Aanya Hattangadi
Champaign,IL
Summary
Versatile neuroscience major with extensive experience in research, financial management, project development, and stakeholder communication, with a strong ability to analyze data, implement lab techniques, and drive impactful initiatives across diverse fields.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Finance
CHARM at UIUC
12.2024 - Current
- Managed CHARM’s (Cancer Health, Advocacy, Research and Mentorship) finances, handling debt financing and negotiating favorable terms to minimize borrowing costs.
- Streamlined financial operations by implementing new accounting systems and identifying inefficiencies to lower overhead costs.
- Developed sponsorship proposals and secured partnerships with medical institutions like Carle Health, while planning and budgeting for fundraisers, awareness campaigns, informational events, and merchandise.
Lab Assistant
UIUC, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
08.2024 - Current
- Managed specimen handling, storage, inventory, and ensured sample integrity through proper preparation, aliquoting, and preservation.
- Maintained lab efficiency by calibrating equipment, cleaning surfaces, and organizing supplies and samples.
- Assisted with lab duties, including product filling, labeling, sample testing, and inventory management.
- Learned and applied molecular biology techniques, including making gels for electrophoresis, running thermocyclers for PCR, and administering PCR procedures.
Research Assistant
UIUC School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed lab equipment, including imaging tools, dissection instruments, and preservation agents, ensuring optimal performance and maintenance.
- Practiced and refined brain tissue dissection and tissue preservation techniques.
- Prepared and stained human spinal cord tissue sections using H&E staining protocol; performed deparaffinization, hydration, and histological staining to identify key spinal cord cell types.
- Generated scientific figures from imaging results using EVOS imaging system; compared staining variability across samples to identify tissue origin.
Project Manager
Neurotech @ UIUC
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Designed and developed a brain-cognitive interface to identify and categorize emotions in individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Planned and scheduled an experimental protocol for testing the interface with participant pool from a nearby hospital.
- Fostered effective communication and collaboration among team and executive board members to ensure successful project progression.
- Managed project timelines, milestones, managed budget, and reviewed ethical considerations for working with participants
Co-Founder
NASH
03.2023 - 07.2024
- Designed and developed a doctor-facing app that utilized wearable data to screen patients for psychiatric and neurological diseases.
- Conducted extensive research to identify physiological biomarkers of psychiatric and neurological diseases, examining how these biomarkers change with disease progression.
- Collaborated with biotech companies, including NeuroAge Therapeutics, and secured valuable partnerships through effective communication and strong relationships with industry leaders.
- Navigated legal and clinical requirements to ensure compliance and minimize business risks.
Neuroradiology Research Intern
NIMHANS
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Acquired and applied skills in preprocessing and processing fMRI scans using Philips ViewForum software; utilized MATLAB for data analysis and categorization of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Conducted an in-depth literature review to co-author a paper on structural and metabolic connectivity changes across various types of dementia.
- Administered task protocols to patients during fMRI scans, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.
- Compiled data, documented patient observations and results, and generated clear, timely reports.
Co-Author
Cogworks and Annasawmy Mudaliar General Hospital
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Co-authored the paper "Neuropsychological Consequences of COVID-19" with renowned neuropsychologists and researchers.
- Interviewed a stroke survivor with Balint's syndrome, documenting and narrating her journey through brain injury, diagnosis, recovery, and rehabilitation.
- Gained an in-depth understanding of brain physiology under neurodegenerative conditions, observing the effects of a stroke on brain structure and function.
- Developed strong interview and rapport-building skills, fostering open communication and trust with the subject while maintaining thorough records of responses to construct a detailed narrative.
Research Intern
Bath International Summer School for Biosciences
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Conducted virtual clinical trials on potential anti-cancer agents, identifying the most effective compound.
- Developed expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis, report-writing and essential lab skills, compiling data and assisting in timely research reporting.
- Identified Curcumin as the most effective anti-cancer agent and contributed to the development of research proposals focused on this compound.
- Received an offer of admission to the university based on significant research contributions.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05.2026
High School Diploma -
Head Start Educational Academy
Bangalore, India03.2022
Skills
- Protein analysis methods: Protein purification, Bradford assay, Western blotting, SDS-PAGE, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence protocols
- Tissue handling: Dissecting tissue and organs, tissue preservation, and maintenance
- Lab techniques: Sterilization techniques, lab safety protocols, safe specimen handling, data logging, lab testing, and reporting
- Lab equipment: Lab equipment calibration, high proficiency with wet lab equipment
- Molecular biology: PCR techniques, cell culture techniques
- Technical skills: Proficiency in MRI scan processing software
- Communication: Public speaking, stakeholder communication, and effective interpersonal skills
- Project management: Project planning, management, and development
- Financial Management and Analysis: Financial planning, data analysis, cash flow management, and a strong understanding of accounting principles
Timeline
Head of Finance
CHARM at UIUC
12.2024 - Current
Lab Assistant
UIUC, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
08.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
UIUC School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
08.2024 - 12.2024
Project Manager
Neurotech @ UIUC
10.2023 - 08.2024
Neuroradiology Research Intern
NIMHANS
06.2023 - 08.2023
Co-Founder
NASH
03.2023 - 07.2024
Co-Author
Cogworks and Annasawmy Mudaliar General Hospital
06.2021 - 08.2022
Research Intern
Bath International Summer School for Biosciences
06.2021 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
High School Diploma -
Head Start Educational Academy
Similar Profiles
Hridayam PriyadarshiHridayam Priyadarshi
Course Assistant for Probability with Engineering Applications at Grainger School of Engineering, UIUCCourse Assistant for Probability with Engineering Applications at Grainger School of Engineering, UIUC
Burak OcalanBurak Ocalan
Research Assistant at Prof. Josep Torrellas, UIUCResearch Assistant at Prof. Josep Torrellas, UIUC
Arjun VaidyaArjun Vaidya
Engineering Learning Assistant at Grainger First Year Experience, UIUCEngineering Learning Assistant at Grainger First Year Experience, UIUC