Other - BITS Pilani

Prof. Ashis Kumar Das

Senior Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Malaria, Molecular Parasitology

Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani- 333031, Rajasthan. India.

adas@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in

Professional Engagements (Misc.)

Current (Selected)

Chairman, Institute Biosafety Committee: BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee: Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Malaria Research, India
Member, Advisory Board: Indian Council of Medical Research Malaria Mission (IMM), India
Member, Advisory Board: Malaria Elimination Research Alliance, India
Member, Hub Governing Body (HGB): BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, India

Past (Selected)

Member, Special Emphasis Panel: National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIH), Department of Health & Human Services, USA
Reviewer (International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research): National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIH), Department of Health & Human Services, USA

Bioinformatics Tool Developed

Shekhawat, S. S., Vijaya Kumar S., Das A (2007). EGF – LD Finder for identification of EGF like domains. (EGF LD Finder).

Summary:

EGF-like domains are found in a variety of proteins and are usually implicated in protein-protein interactions. EGF-like domains can be categorized into 3 types TYPE-I, TYPE-II and TYPE-III EGF domains based upon their structure and function. EGF like Domains Analysis & Comparison Package is a web based Bioinformatic tool that can analyze the given sequence and predict if it contains EGF-like domains. Given a Sequence in any format, it would search for EGF type domains in it and also specify the positions of these domains if any. The tool is GUI based and has been developed using JAVA Applet Programming. EGF like Domains Analysis & Comparison Package also shows the relative graphical positioning of these domains and one can query for the sequences of these domains. The tool also consists of an EGF library, which has about 200 different sequences that contain EGF domains in them. The program uses basic Bioinformatic searching algorithm technique to match to a particular given sequence. It first searches for a set of six Cysteines in the sequence and passes it on for further analysis. Once a set of six Cysteines has been identified, the program looks for whether the given part of the sequence matches to Type-I, Type-II or Type-III domain, based on weight given to each type of domain. As the sequence is matched to each of the Types, a count is increased for each of them. The matching is first carried out on the basis of sequence and then based on the gaps between each of the Cysteines in each of the Domain Types. Once a residue is matched to the set standards the count is increased and once it does not match the count is decreased and so on for each of the domain. Finally all three counts are compared and the Type of Domain identified. If all the counts are too low to be compared then the result is ‘NO EGF like Sequences Found’.

Administrative Experience

Dean, Research & Consultancy, BITS Pilani (April, 2010 - June, 2012)

One of the nodal control points for conceptualization, implementation and monitoring of all processes related to the PhD Programme of BITS (across campuses and the PhD Aspirants Scheme). Actively involved in process formalization and standardization across campuses with the objective of enhancing creative research and ensuring quality of the work performed. Nodal control point for monitoring and facilitation of project related funding from various sources, in Pilani campus. Facilitator, for Higher Degree and First Degree Research Oriented Courses. Involved in multi-divisional activities required for achieving the points mentioned above.

Mission 2012 and Vision 2020 for BITS Pilani

As Leader, Task Force 8 (TF8), People (Hygiene), involved in conceptualization and implementation of Policies such as the BITS Seed Grant Scheme, BITS Sabbatical Policy, the BITS Start-UP Policy (for providing some initial funding to recruited faculty) and others- aimed at providing a suitable work environment for the furtherance of education.

Group Leader, Biological Sciences Group, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus (January, 2007 – April, 2010)

Involved in the creation of a team of individuals, with varying talents, to enhance teaching at both first degree and higher degree levels and strongly emphasize and implement a research focus in the Group. The basic caveat followed was that creative, target oriented research is a natural basic requirement for creative teaching, and would enhance quality of the overall educational experience. Involved in providing the leadership required to attempt excellence in the Department, which encompassed various aspects, ranging from facility design, fund arrangement, supply chain management and all types of maintenance related issues. It was an exhilarating experience to attempt to create a hygienic work environment for the benefit of students, faculty colleagues and the BITS system, which has strong links with various National and International Systems.

Integrated first degree

Higher Degree

Doctoral Programmes

WILP

Student Activities

Student Services

Integrated First Degree