B K Thelma
| Bittianda Kuttapa Thelma | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1955 |
| Residence | India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Fields | Cytogenetics and Human Genetics |
| Institutions | Department of Genetics, University of Delhi |
| Alma mater | Bangalore University, University of Delhi |
| Known for | Human Genetics |
B K Thelma works on Human genetics and medical genomics at the Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, Delhi. She has taught subjects like Human Genetics, Human and Medical Biotechnology, Cytogenetics, Recombinant DNA technology, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic gene expression, Molecular systematics and evolution and Cell biology.[1][2]
Education & Career
Thelma completed her B.Sc and M.Sc in Zoology from Bangalore University in 1973 and 1975 respectively. She pursued Ph.D in Bio-medical research in 1982 from the University of Delhi.[2] Thelma had a short stint as Postdoctoral Fellow in the Human Genetics Laboratory at Children's Hospital, Switzerland with Professor Hans Jakob Muller. She was CSIR Pool Officer and Research Associate in the Zoology Department, University of Delhi. In 1987, she started as a Lecturer at Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus. She has also been a Visiting Scientist at prestigious institutions abroad and undertook several international research collaborations. Thelma established the DNA-based diagnosis facilities for fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation, with financial support from Department of Biotechnology. Her Lab is one of the few which offers this national level diagnostic service. She also served on various expert committees of ICMR, DBT, CSIR, etc. and as Member of the XV International Genetics Congress Trust.[3] Thelma has worked on 77 publications till date.[2]
Areas of Specialization & Interests
Thelma has extensively worked on Human genetics and Medical genomics. Her areas of specialization and interest include:
- Molecular genetic analysis of complex disorders in humans (Schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory bowel disorders)
- Pharmacogenetics of commonly used antipsychotic, anti-Parkinsonian, anti-rheumatoid drugs
- Identification of new gene(s) for X-linked mental retardation and Parkinson's disease
- Unraveling genome signatures with implication for diseases
- Functional genomics: Genotype-phenotype correlations
- Diagnostic genetics[2][4]
Awards & Honors
Thelma has been recognized for her work. Some of her accomplishments include:
- Stree Shakti Science Samman, 2012[2]
- Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, 2006
- Fellowship of National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad, 2003
- Fogarty International Research Career Award, 1997
- Vice President of the Indian Society of Cell Biology.[3]
References
- ↑ "Women in Science - BK Thelma" (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Delhi University - Faculty Profile". Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- 1 2 "INSA Profile - BK Thelma". Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ↑ http://www.streeshakti.com/BK-Thelma.aspx