Shahin Sheik
Clinical Virologist
Profile
Shahin Sheik
Clinical Virologist
Greetings, dear readers! Welcome to my personal blog, where I, as a public health virologist, aim to share insights, knowledge, and updates on the fascinating world of viruses and their impact on public health. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to studying the intricate dynamics between viruses and human populations, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and control. In this blog, I’ll dive into the latest research, breakthroughs, and emerging trends in virology, while shedding light on the importance of public health interventions and strategies to combat viral outbreaks. Together, we will explore the ever-evolving field of virology, decode complex concepts, and unravel the mysteries surrounding these microscopic entities that can significantly influence our lives. Join me on this journey to stay informed, educated, and empowered as we navigate the world of viruses and strive for a healthier, safer future for all.
Resume
Resume
Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Certificate course in Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Methodology
03.2020
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Methodology through our rigorous Certificate course, equipping you with essential skills for analyzing health data and conducting impactful research.
- Enhance your expertise in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Methodology with our specialized Certificate course, providing practical knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and contribute to evidence-based public health practices.
Manipal University
MSc Clinical Virology
09.2012 - 11.2014
I have done Master’s degree in Clinical Virology, a course primarily focussed on Public Health Virology.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)
09.2007 - 06.2011
I have done my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and interned there.
Employment
Hortman Stem Cell Laboratory
Laboratory Supervisor
04.2022 - Present
As a seasoned Laboratory Supervisor specializing in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, I am dedicated to driving cutting-edge research and ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory. With a background in life sciences, I bring extensive experience to the table, overseeing day-to-day activities, maintaining a culture of safety and compliance, and managing resources efficiently. Leading a team of talented researchers, I foster collaboration, provide guidance, and coordinate impactful research projects in adherence to rigorous protocols. My commitment extends to implementing quality control measures, managing state-of-the-art equipment, and facilitating meticulous data analysis. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the forefront of scientific discovery in the realm of stem cells and regenerative medicine.
G42 Healthcare
Senior Laboratory Researcher
04.2021 - 03.2023
As a professional in the field of DNA sequencing and laboratory management, my expertise encompasses a range of crucial responsibilities. These include Illumina DNA library preparation, managing sample inventory, tracking, and library planning. I also coordinate laboratory activities within my team, ensuring smooth operations. Additionally, I perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleic acid using advanced instruments such as Nanodrop and Qubit. I excel in library preparation using the Illumina DNA PCR free protocol, employing both manual and automated processes with the Tecan freedom evo and Opentrons OT-2 systems. Furthermore, I am proficient in setting up and maintaining the NovaSeq 6000 sequencer, handling reagent cartridges and flowcells, and loading samples for sequencing. I also conduct thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis of the generated sequence data. Finally, I contribute to sample sheet preparation and collaborate with the bioinformatics team for seamless data analysis and interpretation.
Manipal Institute of Virology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Clinical Virologist
11.2015 - 05.2021
I held many roles and responsibilities and worked under various research projects as follows.
Senior Research Officer (Project Co-ordinator) | Jul 2019 – May 2021
Department of biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India funded ‘Translational Research Consortium for Establishing Platform Technologies to Support Prophylactic and Therapeutic Strategies for Dengue Discovery to Proof-of-Concept’ and Department of biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India funded ‘Translational research consortium for Chikungunya virus’ (PI: Dr G Arunkumar)
Research Officer | Oct 2018 – Jun 2019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA funded ‘Burden and Risk of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Geographical Zones of India (BRIDGE)’. (PI: Dr G Arunkumar)
Laboratory Manager | Mar 2018 – Sep 2018
World Health Organization – Southeast Asia Regional Office (WHO-SEARO) funded ‘Comprehensive sentinel surveillance for Influenza A (H7N9) in India’. (PI: Dr. G Arunkumar)
Study Manager | Nov 2015 – Feb 2018
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA (CDC) funded ‘Hospital Based Acute Febrile Illness Surveillance (AFI) in India. (PI: Dr. G Arunkumar)
As a researcher, I lead the flow cytometry and Luminex laboratory, utilizing my hands-on expertise in BSL 2 and BSL 3 environments. I am well-versed in virological techniques, such as TCID50, PRNT, HA, HAI, classical virological and molecular techniques. Genomic sequencing using Sanger and Illumina MiSeq platforms, cell culture, virus isolation, ELISA, ELISPOT, and TaqMan array are all part of my repertoire. Furthermore, my proficiency extends to planning and designing biosafety laboratories, including BSL 2, BSL 3, and BSL 4 facilities.
