Ishita Kumar

Georgia Institute of Technology

Doctor of Philosophy, Bioengineering • Aug, 2021 — May, 2026

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering • Sep, 2017 — May, 2021

Cumulative GPA 3.953/4.300

Georgia Institute of Technology

Study Abroad • Spring 2020

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Teaching Assistant • Sep, 2020 — Dec, 2020

For CENG1600 — Biotechnology and its Business Opportunities

• Held office hours to help students with course assessments, with a focus on explaining biological concepts

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Research Assitant • Jun, 2020 — Present

Used shotgun proteomics technique to study the differentially expressed proteins in persister and resuscitated E. coli cells

• Analyzed the data using advanced bioinformatic tools
• Wrote a research paper identifying possible metabolic pathways required for persister resuscitation

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Research Assitant • Jun, 2019 — Aug, 2019

Mimicking membraneless organelles found within cells using the phenomenon of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)

• Wrote a literature review covering the definition, function, formation, and future scope of membraneless organelles
• Suggested analytical methods to identify whether LLPS has occurred in laboratory experiments
• Received UROP Grant

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Research Intern • May, 2018 — Aug, 2018

Continued studying the degradation of photovoltaic cells’ encapsulate, this time by conducting regular experiments with encapsulate additives as a variable

• Focused on quantifying the degradation observed and analyzing the data

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Research Intern • May, 2016 — Aug, 2016

Researched on the degradation of photovoltaic cells’ encapsulate, ethyl-vinyl acetate

• Wrote a report on the mechanisms of degradation and possible additives that accelerate the process

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Engineering Student Ambassador • Sep, 2019 — May, 2018

Represent the HKUST School of Engineering at events such as Info Day and other recruitment events

• Mentor students who are considering pursuing engineering

American Institute of Chemical Engineers Chem-E-Car Competition 2019

Team Captain • Jun, 2019 — Nov, 2019

Created a miniature car that can travel up to 30 meters with weights using a chemical battery and a specialised braking mechanism

• Lead the university team for the international AIChE Annual Chem-E-Car Competition 2019 in Orlando, Florida

American Institute of Chemical Engineers, HKUST Chapter

Chapter Vice President • Sep, 2018 — Sep, 2020

Organize events for Chemical Engineering students to give insight about the field and for professional development

• Manage the executive committee and handle marketing and communication
• AIChE Outstanding Student Chapter Award

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Deputy Head Student Ambassador • Jan, 2018 — Present

Represent HKUST in college fairs, high schools, and undergraduate recruitment

• Mentor current and new Student Ambassadors

HKUST Sustainable Campus Leadership Program

Project Leader • Aug, 2017 — May, 2018

Designed a prototype of an aquaponics plant

• Pitched our project to HKUST professors and potential sponsors
• Received HKUST Sustainable Campus Leadership Award

Organizational leadership

I have several years of experience leading groups in both social and academic environments. My skills include public speaking, mentoring, and coordinating people and events.

Software

Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, ASPEN, STRING, Comet MS/MS, ProteoWizard

Languages

English & Hindi (Native); French (Intermediate); Mandarin (Basic)

HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund

HKSAR Government • 2020 — 2021

Award of HKD 80,000 for non-local outstanding students to further their studies in Hong Kong

HKSAR Government Reaching Out Award

HKSAR Government • 2019 — 2020

To support meritorious students who participate in international competitions

Awardee at the Ceremony Honoring Students' Academic Excellence

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology • 2019

An award given to students who have appeared on the Dean's List twice or thrice in three consecutive semesters.

HKUST’s Scholarship for Continuing Undergraduate Students

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology • 2018, 2019

Award of HKD 10,000 for students with a cumulative GPA above the 80th percentile.

HKUST Sustainable Campus Leadership Award

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology • 2018

Given to three students for displaying excellent leadership qualities during the HKUST Sustainable Campus program.

Dean List

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology • Aug, 2019 — Nov, 2020

Awarded 4/5 Semesters

• Art! See the mural I designed
• Hiking
• Swimming