Staff Spotlight: Snehal Sant
The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University consists of a remarkable community dedicated to advancing the translation of basic science to novel therapeutics to treat serious brain disorders. In addition to our outstanding faculty, postdocs, and trainees who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our center’s success is attributed to our staff.
We sat down with Snehal Sant, Senior Research Assistant, who told us a little about herself.
What do you do for the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University?
I work as Senior Research Assistant with Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group. I perform multiple primary screening assays on compounds synthesized by our chemists. I also play an important part in development and validation of new in-house assays.
How long have you been working with the WCNDD?
I have been with WCNDD since August 2022
What is unique about working for WCNDD?
The uniqueness of working for WCNDD is the direct impact of our work on patients as we’ve seen our drug candidates progress into human studies.
What is your favorite memory or project you completed during your time at WCNDD so far, and why? (do not share any project that is confidential).
Development, validation and running following cell-based assays in-house –
- Cell based transporter assay and
- Hepatocyte metabolic identification and stability assay
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of running the above-mentioned assays regularly, as bringing them in-house has increased our efficiency.
What is a fun fact about you?
I can write on the opposite side of a glass/plastic sheet in a way that is perfectly readable from the front!
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
I love singing, dancing and doing many kinds of arts and crafts. I enjoy playing and doing activities with my kids. I’ve also developed a new hobby – baking healthier versions of cakes – and I’ve recently started working out more regularly.
What advice would you give to a student interested in pursuing a career in your field of work?
Know basic foundations of sciences and laboratory techniques very well and always be ready to learn with the changing pace of the field.