Having served as a Quality Manager in the country’s largest NABL-accredited virology laboratory in compliance with ISO 15189:2021, I possess a thorough understanding of quality management systems in diagnostic virology.
As an academician, I contribute to the education of master’s students, lecturing on subjects such as basic virology, systemic virology, flow cytometry, laboratory design, cell culture techniques, and parasitology. With my wealth of practical experience and in-depth knowledge, I aim to inspire and educate the next generation of virologists.
Overall, my multidimensional expertise in clinical virology, research, laboratory management, quality assurance, and academia positions me as a valuable asset to any team or institution in the field of virology and public health.
Recognition
Chief Ministers Award
For outstanding effort to control Nipah Virus oubtreak
2016
In 2018, India faced a severe public health crisis with the outbreak of the Nipah virus. Originating in the state of Kerala, the Nipah virus outbreak sent shockwaves throughout the country and garnered global attention. The virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans, caused a range of symptoms, including fever, respiratory distress, encephalitis, and, unfortunately, a high mortality rate. Swift action was taken by the Indian government and health authorities to contain the outbreak, implementing rigorous surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control measures. The collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, virologists, epidemiologists, and public health officials played a crucial role in minimizing the spread of the virus and providing timely medical interventions. The Nipah virus outbreak in India served as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by emerging infectious diseases and highlighted the importance of preparedness, rapid response, and international cooperation in safeguarding public health.
My Skills
Public Health Virologist
Language Skills
Research Publications
Research
, 2022. Molecular epidemiology of enteroviruses associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease in South India from 2015 to 2017.  Arch Virol 167(11):2229-2238
2021. Current Status of Chikungunya in India.  Front Microbiol 12:695173
, 2021. Genetic analysis of Enterovirus D68 associated with pneumonia in children from South India.  J Med Microbiol 70.
, 2019. Adaptive Immune Responses in Humans During Nipah Virus Acute and Convalescent Phases of Infection.  Clin Infect Dis 69(10):1752-1756
Publication list retrieved from NCBI using ImpactPubs
.Other Things That I Do
Other Things That I Do
Travel and Photography
Welcome to my world of exploration and wanderlust! I have a deep passion for traveling, venturing into new destinations, and immortalizing the essence of these experiences through the lens of my camera. Join me on a visual journey as I traverse diverse landscapes, capturing the unique and breathtaking moments that unfold during my adventures.
Discover the hidden gems, cultural treasures, and natural wonders that I’ve encountered on my travels. Through my lens, I aim to not just document places but also convey the emotions and stories embedded in each frame. From the bustling streets of vibrant cities to the serene beauty of remote landscapes, every destination has a tale to tell, and I strive to narrate these narratives through my photography.
As you navigate through my collection, may you feel the same sense of awe and inspiration that fuels my love for exploration. Whether you’re a fellow travel enthusiast or someone seeking a virtual escape, I invite you to immerse yourself in the visual tales of my journeys. Let the images speak volumes about the diverse and captivating world we inhabit. Explore with me, and let the beauty of each destination unfold before your eyes.
Writing my views about infectious diseases
I specialize in Public Health Virology and have a keen interest in writing about global occurrences related to infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on human viruses. My focus is on sharing insights and observations on the ongoing developments in this field.
Contacts
Contacts
Let’s Keep In Touch
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