Hridya Vijay
Bentley,Australia
Summary
PhD candidate in Applied Geology (Microbiology major) with over two years of multidisciplinary laboratory experience spanning microbiology, molecular biology, geochemistry, and environmental science. Skilled in advanced analytical techniques, including GC-MS, SEM, EDS, XRD, PCR, and bioinformatics. Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and experienced in both independent and collaborative research environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Assistant
Curtin University
Perth, Australia
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Supported geochemical and microbial analysis in the Murujuga Indigenous Rock Art Project
- Maintained detailed lab records and analyzed sample data trends
- Conducted field sampling and site-based microbial investigations
University Associate
Curtin University
Perth, Australia
09.2020 - 11.2021
- Worked on industry-collaborative microbial projects with Alcoa Australia
- Performed high-throughput molecular work: PCR, DNA/RNA extractions, real-time PCR, and Illumina sequencing
- Assisted with microbial community analysis and environmental DNA processing
Research Intern
Indian Institute of Spices Research
, India
04.2019 - 11.2019
- Investigated gene expression related to zinc transporters in turmeric
- Carried out gene expression profiling using qRT-PCR and cDNA synthesis
- Performed plant-microbe interaction studies in controlled lab settings using tissue-culture technique
Education
PhD - Microbial preservation and biogenic calcite precipitation on leaves in Shark Bay microbial mats
Curtin University
Perth, WA12.2025
Master of Science - Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
Kerala, India04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Industrial Microbiology
University of Kerala
Kerala, India05.2017
Skills
- DNA/RNA extraction
- Research documentation
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Real-time PCR
- Quantitative PCR
- DNA sequencing
- Culture-based assays
- Sterilization techniques
- Strain isolation
- Microscopy techniques
- Stable isotope interpretation
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Energy dispersive spectroscopy
- Spectrophotometry methods
- Analytical chemistry skills
- Sequence analysis techniques
- KEGG pathway mapping
- PICRUSt2 analysis
- 16S rRNA interpretation
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- GraphPad Prism expertise
- R programming language
- OriginPro software skills
- Advanced Excel capabilities
Accomplishments
- Australian Society for Microbiology Student Travel Award Winner – Awarded for presenting research on microbial fossilization at a national conference
- 1st Rank – MSc Microbiology – Mahatma Gandhi University
- 2nd Rank – BSc Biochemistry & Industrial Microbiology – University of Kerala
- Curtin CIPRS Scholarship Recipient – Full PhD funding based on academic excellence
Affiliations
- Science communication volunteer – Engaged in public outreach for microbiology education events
- Conference organizer assistant – Helped coordinate student-led symposium on environmental microbiology
- Student mentor – Mentored undergraduate research students in lab protocols and thesis development
- Lab safety monitor – Ensured compliance with biosafety and waste management protocols
Certification
- Australian Technical Network of Universities (ATN) The Future of Technology: Transformation, Disruption and Powerful Possibilities (2022)
Publications
- Microbially mediated fossil concretions and their characterization by the latest methodologies: a review
Frontiers in Microbiology · Sep 29, 2023 - A Novel Zn Transporter Gene (ClZIP1) from Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Expression Analysis in Presence of a Zn‑Solubilizing Bacteria
Springer · Feb 9, 2022
Timeline
Research Assistant
Curtin University
03.2022 - 03.2023
University Associate
Curtin University
09.2020 - 11.2021
Research Intern
Indian Institute of Spices Research
04.2019 - 11.2019
PhD - Microbial preservation and biogenic calcite precipitation on leaves in Shark Bay microbial mats
Curtin University
Master of Science - Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry & Industrial Microbiology
University of Kerala
Similar Profiles
Rylan KummerowRylan Kummerow
Laboratory Work for University at Curtin UniversityLaboratory Work for University at Curtin University
Georgia O'NeillGeorgia O'Neill
Student Exercise Physiologist at Curtin UniversityStudent Exercise Physiologist at Curtin University
STEPHANIE CHEWSTEPHANIE CHEW
Manager Student Recruitment & Business Development at Curtin UniversityManager Student Recruitment & Business Development at Curtin University
MUHANNAD ZABARMUHANNAD ZABAR
Research Scholar at Curtin UniversityResearch Scholar at Curtin University
Md Abeer AnjumMd Abeer Anjum
Automation Sales Engineer at AP AutomationAutomation Sales Engineer at AP Automation