DK Deepakshi Kasat
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Deepakshi Kasat

San Diego, CA dkasat@ucsd.edu LinkedIn Google Scholar deepakshikasat.com

Summary

Molecular and cell biology scientist with 4+ years of experience across assay development, automation, therapeutic characterization, and computational biology. Experienced in designing high-throughput screening assays, building reproducible analysis workflows, and translating biology into model-ready datasets and technical requirements. Strong communicator who works across scientists, engineers, automation teams, and data science partners at the intersection of biology and technology.

Education

University of California San Diego 09/2021-06/2023
M.S. Bioengineering San Diego, CA
  • Thesis: Role of Type I Interferon in Tumor Progression and Immune Cell Function.
  • Scholarships: JN Tata Endowment Scholarship; Tata Education and Development Trust Scholarship.
  • Relevant coursework: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Tissue Engineering, Business in Biotechnology, Mathematical Methods in Bioengineering.
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College 08/2016-10/2020
B.E. Biotechnology Mumbai, India
  • Ranked 2nd in the department; Branch Ambassador Award; Placement Envoy Award.

Core Competencies

Assay Development and Validation: High-throughput NGS and cell-based assays for oligonucleotide safety, flow cytometry biomarker assays, padlock probe assays, RT-qPCR workflows, RNA accessibility, uptake, target engagement, tissue-distribution concepts, ELISA, western blotting, immunoassays, luminescence assays, and assay validation logic.

Automation and High-Throughput Screening: Automated liquid handling using Tecan Fluent, Hamilton STAR, Echo, and Integra systems; plate-based screening; dose-response workflows; operator guides; troubleshooting systems; training materials; Benchling and Labguru workflows.

Molecular and Cell Biology: Primary neurons, cardiomyocytes, immune cells, and iPSC-derived models; NGS library preparation; RNA-seq concepts; transfection; RNA pulldown; primer design; CRISPR workflows; flow cytometry panel design and analysis; confocal and high-content imaging.

Computational Biology and AI/ML Engineering: Python, pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, XGBoost, matplotlib, seaborn, regular expressions, reproducible pipelines, data QC, FAIR data principles, predictive modeling, statistical inference, model performance metrics, and biology-focused data products.

Professional Experience

Elsie Biotechnologies / GSK 08/2024-Present
Senior Researcher San Diego, CA
  • Developed and supported high-throughput in vitro assay platforms for oligonucleotide therapeutic characterization and safety assessment.
  • Designed assay workflows for complement activation, hepatotoxicity, caspase activation, immune-cell profiling, uptake, and target-engagement studies.
  • Led automation strategy and execution for core screening assays, including liquid-handling workflows, operator guides, troubleshooting documents, and training materials.
  • Built reproducible Python workflows for assay data QC, normalization, visualization, feature engineering, and interpretable analysis.
  • Contributed to AI/ML-enabled predictive modeling for ASO safety by translating experimental context into structured datasets, model inputs, validation logic, and cross-functional technical requirements.
  • Developed hit-picking and prioritization strategies that connected assay biology, statistical thresholds, and decision-making criteria.
  • Collaborated with biology, automation, computational, and engineering stakeholders to align experimental design with scalable data infrastructure.
Creyon Bio 09/2023-08/2024
Researcher Carlsbad, CA
  • Conducted high-throughput safety screening of RNA therapeutics using primary cortical neurons and cardiomyocyte models.
  • Optimized culture and assay conditions for primary neurons and iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte toxicity assessments.
  • Performed high-content imaging and confocal microscopy workflows for neurite outgrowth, GCaMP expression, and oligonucleotide distribution analysis.
  • Supported targeted sequencing workflows for transcript quantification and ASO effectiveness assessment.
  • Authored Python scripts for imaging data analysis, single-cell analysis, hazard scoring, statistical summaries, and visualization.
Gilead Sciences 06/2022-08/2022
Technical Intern V Foster City, CA
  • Supported clinical study report drafting and medical writing workflows in a regulated clinical development environment.
  • Contributed to lean writing initiatives focused on clarity, consistency, structure, and document efficiency.
  • Collaborated with Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Clinical Research, and Medical Writing stakeholders on clinical documentation.
Bui Lab, UC San Diego 03/2022-06/2023
Graduate Researcher San Diego, CA
  • Investigated Type I interferon signaling in tumor progression, cancer stem cell plasticity, and immune-cell function.
  • Performed multi-color flow cytometry, cell culture, macrophage assays, tissue processing, and functional characterization experiments.
  • Analyzed RNA-seq and pathway-level data to connect STAT signaling, immune response, and tumor biology.
  • Contributed to scientific writing and publication development for a review on interferon biology and cancer therapy response.
University of California San Diego 2021-2023
Teaching Assistant and Reader San Diego, CA
  • Supported Scientific Writing, Revelle Writing, and BENG 162 Biotechnology Laboratory courses.
  • Led CRISPR-Cas9 lab instruction, discussion sections, grading, office hours, and thesis-level writing feedback.
Cactus Communications / Editage 08/2020-08/2021
Journal Submission Specialist Mumbai, India
  • Prepared 1000+ manuscripts and journal submission packages across biology, life sciences, and social sciences.
  • Managed journal formatting, author correspondence, quality assurance, submission readiness, and editorial operations.

Selected Publications and Presentations

Selected Academic and Technical Projects

Scientific Communication, Leadership, and Service