Meet Srujana Kishore, a Senior Research Engineer at the Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG) within SMART. Srujana isn't just a scientist; she's a problem-solver with a passion for making a difference. Her work focuses on developing and validating a modular vaccine assembly platform that leverages Peptide Asparaginyl Ligases. Such platforms have shown promise for the development of vaccines that could mitigate the longstanding challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The global rise of AMR has underscored the critical role of novel drug development in tackling increasingly drug-resistant pathogens, driving Srujana and her team to apply similarly innovative strategies to tackle AMR—an area urgently in need of groundbreaking solutions.
Behind the lab coat, Srujana is driven by a genuine desire to improve public health outcomes. Her research focuses on developing a protein nanoparticle vaccine platform to fight drug-resistant pathogens. These nanoparticles present multiple antigens, boosting immune responses and creating longer-lasting protection. Using a 'plug-and-play' technology based on Peptide Asparaginyl Ligases, Srujana and her team aim to speed up vaccine development, making it more scalable and cost-effective. For Srujana, it's not just about advancing science—it's about creating smarter, more efficient solutions to help health systems better combat AMR.
How did you first become interested in your field of work, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career then?
I was first drawn into the world of biology by an exceptional high school biology teacher whose passion was contagious. She sparked an interest in me that carried through my undergraduate and graduate studies in Molecular and Cell Biology. What captivates me most about biology is its dynamic, interdisciplinary nature—it’s not just one science; it’s a lively fusion of chemistry, physics, mathematics, technology, programming, and now AI. This blend ensures that every day in the lab is a new learning experience, keeping the excitement alive and allowing my work to move fluidly between different fields.
What also motivates me is the profound impact of our work. The idea that small scientific discoveries can have monumental effects is incredibly inspiring. A single genetic mutation can change someone’s life, just as a small innovation can send ripples through the scientific community and beyond, influencing health outcomes globally.
My focus on AMR feels like an ongoing chess game with nature’s skilled biohackers—microbes. These clever organisms constantly evolve, outsmarting our best defences and becoming superbugs. This makes our work an essential, ongoing effort to stay ahead of the game.
What is the biggest motivation that keeps you going at work now, especially during the challenging times?
At the core of my motivation, especially during challenging times, are faith and patience. I believe that every setback or unexpected result in our research offers valuable lessons. By carefully analysing each outcome, I uncover insights that help me refocus and adopt new strategies to push the project forward. Though the journey is often difficult, the results achieved in the end are incredibly rewarding. The privilege of leading such an impactful project, along with my strong belief in the potential of vaccine development technology keeps me motivated to persevere.
Equally important is the camaraderie and support of my colleagues. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and positivity create an uplifting work environment that helps me overcome obstacles. On a personal level, I also strive to make my parents and partner proud. This blend of professional ambition and personal fulfilment keeps me driven, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement.
How does your work benefit research communities?
Through my work, I aim to accelerate and simplify the vaccine development process, making it more accessible while expanding the range of available technologies for vaccine production. We are actively interested in licensing our technology and fostering collaborations with scientists and organisations worldwide. As we say in Singapore, "good things must be shared"! With this philosophy in mind, I believe that the true value of scientific progress lies in its ability to benefit the research community and society at large. This collaborative approach speeds up innovation and ensures that more communities can leverage these advancements for the greater good.
Could you share any highlights or important projects/milestones that you have worked on/achieved at SMART AMR?
After a challenging year, I’m excited to share a significant milestone: I’ve successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of our conjugation technology in producing nanoparticle vaccines through proof of concept. This achievement validates our approach and fuels our determination to advance this research even further. It's a green light to intensify our efforts and push the boundaries of what we can accomplish in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, what are your current hobbies/guilty pleasures to relax and recharge?
When it’s time to unwind, nothing beats lounging on the couch with my family and partner, sharing laughs over my mom’s delicious food and playfully roasting each other—it’s like a mini-vacation. Those moments make me feel incredibly blessed and alive. To recharge, I enjoy stand-up comedy, watching sports, kickboxing, cooking, exploring new places, my annual trips to the mountains, and photography.
Can you share with us something that would surprise us, or that you think is unique about you?
I’m a “third culture” kid of Indian origin, born and raised in Saudi Arabia but rooted in Singapore—my true home. My partner, on the other hand, brings together the rich cultures of Lebanon, France, and Senegal, adding even more depth to our lives. This multicultural upbringing has shaped me into a global citizen and broadened my perspective, allowing me to appreciate the universality of human experiences. It’s also fueled my passion for binge-watching Netflix series from around the world, as it gives me a chance to immerse myself in diverse cultures, languages, and expressions.
How do you stay motivated or inspired?
To keep myself motivated, I live by a personal philosophy instilled by my parents, which I affectionately call the "4Gs": God, Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity. This guides me to approach every aspect of life with integrity and dedication, committed to both being good and doing good.
In the lab, where I feel most at home, my passion truly comes alive because I love what I do - dressed in my lab coat, with pockets full of protein columns and tools from the FPLC machine. The steady hum of the Akta machines and the quiet focus in the cell culture room during transfections become almost meditative. Even though I’ve done my 10,000th purification, I still wait with excitement for my next protein peak.
It’s in this environment—balancing both the chaos and calm of research and development—that I find my greatest momentum, joy, and fulfilment. The lab is where my commitment to scientific rigour meets my deep appreciation for the life-changing impact of our work. It’s a place I can’t imagine being away from.
What do you hope to see happen in your research field in the next 10 years? And what excites you most about the possibilities ahead?
In the next decade, I envision our vaccine platform transforming the development of tailored vaccines—not only by speeding up the process but also by making it more cost-effective. This is crucial for increasing vaccine accessibility in low- and middle-income countries, directly addressing the global challenge of AMR. What excites me most is the potential to elevate Singapore on the world stage, proudly showcasing a home-grown technology that significantly contributes to global health. It would be an incredible honour to see our innovation flying the Singapore flag high and making a tangible difference in the fight against AMR worldwide.
What is your favourite cuisine?
My favourite cuisines are Indian and Lebanese. They offer a burst of flavours that speak straight to the heart, revitalise the soul, and wrap you in a comforting embrace, much like a mother’s hug, transporting you back home no matter where you are.
Comentários