purpose to 'empower researchers' has remained the motivation behind each of her stints so far.
At CACTUS, Smita is responsible for managing and growing the CACTUS business across academic, corporate, and government sectors and forging trusted relationships.

Advisor

Our Advisors

Lead: Industry engagement

Driving Execution

Kshyama Subhadarsini Tung (PhD Scholar @ NISER Bhubaneswar)

I am Kshyama, currently pursuing PhD at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, working on Cellular Immunology, particularly Viral Immunology. I have been an academic nerd my whole life and have a strong interest in microbiology and immunology. I aim to pursue a career in the biotechnology RnD sector. Outside of my academic pursuits, I love painting and art, which allows me to express my creativity and find balance in my life. As a passionate supporter of the future of Indian life science students, I deeply resonate with NaviClar's mission. The journey through of life science students can often be fraught with uncertainty, and the need for clarity and guidance is paramount. NaviClar's dedication to providing the necessary tools and insights ensures that students are well-informed and well-prepared to step into the industry confidently. Working at NaviClar has been a fulfilling experience for me, as it allows me to contribute to this meaningful mission and helps me connect with and develop my creative side.

Lead: Design

Our Supporters

Ms Sneha Khedkar

Freelance science journalist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehakhedkar/

Dr Chandan K Das 

Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Pennsylvania

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandan-kanta-das-phd-11460729

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Members

Members consist of core team members, advisors, and supporters. They are researchers, students, professionals, and free-lancers.

Live Projects

We are currently working with students and industry professionals on four different projects

Events

Successfully completed two events and three more in pipeline.

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Testimonials