Nimesha Fernandes

Experience

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  National Institute of Malaria Research

  Jun 2017 - Jan 2018

  Project intern

  Determination Larvicidal Activity using Soil Bacteria and Medicinal Plant extractsAbstract- The search for effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides is critical in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria. This study focuses on isolating and preliminarily identifying sporulating bacteria from natural environments and preparing aqueous extracts from various plant species. A comparative analysis of the larvicidal efficacy of bacterial isolates and plant extracts was conducted. The results demonstrated that several bacterial isolates exhibited significant larvicidal activity, comparable to or exceeding that of the plant extracts. These findings suggest that sporulating bacteria could serve as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides, offering a sustainable and effective approach to mosquito control. The positive conclusion supports the hypothesis, highlighting the potential of these natural agents in reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals for managing mosquito-borne diseases. Show less

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  St. Xavier's College

  Jul 2018 - Oct 2020

  Student

  Postgraduation ThesisIsolation and Characterization of Nicotine Degrading MicroorganismsAbstract- Tobacco is a cash crop worldwide, generating significant economic revenue for developing countries. Approximately 0.0989 million hectares are used annually for tobacco cultivation to extract nicotine, a potent neurotoxin and carcinogen widely used in the cigarette industry. The processing of nicotine-related products produces agro-industrial waste, a major environmental pollutant. Nicotine is considered hazardous when its concentration exceeds 500 mg/kg dry weight in the environment. Despite its toxicity, certain microorganisms can degrade nicotine. This study highlights the importance of nicotine degradation in protecting the environment, with 11 microbial isolates identified as potential degraders through UV-spectrophotometry. Show less

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  National Center for Polar and Ocean Research

  May 2019 - Aug 2019

  Project Intern

  Characterization of Cold Tolerant Bacteria from Arctic Glacial EcosystemAbstract- Glacier ecosystems host diverse bacterial communities essential to glacier dynamics. This study characterized 13 bacterial isolates from the Ny-Ålesund Arctic glacier ecosystem, examining their growth at varying temperatures and salt concentrations, enzyme production, antibiotic sensitivity, and carbon utilization. The results revealed distinct growth patterns and enzyme capabilities, with varied metabolic responses. These findings highlight the functional diversity of glacier-associated bacteria and their significant role in ecosystem processes, supporting the hypothesis that these bacteria possess unique biochemical traits that influence glacier dynamics and environmental interactions. Show less

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  Manipal Hospitals

  Aug 2020 - Dec 2020

  Molecular Biologist
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  Molbio Diagnostics

  Jan 2021 - Mar 2021

  Quality Control Officer

  To check the quality of diagnostic kits before their global release by random sampling technique. This involved selecting a random subset of kits from production batches for thorough testing of their accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. By randomly checking different lots, I was able to identify any defects or inconsistencies, ensuring that only reliable and effective products reached the market.

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  Dr Lawande's Hospital and Medical Research Center

  Apr 2021 - Dec 2021

  Laboratory Technologist

  Oversees daily operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and accuracy in experiments and analyses. I managed equipment, resources, and staff to support research and maintain high-quality standards.

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  South Goa District Hospital

  May 2021 - Oct 2021

  Clinical Microbiologist
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  Stomping Grounds

  Feb 2022 - Apr 2024

  Hygienist

  Overseeing business and administrative processes, Monitor and improve the workforce performance. Audit and supervise BOH and FOH and take care of operational front and procurement of BOH.

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  Agarkar Research Institute , Agarkar Road, Pune 411004

  Nov 2024 - now

  Project Assistant

  DRDO-NRML,Ambernath Sponsored Project 'A comprehensive feasibility study on bio-hydrogen production from organic waste at psychrophilic, mesopholic and thermophilic temperatures'