Open to opportunities

Kavya Elango

@kavyaelango

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Oncology genomics and CRISPR researcher focused on variant analysis and cancer diagnostics.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a collaborative, research-driven role where I can apply CRISPR and oncology genomics to genetic variant analysis and cancer diagnostics, contribute strong bioinformatics and reporting, and communicate science clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

I’m a recent UC Merced graduate with an emphasis on Molecular Biology specializing in oncology genomics and CRISPR technologies. I thrive at the intersection of genetic variant analysis, bioinformatics, and cancer diagnostics, and I enjoy collaborating across teams to turn complex data into actionable insights.

In my hands-on experience, I analyzed peer-reviewed CRISPR applications in cancer therapeutics with a 3-person team and built public-facing communication around the work through a Google site. I also supported genotoxicity-focused learning by applying discovery and validation techniques and building toward genotoxicity report writing, while developing scientific communication protocols for diverse audiences.

My research foundation also includes informatics-driven work such as designing and analyzing DNA primer sets using NCBI BLAST for comparative genomic analysis and improving sequence alignment performance by 80% for therapeutic target identification. From clinical oncology case studies to field data collection with 95% data completeness, I consistently deliver clear reporting, strong attention to detail, and results-oriented collaboration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Student Consultant - Genotoxicity

The Build Fellowship

Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 (1 month)

Identified genotoxicity concerns for CRISPR and reviewed discovery/validation approaches. Learned biological licensing applications (BLAs), genome editing tools, and how to write a genotoxicity report.

Genotoxicity Analysis Bioinformatics Biologics License Applications (BLA)Cross Functional Collaboration

Student Consultant - Science Comms

The Build Fellowship

Mar 2025 - May 2025 (2 months)

Delivered public science engagement presentations to community groups. Developed scientific communication protocols tailored to diverse audiences.

Presentation Public Engagement Scientific Communications Protocol Development Cross Functional Collaboration Community Outreach

Undergraduate Researcher - Sexton Lab

Sexton Lab

Jan 2024 - May 2025 (1 year 4 months)

Collected field data across multiple sites with 95% data completeness. Standardized data collection protocols with a 4-person team and applied statistical analysis to environmental datasets supporting genomics research.

Field Data Collection Data Quality Management Statistical Analysis Datasets Team Collaboration Genomics Data Analysis

Trainee - Global Mentorship

Global Mentorship Initiative

Jan 2025 - Mar 2025 (2 months)

Strengthened professional networking strategies for the pharmaceutical and research sectors. Completed a structured mentorship program focused on biotechnology career development.

Professional Networking Mentorship

Student Consultant - CRISPR Research

The Build Fellowship

Aug 2024 - Oct 2024 (2 months)

Analyzed peer-reviewed CRISPR applications in cancer therapeutics with a 3-person team. Built a public-facing Google site to engage the academic community and presented findings to diverse audiences.

CRISPR Applications Presentation Public Engagement Team Collaboration Bioinformatics

Student Consultant - Cancer Genomics

Cancer Genomics Internship

Jul 2024 - Jul 2024 (0 months)

Collaborated with a 4-person team on informatics analysis of clinical oncology cases. Assessed the clinical significance of genetic markers and created a clinical oncology report based on a genomic profile.

Genomics Genomic Profile Reporting Informatics Analysis Team Collaboration

Research Associate

Informatics Analysis Project

Feb 2024 - May 2024 (3 months)

Designed and analyzed DNA primer sets using NCBI BLAST for comparative genomic analysis. Performed sequence alignments, improving therapeutic target identification accuracy by 80% and producing precision-medicine research reports.

Primer Comparative Genomic Analysis Sequence Alignment Bioinformatics Reporting Precision Medicine RStudio Python Primers

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of California, Merced

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biology (Molecular and Cell Biology Emphasis)

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Molecular and Cell Biology emphasis) at UC Merced in August 2025, with a focus on molecular biology and oncology-related genomics and CRISPR technologies.