NIRESHINI REDDY
Doctoral Researcher – Physiological Science
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Summary
Interdisciplinary biomedical scientist with PhD-level training in physiological sciences, specialising in cancer biology, nanobiotechnology, and preclinical research. Experienced in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies, including ethically approved animal models, to generate robust efficacy and safety data for therapeutic development. Proven ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear, actionable outputs. Seeking an R&D or preclinical research role within biotech, pharmaceutical, or translational research environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Writing Consultant
Stellenbosch University
02.2025 - 12.2025
- Developed strong relationships with clients through effective communication skills and genuine interest in their success as writers.
- Provided constructive feedback on drafts, helping clients refine their ideas and arguments for maximum impact.
- Collaborated with clients on revising and editing a variety of documents, ensuring coherence and clarity.
- Served as a valuable resource for clients by providing expert advice on various formatting styles, research methods, and citation guidelines.
Practical demonstrator
Stellenbosch University
02.2023 - 10.2024
- Assisted undergraduate students during biology laboratory practicals by explaining experimental procedures and underlying biological concepts
- Provided guidance on laboratory techniques (e.g., pipetting, sample preparation, microscopy, basic assays)
- Ensured compliance with laboratory safety protocols and proper waste disposal
- Supported lecturers and senior demonstrators with setup, troubleshooting, and cleanup of practical sessions
- Helped students interpret results and understand sources of experimental error
Language Consultant
MPC Connect
09.2019 - 01.2020
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' language skills, enabling targeted instruction and measurable progress tracking.
- Designed interactive activities that promoted active learning while building client confidence in using target languages more effectively in real-life situations.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing tailored language consultation services based on their specific needs.
Practical demonstrator
Nelson Mandela University
03.2018 - 11.2018
Education
Ph.D. - Physiological Science
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa 04.2001 -
Master of Science - Nanoscience
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biochemistry
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Physiology
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Preclinical & Translational Research
Design and execution of ethics-approved in vivo and in vitro cancer studies
Generation of efficacy and mechanistic data to support therapeutic evaluation
Independent experimental planning, optimisation, and troubleshooting
Nanobiotechnology (Applied Therapeutics)
Green synthesis and optimisation of gold nanoparticles for biomedical use
Physicochemical characterisation linked to biological performance
Integration of nanomaterials into cell-based and animal cancer models
Molecular & Cellular Assays
Cell culture-based functional assays
Protein and nucleic acid analysis (Western blotting, PCR, ELISA)
Quantitative assessment of treatment response
Imaging & Analytical Methods
Fluorescence and brightfield microscopy
Electron microscopy image analysis
Spectroscopy-based analysis of nanomaterials
Data Analysis & Scientific Reporting
Statistical analysis of experimental datasets
Python-based data analysis and visualisation
Scientific writing for theses, manuscripts, and reports
Timeline
Writing Consultant
Stellenbosch University
02.2025 - 12.2025
Practical demonstrator
Stellenbosch University
02.2023 - 10.2024
Language Consultant
MPC Connect
09.2019 - 01.2020
Practical demonstrator
Nelson Mandela University
03.2018 - 11.2018
Ph.D. - Physiological Science
Stellenbosch University
04.2001 -
Master of Science - Nanoscience
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biochemistry
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Physiology
Nelson Mandela University
04.2001 -
Short Courses/Training
South African Veterinary Council Competency Training – SAVC, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town
- Rigorous training in animal ethics and para-veterinary procedures
Amira – Avizo Software Image Analysis – Thermo Fisher Scientific, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town
- Workshop on visualizing, processing, and quantifying electron microscopy image data
Introductory Course in Laboratory Animal Sciences: The Ethics, Care & Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes – University of Cape Town, Cape Town
- Foundational understanding of ethical principles, responsible care practices, and regulations for humane and scientifically sound use of animals in research
Associations and Conferences
NanoAfrica Conference (22nd), 2022 – Poster presentation (3rd Prize)
Physiological Postgraduate Student Society (PPSS), 2023 – Treasurer
Micro Manufacturing Convergence, 2024 – Presentation (1st Prize)
Faculty of Science Postgraduate Conference, 2025 – Presentation (4th Prize)
Research Outputs
44th Federation of European Biochemistry Society Congress, Krakow, Poland, 6–11 July 2019
- “Can Cannabis change the fate of diet-induced mitochondrial stress associated with obesity and diabetes in Wistar rats?” (N. Beukes, N. Reddy, J. Swan, R-A. Levendal, C.L. Frost)
United Kingdom Patent Application, 2025 – Gold nanoparticles for treating breast cancer (Application No. 2506050.0), filed through Stellenbosch University
References
Prof AM Engelbrecht – Supervisor, Cancer Research Group, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Phone: +27 83 207 7835 | Email: ame@sun.ac.za
Prof WJ Perold – Co-supervisor, SAND Group Supervisor, Department of Electronics and Electromagnetics Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Email: wjperold@sun.ac.za
Dr Sanjeev Rambharose – Co-supervisor, Bio-Inspired Drug Delivery Research Group, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Email: sanjeevr@sun.ac.za
Prof Ben Loos – Head of Department, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Email: bloos@sun.ac.za
Veronique Human – Molecular Laboratory Manager, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Email: vrhuman@sun.ac.za
Prof Saartjie Roux – MSc Supervisor, Associate Researcher, Department of Physiology, Nelson Mandela University
Phone: +27 83 299 8308 | Email: saartjie.roux@mandela.ac.za