Unnati Jonnavithula

Background

About Unnati Jonnavithula

My journey into biotechnology is deeply personal. Losing a family member to cancer ignited my passion for scientific research, pushing me to seek answers at the molecular level. This drive further led me to work on breast cancer as a research assistant, where I investigated resistance mechanisms in the MAPK/ERK pathway and explored the potential of PI3K and AKT inhibitors in combating tumor growth. Curiosity and a commitment to scientific discovery have shaped my research journey. As a junior researcher, I focused on genetic variation in equine mitochondrial DNA, contributing over 50 high-quality sequences to the NCBI database. My work extended to SNP analysis of MSTN and DMRT3 genes, uncovering insights into performance traits in Indian horse and donkey populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I applied my molecular biology expertise to diagnostic testing, ensuring accurate and timely RT-qPCR analyses. This experience solidified my passion for translational research—turning genetic insights into real-world applications. As I delved deeper into the field, I came across the staggering unmet needs in rare diseases. This realization fueled my transition to Solid Biosciences, where I worked with AAV9-based gene therapies, optimizing bioassays to support therapeutic development. Seeing firsthand how biotechnology can offer hope to patients with limited treatment options reinforced my commitment to innovative research. My expertise spans mammalian cell culture, bioassay development, molecular biology techniques, and data analysis using platforms like PLA, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Benchling, and basic R and Python. Whether optimizing diagnostic assays or unraveling cellular mechanisms, my goal remains the same, to push the boundaries of science and contribute to breakthroughs that can change lives. Looking forward, I am eager to continue exploring the intersection of cell biology and drug discovery, driven by the belief that every experiment brings us one step closer to better treatments. Let’s connect and collaborate to advance biotech innovations!