Harshal Sawant
PhD (Biomedical Research) , MSc (Pharmacology & Toxicology)

Translational Research on Extracellular Vesicles, Metabolic Diseases & Neurovascular Disorders | Pharmacist Scientist | Aspiring Post-doc Scientist in Academia/Biopharma/CRO

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Bridging Discovery and Patient Care

Unique blend of Biomedical Science, Pharmacology & Toxicology and Pharmacy training

I am a driven PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences with 6 years of integrated pre-clinical, clinical, and translational research experience, committed to bridging the gap between discovery and patient care. My expertise lies in designing and executing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful applications.

With a strong foundation in biomedical research, I am highly motivated to apply my skills in the biopharma industry or clinical trial sector, where I can contribute to drug development, regulatory processes, and innovative therapeutic solutions. I thrive in collaborative, cross-functional environments and am eager to leverage my scientific expertise to drive impactful advancements in healthcare.

Core Research Expertise
Experimental Design

Designing and executing complex pre-clinical and translational research studies with rigorous scientific methodology and reproducible protocols.

Pharmaceutical Research

Deep expertise in drug development processes, pharmacology, and therapeutic innovation with a focus on translational applications.

Clinical Research

Comprehensive experience in clinical trial coordination for Phase II and III trials, regulatory compliance, and bridging laboratory discoveries to patient outcomes.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Interpreting complex scientific data, statistical analysis, and drawing actionable insights for research advancement. Softwares: GraphPad Prism, SPSS and R.

Multitasking

Handled 4 different projects at the same time yielding quality data evident with number of publications.

Technical Expertise & Laboratory Skills

Proficient in a wide array of laboratory techniques, ensuring high-quality experimental execution and data generation across various research domains.

Molecular Biology

Expertise in PCR, qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA, and DNA/RNA extraction for genetic and protein analysis.

Seahorse analysis for mitochondrial functional screening.

Experienced in advanced methods such as LC-MS, AAV, CRISPR-Cas9, Gene editing and transcription.

Cell/Bacterial/Organoid Culture

Skilled in mammalian cell lines and primary cell cultures, maintaining sterile conditions for diverse experimental setups.

Experienced in the isolation, propagation, and identification of diverse bacterial strains. Established a method for bacterial-extracellular vesicle isolation.

Proficient in the 3D-culture and maintenance of human-derived gastrointestinal and brain organoids.

Microscopy

Proficient in fluorescence and confocal microscopy for detailed cellular and tissue imaging and analysis.

Animal Handling

Experienced with rodent models (C57BL/6, db/db, ob/ob, hypertensive), various drug administration routes (IP, IV, SC, PO), meticulous tissue collection and Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion survival surgery (MCAO, ishemic stroke mice model).

Flow Cytometry & Nanoparticle tracking analysis

Skilled in multi-color flow cytometry for cellular characterization, including immunophenotyping and cell cycle analysis.

Expert in characterizing extracellular vesicles and synthetic nanoparticles using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis.

Histology & IHC

Comprehensive skills in tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and immunohistochemistry for pathological assessment.

Current Doctoral Research
Marshall UniversityJuly 2022 - May 2026
PhD in Biomedical Research

Thesis: Role of Adipocyte-derived exosomes in cerebrovascular complications of diabetes

Mechanistic Investigation

Unravelling the mechanistic involvement of hyperglycemic adipocyte-derived exosomes in causing detrimental effects in the neurovascular unit, including human primary brain microvascular endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells.

Functional Assessment

Studying the effect of diabetic adipocyte-derived exosomes on the sensory motor and cognitive functioning of the brain of mice to understand real-world neurological impacts.

Stroke Pathology

Determining the role of adipocyte-derived exosomes in ischemic stroke paired with diabetic conditions to identify therapeutic targets.

Cargo Profiling

Screening the cargo contents, such as proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, lipopolysaccharides, and other bioactive molecules of adipocyte-derived exosomes in normal versus diabetic conditions.

Research Impact & Achievements
6+
Years

Integrated research experience across pre-clinical, clinical, and translational domains

20
Publications

In the field of neurovascular and metabolic diseases, extracellular vesicles

$1.5M
Project Value

Led major research project through experimental design and management

15+
Protocols

Standardized protocols implemented with 75% reduced assay variability

10+
Researchers

Trained and mentored on complex instrumentation and analytical techniques

90%
Success Rate

Achieved in complex MCAO surgery procedures for stroke research

50%
Efficiency Gain

Reduction in processing time through technical optimization projects

Transforming Research Operations

Throughout my research career, I have consistently delivered measurable improvements in laboratory efficiency, research quality, and team capability. My work has resulted in significant cost savings, accelerated timelines, and enhanced reproducibility of experimental results.

By establishing fully operational research facilities and implementing rigorous quality control measures, I have created sustainable frameworks that enable cutting-edge biomedical research. My research contributions are to the fields of extracellular vesicles, cerebrovascular and metabolic diseases. My optimization of exosome extraction and purification protocols increased yield by 50%, directly impacting the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of therapeutic development.

These achievements reflect my commitment to excellence in scientific research and my ability to drive meaningful improvements in complex research environments.

