Dr. Smitha PK has been involved in translational research, developing various molecular diagnostic and immune theragnostic products for past 15 years. She has been trained extensively in molecular biology and immunology during her PhD days (Bharathiar University) and over one and half decade long stint with the biotech Industry. She is an expert in making and characterizing monoclonal hybridoma as well as recombinant antibody and proteins. Her PhD, though in plant biotechnology, revolved around molecular and immuno-assay development utilizing nano-materials. Her product research and development capabilities are displayed by her publications and 2 patents. Another patent towards a screening platform development is on the way. Industry experience in leadership roles gives her an edge in forming and running an independent Product Research Program in active collaboration with the research teams of MSMF. She has active collaborations with IISc and other academia. Currently, she is pursuing her passion of novel therapeutic development to treat cancer utilizing the immune weapons. Diagnostics, that she develops, are by-products of her research!

Understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and drug resistance is essential in order to develop clinically viable models that predict susceptibility to tumour development or resistance to treatment. Molecular profiling of head and neck cancers to identify the changes during carcinogenesis and drug resistance, assessing the known markers from the available databases are the main approaches adopted in the lab. Additionally, the role of CSCs in the processes is being explored. Carcinogen induced animal models are the major tool to assess their role in a systematic manner and these studies have already been initiated. CSCs have long been associated with treatment resistance; drug resistant cell lines been developed in the group are being used to delineate the underlying mechanisms.