Microbiology · Molecular Biology · Biotech

ShreeyaSharma

Doctoral Researcher — Clemson University

Bridging academic discovery and biotech industry. Specialized in microbial genomics, GMP-aligned R&D, and translational research — with 15 peer-reviewed publications and global industry experience.

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Open to Industry Roles
15
Peer-Reviewed
Publications
3+
Years PhD
Research
1yr
GMP Industry
Experience
10+
Undergrads
Mentored
GMPNGSQIIME2qPCRELISAQA/QCRPython
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About

Scientist. Innovator.
Industry-Ready.

From vaccine manufacturing floors in Nepal to genomic research labs at Clemson — a rare blend of regulated industry rigor and cutting-edge science.

I am a doctoral researcher in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson University with a deep focus on microbiology, molecular biology, and translational research relevant to the biotechnology industry. My work spans microbial genomics, gut microbiome modulation, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine efficacy — all with direct applications in biotech product development and quality assurance.

Prior to my doctoral studies, I spent a year as a Research Associate at BIOVAC Nepal, working within GMP-aligned vaccine manufacturing environments. I conducted sterility, potency, and stability testing, collaborated with QA/QC teams, and led a U.S. Department of State Biosecurity Project — sharpening my regulatory mindset and cross-functional communication skills.

I am a fellow of Clemson's competitive Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program, purpose-built to prepare graduate researchers for leadership roles in biotech and life sciences. I am actively pursuing opportunities in R&D, quality, or translational research.

🎓 Education

Ph.D. Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Clemson University · 2024–Present

M.S. Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Clemson University · 2022–2024 · GPA 3.85

🌍 Global Perspective

Research spanning U.S. and Nepal, including USAID's PREDICT global surveillance initiative and U.S. Embassy-funded biosecurity projects.

📣 Science Communication

2nd Place, Clemson Three Minute Thesis (2025). 1st Place, CAFLS 3MT (2023). Invited presenter at PSA, ASM, IPPE, and multiple national conferences.

Technical Expertise

Core Competencies

A comprehensive toolkit spanning wet lab, bioinformatics, regulatory compliance, and data science — built for modern biotech.

01
🧬

Molecular Biology

DNA/RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, primer design, cDNA synthesis, gel electrophoresis, amplicon sequencing (Illumina), NGS library preparation.

qPCRRNA-seqIlluminaNGS
02
🦠

Microbiology

Microbial culture, cell culturing, CFU enumeration, qPCR, ELISA, sterility & potency testing, in vivo probiotic administration, histopathology, BSL-1/BSL-2.

qPCRCell CulturingELISABSL-2SterilityCFU
03
💻

Bioinformatics

QIIME2, DADA2, SILVA/RDP, Mothur, Phyloseq, MaAsLin2, LEfSe, FastQC, VSEARCH, PyMol, NCBI BLAST, UCSC Genome Browser.

QIIME2DADA2RPython
04
📋

GMP & Regulatory

GMP-aligned workflows, SOP development, stability testing, IACUC protocols, USDA biosecurity standards, CITI training, QA/QC documentation.

GMPSOPIACUCQA/QC
05
📊

Data Analysis

R, GraphPad Prism, Python, Bash/Shell scripting, ArcGIS, machine learning, statistical modeling, high-performance computing (HPC).

RPythonMLHPC
06
🐾

Animal Research

In vivo animal trials, necropsy, clinical observations, hematological & biochemical profiling, IACUC-compliant experimental design.

In vivoNecropsyIACUC
Career

Work Experience

Industry and academic positions that built a versatile, industry-ready researcher.

Aug 2022 – Present · Clemson, SC

Graduate Research Assistant

Clemson University — Dept. of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
  • Conducted independent and collaborative research resulting in 15 peer-reviewed publications, including one in Nature Scientific Reports.
  • Applied molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR) to evaluate gene expression across tissues.
  • Ran high-throughput amplicon sequencing to profile gut microbiomes using QIIME2 and DADA2 bioinformatic pipelines.
  • Collaborated with AGRITX Biotech on an industry project in molecular diagnostics for poultry samples.
  • Developed SOPs for laboratory workflows, assay execution, and compliance documentation.
  • Trained and supervised ~10 undergraduate researchers in laboratory and compliance protocols.
Aug 2021 – Jul 2022 · Kathmandu, Nepal

Research Associate

BIOVAC Nepal — Vaccine Manufacturing
  • Supported vaccine R&D and quality testing in a GMP-aligned manufacturing environment.
  • Conducted sterility, potency, and stability testing using ELISA and culture-based assays.
  • Collaborated with QA/QC and production teams on batch quality evaluation.
  • Prepared SOPs, technical reports, and regulatory documentation.
  • Led a U.S. Department of State Biosecurity Project and participated in biosafety risk assessments.
Kathmandu, Nepal

