Curriculum vitae
Hi, my name is Dhairya Katala, often going by the name Valeneo. I’m a research-oriented creator with interests spanning microbiology, art, and digital systems.
I spend my downtime on whatever that week's interest lands on from games that reward persistence and strategy, whether that’s grinding through Souls games to test my patience (pun intended) or pushing ranks in ranked FPS lobbies to debating my newfound scientific rabbit hole. You might even find me crafting my idea of the week through wood or clay or watching Ben 10 (UA/AF)
Always open to collaboration, whether it’s a ranked match or working on literature for publication.
Education
2022-2025
Bsc Hons Microbiology Panjab University
Course Focus: A comprehensive Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) curriculum covering the fundamental principles of microbiology, including cell organisation, microbial genetics, and the commercial exploitation of microorganisms for industrial and medical applications.
Relevant coursework:-
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Medical & Immunology: Medical Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology, Medical Microbiology, General Pathology.
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Industrial & Biotech: Industrial Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology, Food & Dairy Microbiology, Fermentation Technology.
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Core Sciences: Molecular Genetics, Microbial Physiology & Metabolism, Cell Biology, Biomolecules.
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Applied Skills: Biofertilizers & Biopesticides, Microbial Quality Control (Food/Pharma), Computer Applications.
2025-2027
Msc Hons Microbiology
Panjab University
Course focus: The Intersection of Health, Industry, and Environment. My Master's curriculum is a rigorous, multidisciplinary program that integrates three critical fields of microbiology:
1. Clinical & Medical Intelligence
Studying the mechanisms of pathogen invasion and host defence, with a focus on Molecular Diagnostics (PCR, ELISA) and Next-Gen Immunotherapy (Recombinant Vaccines).
2. Industrial Bioprocessing
Scaling biology from the lab to the factory. My coursework covers Fermentation Technology, optimising bioreactors for the production of ethanol, enzymes, and bioactive metabolites, along with the legal frameworks of Biosafety and IPR.
3. Advanced Research & Data
Bridging wet-lab science with data science through Bioinformatics & Biostatistics. I apply advanced molecular tools to analyse microbial ecology, paving the way for my upcoming Master's Thesis.
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Skills
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Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): Strict adherence to SOPs, documentation standards, and biosafety protocols for BSL-2 containment.
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Aseptic Strategy: Mastery of sterile technique for axenic culture maintenance, inoculum preparation, and contamination control.
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Biohazard Management: Execution of waste disposal protocols via autoclaving and incineration; handling of pathogenic clinical isolates.
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Microscopy & Imaging: Bacterial ultrastructure analysis using Phase Contrast and Bright Field microscopy; demonstrated familiarity with Electron Microscopy (TEM/SEM).
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Genetic Engineering: Isolation of Plasmid/Chromosomal DNA, Restriction Digestion mapping, and DNA Ligation for vector construction.
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Gene Delivery: bacterial transformation via Electroporation and chemical competency methods.
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Amplification & Analysis: Execution of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and nucleotide sequence analysis using bioinformatic algorithms.
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Genomic Library Construction: Screening of genomic libraries to isolate novel gene sequences.
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Downstream Processing: Separation of biomass, cell disruption, and purification of bioactive metabolites
Experience/Internships
2025-26
Internship at Pehchaan street school
Pehchaan street school, Delhi
Pehchaan The Street School is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization working to provide free education and learning support to underprivileged children in underserved communities. The initiative focuses on improving literacy, access to learning resources, and educational continuity at the grassroots level.
I work with Pehchaan as a Graphic Design Intern, creating visual content used by the marketing and outreach teams for campaigns, awareness posts, and digital communication. This role allows me to contribute my digital skills while supporting a cause centered on education and social equity.
Support and community involvement help sustain and expand initiatives like this.
2024
Internship in manufacturing and quality assessment
Verka Milk Plant (MILKFED)
SAS Nagar, Punjab
Pehchaan The Street School is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization working to provide free education and learning support to underprivileged children in underserved communities. The initiative focuses on improving literacy, access to learning resources, and educational continuity at the grassroots level.
I work with Pehchaan as a Graphic Design Intern, creating visual content used by the marketing and outreach teams for campaigns, awareness posts, and digital communication. This role allows me to contribute my digital skills while supporting a cause centered on education and social equity.
Support and community involvement help sustain and expand initiatives like this.