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Nikitha Shekara

Also known as: Nikitha S

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Research areas: Psychology · Developmental and Educational Psychology · Student Stress and Coping · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Stress and Burnout Research

ORCID iD 0000-0002-0508-0535
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About

I am a clinical virologist with expertise in molecular diagnostics, infectious diseases, public health, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) research. My work focuses on understanding the epidemiology of viral infections, advancing diagnostic capabilities, and translating research findings into public health interventions.

Over the years, I have contributed to HPV diagnostics, screening programs, outbreak investigations, and research projects aimed at improving disease prevention and control. I have extensive hands-on experience in molecular and serological techniques, including PCR, genotyping, ELISA, cell culture, virus isolation, TCID50 and plaque assays, immunofluorescence assays, and diagnostic assay implementation. My research interests include HPV epidemiology, cervical cancer prevention, infectious disease surveillance, and translational virology.

I have played a key role in establishing and coordinating HPV diagnostic services, testing thousands of clinical samples, developing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and serving as a point of contact for HPV testing and clinician engagement. I have also been actively involved in the execution and management of research grants, including patient recruitment, sample collection and processing, laboratory testing, data management, scientific reporting, and manuscript preparation.

As part of my laboratory responsibilities, I actively contributed to National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation-related activities for our virology laboratory. This experience provided me with expertise in preparing and reviewing laboratory SOPs, implementing quality management systems, maintaining quality assurance and quality control practices, and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards and regulatory requirements.

I have received training in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory practices and biosafety protocols, with hands-on experience working in BSL-2 laboratory facilities while adhering to stringent biosafety and biosecurity guidelines for handling infectious agents and clinical specimens.

In addition to research, I am passionate about teaching and mentoring students. I have delivered lectures and practical training in Cell Biology, Food Microbiology, Disaster Management, Intellectual Property Rights, Molecular Diagnostic Techniques, and Laboratory Biosafety. I enjoy bridging the gap between research, diagnostics, and public health practice to create meaningful healthcare impact.

I am always interested in opportunities for collaboration in virology, molecular diagnostics, public health, infectious disease research, laboratory quality management, and global health initiatives.

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Publications (4)