Research Intern

Centre for Molecular Dynamics Nepal — USAID PREDICT Project
  • Contributed to the USAID-funded PREDICT global surveillance initiative targeting zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential.
  • Gained early exposure to biosecurity protocols and global health research frameworks.
Research Output

Selected Publications

15 peer-reviewed
publications
01
Sharma, S., Seekatz, A., Alizadeh, M. et al. Early-life supplementation of poultry-derived lactobacilli drives microbial succession and gut immune modulation in broiler chickens.
Scientific Reports (Nature) · 2026
IF 3.9
02
Naguib, M., Comfort, S.O., Sharma, S., et al. Mucosal Delivery of Chitosan Nanoparticle-Based Subunit Vaccine Enhances Resistance Against Campylobacter jejuni.
Vaccine (Elsevier) · 2025
IF 4.5
03
Sharma, S., Kaur, S., Naguib, M., et al. Major Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens in Poultry: Implications for Human Health and Probiotic Mitigation Strategies.
Microorganisms · 2025
IF 4.2
04
Abdelaziz, K.; Sharma, S.; Naguib, M.; Stamatikos, A. Epithelial–Macrophage Crosstalk in Host Responses to Campylobacter Infection.
Microorganisms · 2025
IF 4.2
05
Naguib, M., Sharma, S., et al. A multi-antigen subunit vaccine enhances antibody-mediated immune response against Campylobacter in layer breeders.
Poultry Science · 2025
IF 4.2
06
Sharma, S., Kulkarni, R.R., Sharif, S., et al. In ovo feeding of probiotic lactobacilli differentially alters expression of genes involved in immunological maturation of bursa of Fabricius.
Poultry Science · 2024
IF 4.2
07
Sharma, S., Alizadeh, M., Pratt, S., et al. Differential expression of key immune markers in the intestinal tract of developing chick embryos.
Veterinary Sciences · 2025
IF 2.3
08
Poudel, A., Sharma, S., et al. Antimicrobial stewardship hindered by inadequate biosecurity practices and inappropriate antibiotic usage in poultry farms of Nepal.
PLoS ONE · 2024
IF 3.75
View all 15 publications →
Recognition

Honors & Awards

Competitive fellowships, research prizes, and international recognitions.

🏅

2nd Place – Clemson 3 Minute Thesis

Clemson University · Nov 2025

🏆

Wade Stackhouse Fellowship

Clemson University · Sep 2025

🔬

Interdisciplinary Research Fellowship

Clemson University · 2024 & 2025

✈️

Graduate Travel Grants

IPPE 2025 & PSA 2025

🌟

1st Place – CAFLS 3 Minute Thesis

Clemson Research Symposium · 2023

🐣

Morgan Poultry Fellowship

Clemson University · 2023

💊

Merck–WVA Scholarship

World Veterinary Association · 2018

🏅

Nominated – Outstanding Graduate Student in Research

Clemson University · 2025

Service & Leadership

Leadership & Community

Contributing to the academic community through elected governance, peer review, and service to fellow graduate researchers.

01
🏛️

Senator — Graduate Student Government

Elected senator representing graduate students within Clemson's Graduate Student Government (GSG), advocating for student interests in university policy and resource allocation.

GSGElectedGovernance
02
💼

Treasurer — CAFLS Graduate Student Association

Treasurer of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Graduate Student Association, overseeing budget management and financial planning for graduate programming.

CAFLS GSATreasurerFinance
03
📝

Peer Reviewer — 10 Manuscripts

Reviewed 10 manuscripts for leading Springer Nature journals including Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, BMC Animal Microbiome, and Nature Scientific Reports.

Springer NaturePeer Review10 Reviews
Professional Development

Involvements & Training

Fellowships, workshops, and programs that have shaped a well-rounded, industry-ready researcher.

✍️

Graduate WAC Fellow

Pearce Center for Professional Communication · Clemson University

🧠

ClemsonThinks

Critical Thinking Workshop · Clemson University

🧬

NEB RNA-seq Workshop

New England Biolabs · RNA Sequencing & Library Prep

💻

CUGBF Genomics & Bioinformatics Workshop

Clemson University Genomics & Bioinformatics Facility

🚀

A2i Fellow

Accelerate to Industry Program · Clemson University

💡

Fellow — Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Clemson University · Entrepreneurship & Venture Development

🌐

Council Member — Youth Council

U.S. Embassy · Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement

🏛️

Fellow — Entrepreneur Incubation Program

Smithsonian Institution · Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Let's Connect

Ready to Bring Science
to Industry

Actively seeking biotech industry roles in R&D, quality, or translational research. Let's discuss how my background can contribute to your team's mission.

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