Dr. Franklin Herbert

Office Location: Pinn 4017

Email: hdf2cb@virginia.edu

My research journey is fueled by a profound interest in the cellular mechanisms underlying health and disease. In the laboratory, we concentrate on creating fluorescent protein-based biosensors and their application in live cells and animal models to comprehend disease pathophysiology and innovate new therapies. Currently, my focus involves utilizing FLIM microscopy for biosensor quantification and development, offering detailed insights into cellular processes at the organelle level. This precision enables us to uncover unprecedented details about cell function. Outside of research, I enjoy playing the guitar and have experience as a heavy metal vocalist. I have a passion for photography, aspire to be a skilled barista, review audio equipment as an audiophile, and actively participate in badminton and table tennis.

Current position:

Research Associate 05/2024-present

Previous Education and Professional Experiences:

Research Associate, CIIR, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, 09/2022 – 04/2024. “An IL10Ra-Mediated Regulation of T Regulatory Cells by Myeloid Cells in Acute Kidney Injury”.

ICMR Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Stem Cell Research & VIT, Vellore, 02/2021 – 08/2022. “PTEN modulated, CNS primed, Hypoxia induced MSC-laden chitosan hydrogel as a multifaceted approach to decipher molecular mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets in spinal cord injury.”

Ph.D. in Biotechnology, CSCR, CMC Vellore, 12/2014 – 06/2020. “Targeted therapy by PTEN modulation for functional recovery in Spinal Cord injury”. Project – “A novel multifaceted approach to widen the therapeutic window of spinal cord injury in SCID mice model using human stem cells and/or PTEN modulation in axons by inducible shRNA”.

M.Sc. in Genomics, Madurai Kamaraj University, 11/2013 – 04/2014. “Alleviation of Experimentally Induced CKD in Rats by Improving the Stress Responsive Signaling by Ethanolic [6]-Shogaol rich Ginger Extract.”

Summer Intern, Dept. of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, CMC, Vellore, 05/2013 – 07/2013. “SNP Genotyping of PAX4 by HRM in Clinical Subjects of MODY”.

B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (Exchange Student), School of Health and Medical Sciences, Orebro University, Sweden, 01/2009 – 06/2009. “Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay as a Diagnostic Aid in the Detection of Antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and in the probable Association between Periodontitis and Atherosclerosis”.

Clinical Experience:
Medical Laboratory Technologist, Dept. of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, CMC, Vellore, 05/2010 – 05/2012.
MLT Intern, CMC, Vellore, 12/2008 – 11/2009.

Publications:

See Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=1y_14oEAAAAJ&hl=en