Dr. Kumar Nikhil

Assistant professor 

Dr. Kumar Nikhil has 15+ years of research experience in cancer biology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from IIT Roorkee (2015) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Purdue University, USA (2015–2020), focusing on kinase signaling and drug target discovery in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. He has published 53+ peer-reviewed research articles in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Cancer Letters, and Journal of Cell Science. In 2020, he received the prestigious Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (DBT, Govt. of India). He previously served as Assistant Professor at BITS Pilani and, since March 2023, has been at KIIT University. His research focuses on targeted cancer therapeutics, drug discovery, kinase signaling, and neurodegeneration models.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

PhD in Biotechnology form IIT Roorkee

COURSE EXPERTISE

Applied and Advanced Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Advanced Microbial Technology, Stem Cell Technology, and Analytical Instrumentation and SOP

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Understanding the biology of tumor microenvironment, Targeting tumor stroma micro-environment by use of natural product, Understanding the role of different kinase in regulating tumor stroma biology, Identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer

Administrative Responsibilities

Co-ordinator for M. Sc Biotechnology and M. Sc Applied Microbiology, Faculty in charge of Animal Cell Culture facility.

Awards and Achievements

  • DBT-Ramalingaswami Fellowship award (2020).
  • Received first prize for Oral presentation in 2018 Annual Symposium of Indiana Basic Urological Research Program and IUSCC Genitourinary Cancers (2018).
  • Recipient of CSIR-JRF and SRF (2009-2014).
  • Qualified DBT-JRF, Department of Biotechnology Government of India (2009-2010).
  • Qualified GATE (2008 and 2009).
  • Received DBT-CREBB Fellowship during M.Sc (2007-2009).
  • Gold Medal by Ranchi University for securing top rank in BSc. Biotechnology (2004-2007)

Outreach Activity

  • Peer Reviewer: Served as a reviewer for high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, Journal of Advanced Research, Frontiers in Bioscience Landmark, Annals of Medicine (Elevate), PLOS ONE, and PeerJ.
  • Editorial Role: Member of the Editorial Board for the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.
  • Academic Engagement: Delivered invited talks and lectures at various institutes and universities, contributing to knowledge dissemination and academic collaboration.

Professional Membership

  • DBT Ramalingaswami Fellow,
  • Member: Indian Association for Cancer Research (IACR).
  • Life Member: Society for reproductive biology and comparative endocrinology (SRBCE)

Projects & Consultancies

  • Understanding the role of PIM1 kinase in modulating tumor-stroma crosstalk in PDAC. From Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, 2020-2025. (Rs 1.136 CR)
  • Deciphering the role of CDK5 on pancreatic cancer growth by tweaking the communication between the tumor and the stroma around it”. From ANRF Govt. of India, 2025-2028. (Rs 67.45 lakh)
  • Identification of LIMK as a novel prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for oral cancer. From DST-WISE KIRAN, 2025-2030. (Rs 33.69 lakh)