"We can play with the time we have and strive to increase sustainability within that time frame because everything around us and inside us is ephemeral."

Role

I am PhD graduate from India with specialization in Biochemistry. I'm quite interested in continuing my education in the field of cell biology and cytoskeleton. I always consider whether my research has any potential to benefit the society while researching basic sciences. I am happy that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) have developed a new project to increase the shelf life of platelet concentrates. I'm currently working on this topic as a post-doctoral researcher under the direction of Dr. Ingmar Schoen and Dr. Allison Waters.

Research Interests

The cell cytoskeleton is important in platelets as they transit from circulation to the endothelium. Temperature variations are known to have an effect on the cytoskeleton and surface receptors of cells. While cold storage improves platelet shelf life, transfused cold-stored platelets are promptly expelled from circulation due to platelet storage lesions. As a result, it is critical to prevent these lesions by introducing additive substances prior to cold. My job is to conduct functional studies to understand the effect of these substances as well as temperature variations on cell cytoskeleton and surface receptors.

Educational Interests

My educational interests include Cell biology, Platelets, Blood related disorders, Immunology, Microbiome, functional medicine etc.

Further Information

Email: veenachawan@rcsi.ie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dveen009

Linkdin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/veena-chawan-05319a41/