Professional Research Experience
1
Doctoral Researcher

Marshall University | July 2022 - May 2026

Leading doctoral research on diabetic adipocyte-derived exosomes in cerebrovascular complications of diabetes, investigating mechanistic pathways in the neurovascular unit and cognitive function.

2
Research Assistant III

Marshall University | January 2021 - July 2022

Established fully operational research facility, led $1.5M project on application of Endothelial Progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicles in ischemic stroke, trained 10+ researchers, and achieved 90% success rate in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion survival surgery in mice.

3
Research Assistant II

Wright State University | October 2020 - December 2020

Led $50K research project on profiling inflammatory extracellular vesicles in intracerebral hemorrhage patients, and molecular investigations on miR-210 primed endothelial progenitor cell-derived exosomes in ischemic stroke. Contributed to 3 peer-reviewed publications.

4
Graduate Research Assistant

Wright State University | January 2019 - March 2020

Investigated Angiotensin II Type 1A Receptor effects in renovascular hypertension model, managed laboratory operations with 100% protocol compliance, presented at 3 international conferences.

Key Research Projects
Diabetic Adipocyte Exosomes in cerebrovascular complications of diabetes

Current doctoral research examining how diabetic adipocyte-derived exosomes impact neurovascular function, cognitive performance, and cerebrovascular complications through comprehensive cargo profiling and functional studies.

Exploring extracellular vesicles released from probiotic and pathogenic bacteria for their potential to affect brain health

Studying the therapeutic potential of probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus and E. coli Nissle 1917) derived extracellular vesicles in cerebrovascular complications in diabetes.

Profiling exosomes as biomarkers or therapeutic agents in endometriosis patients

Screening the exosomal miRNA cargo contents of endometriosis patient’s serum, tissue and peritoneal fluid samples.
Evaluating the effects of exosomes extracted from an endometriosis patient (serum, tissue and peritoneal fluid) on the brain in vitro.

Establishing the creatine transporter as a novel therapeutic target of inflammatory bowel diseases

Investigating the mechanisms of impaired creatine transport in inflammation.
Exploring creatine supplementation as a long-term adjuvant therapy for inflammatory bowel disease management.

Academic Credentials & Certifications


My educational journey reflects a progressive deepening of expertise from pharmaceutical sciences through pharmacology and toxicology to advanced biomedical research, creating a comprehensive foundation for translational research.

Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Sciences - Marshall University (July 2022 - May 2026)
  • Master's degree, Pharmacology and Toxicology - Wright State University (August 2018 - May 2020)
  • Bachelor's degree, Pharmacy - Savitribai Phule Pune University (July 2014 - July 2018)
Professional Certifications
  • Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)Clinical Research - CITI
  • Coordinator Certification (CRC) - CITI
  • Indian Pharmacy License - Pharmacy Council of India
  • Aseptic Animal Survival Surgery - CITI
  • Working With Animals In Biomedical Research - CITI
  • Medical Research - CITI
  • Toxicology in Drug Discovery and Development - Rutgers
  • GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus) - CITI
  • Six Sigma Green Belt
Recognition & Publications
Invited Oral Presentation at DDW 2026

Oral presentation supported by travel award (Biomolecules) and Early Carer Investigator VIP mentoring session.

Certificate of Excellence

$500 cash price for Oral Presentation at 'Research Day 2025', Marshall University.

Digitally moderated poster presentation at AHA Scientific Sessions 2025

Digital moderated poster presentation supported by departmental travel award.

Research Showcase

Oral Presentation at Marshall University Creative Symposium 2024, representing department of Biomedical Sciences for it's research and excellence.

Selected Publications

The miR-210 Primed Endothelial Progenitor Cell Exosomes Alleviate Acute Ischemic Brain Injury - Extensive research article demonstrating therapeutic potential of bioengineered exosomes in stroke treatment.

The profile of inflammatory extracellular vesicles in intracerebral hemorrhage patients - Clinical research article presenting predictive relationships between patient outcomes for intracerebral hemorrhage patients and extracellular vesicles.

A Simplified Method for the Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles - Methodological advancement improving efficiency and reproducibility of exosome research protocols.

Neurovascular Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Adipocyte-Derived Exosomes - Co-corresponding authored review article discussing current knowledge and gaps of Adipocyte-derived exosomes in T2DM-associated cerebrovascular complications.

For a comprehensive list of publications and full access to research, please visit my NCBI My Bibliography profile.

Let's Connect
Ready to Collaborate

I am actively seeking opportunities in the biopharma industry or clinical research organizations where I can apply my extensive research expertise to drive drug development, regulatory processes, and innovative therapeutic solutions. My unique combination of pharmaceutical knowledge, translational research experience, and proven track record in project management positions me to make immediate contributions to your organization.

Whether you're looking for expertise in extracellular vesicle research, neurovascular disorders, metabolic diseases, or clinical trial coordination, I bring a collaborative mindset and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes.

I thrive in cross-functional environments and am eager to leverage my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication to advance healthcare innovation. Let's discuss how my background aligns with your organization's goals.

Contact Information

Location: Huntington, West Virginia, United States 25701


Areas of Expertise
  • Extracellular Vesicles Research
  • Neurovascular Disorders
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Translational Research
  • Clinical Trial Coordination
  • Drug Development


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