Sripriya Nannu Shankar, Graduate Research Assistant at University of Florida, Seeking a Postdoc or a Faculty Position in USA

SRIPRIYA NANNU SHANKAR, University of Florida

     Abstract Number: 650
     Working Group: Meet the Job Seekers

Abstract
My PhD research is directed towards testing an aerosol exposure system mimicking the human respiratory system, for in vitro toxicological assessment of airborne particles. Briefly, I am (1) establishing a tool to predict delivered doses as an alternative to offline dosimetry methods; (2) developing a platform to represent global and local deposition as might occur in human lungs and (3) simulating wildfire burning in the laboratory to evaluate the impact of inhaling combustion byproducts, based on size-fractionation.

Recently, I secured an NIH TL1 predoctoral grant, through which I will be studying the impact of microplastic fibers on 3D cultured cells at the air-liquid interface, under in vitro conditions. Aside from inhalation toxicology, I have been contributing to different ongoing projects in our research group. When the pandemic started in 2020 (just when I started my PhD program), I initiated and led a student sampling team to assess the role of aerosols in transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Our efforts proved the role of aerosol transmission, and the knowledge contributed to revision of WHO/CDC guidelines and enforcement of mitigation strategies, to protect the public from exposure to the virus. Since then, I have been leading field sampling at different settings and training other students on conducting field studies. Furthermore, together with other engineers and public health experts, our group is developing a point-of-care tool to detect viruses in the air.

Aside from research, I am involved in several professional activities across the campus. I am the President of AAAR-student chapter at UF, campus ambassador for UF’s Responsible Conduct of Research program, etc. With skills and knowledge in interdisciplinary research, I hope to accomplish my long-term goal of contributing to the knowledge gaps in bridging aerosol science, public health, and biology. As much as I enjoy research and expanding my knowledge, I love mentoring and look forward to training future engineers and contribute to their learning.

Anticipated availability: Fall 2023/Spring 2024

E-mail: snannushankar@ufl.edu