I am Dr. Leena—a purpose-driven scientist, educator, mentor and lifelong learner—on a mission to inspire, innovate, and lead the transformation of healthcare through the power of computational biology. I believe science is not just about discovery, but about impact—about turning knowledge into breakthroughs that change lives. At the intersection of bioinformatics, biotechnology, and AI-driven research, I channel my energy into solving the real problems of today’s world. Whether I'm addressing fellow researchers or mentoring future scientists, my goal is to ignite passion, build purpose, and create science that speaks to society's greatest needs. Currently, I serve as a Bioinformatics Scientist at Eminent Biosciences, where I specialize in AI-assisted drug discovery, molecular docking, protein structure prediction, and next- generation sequencing—contributing to cutting-edge advancements in cancer research, viral therapeutics, and precision medicine. My journey in science began with rigorous training in Medical Laboratory Technology, which sparked my enduring interest in disease biology and diagnostics. Over time, this evolved into a multidisciplinary career that bridges academic research, industrial innovation, and clinical insight. I have previously served as an Assistant Professor at Chandigarh University and Govt. Rajindra College. In the early years of my career I gained significant hands-on experience working in clinical laboratories under the Indian Army’s Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). These diverse roles have shaped me into a versatile scientist with both teaching experience and real-world biomedical problem-solving skills. Beyond the lab, I am deeply committed to mentoring young scientists, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for ethical, impact-driven research that bridges the gap between computational insights and clinical realities. 2. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION and ACADEMICS My academic and professional journey is anchored by a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from the Central University of Punjab, where I conducted advanced research on “Structural Modeling of Viral Protein 2 of Bluetongue Virus”. This work involved extensive computational simulations and mechanistic elucidation of membrane penetration processes to support vaccine development strategies—merging my passion for virology, structural biology, and immunoinformatics. The doctoral training sharpened my proficiency in molecular dynamics simulation, epitope mapping, protein–membrane interaction studies, and Martini coarse-grained forcefield modeling, setting a strong foundation for my current work in translational bioinformatics. Prior to my Ph.D., I completed an M.Phil. in Environmental Science & Technology, where I explored nanomaterials for arsenic removal using zero-valent iron nanoparticles, and earned an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Lovely Professional University, where my thesis focused on the immunomodulatory effects of herbal plant extracts, employing ELISA and lymphocyte proliferation assays in mouse models and MTT Assay. My academic base was built on a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology and a three-year Polytechnic Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), equipping me with hands-on skills in hematology, biochemistry, histopathology, clinical diagnostics, and medical microbiology. I have undertaken multiple certified trainings to enhance my skills in R and Python programming, bioinformatics software tools, and next-generation sequencing from institutions such as ADI BioSolutions and Eminent Biosciences. My technical fluency spans across gene sequence analysis, drug docking and drug discovery, AI-driven therapeutic modelling, and protein structure prediction, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, Molecular Docking, Active site prediction along with protein structure prediction and Protein Membrane interactions, Martini Force Fields and epitope mapping, making me proficient across both wet-lab and in silico platforms. I have published extensively in peer- reviewed high Impact international journals, contributing to fields such as cancer bioinformatics, infectious disease modeling, and AI-assisted drug screening and others, covering areas including cancer therapeutics, SARS-CoV-2, Alzheimer’s, and genomic microbial studies. I have authored 12 peer-reviewed publications in reputed international journals such as Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Molecular Modeling, Molecular Simulation, Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, BMC Medicinal Chemistry, Nature Scientific report, Taylor& Francis, Nature Scientific report, reflecting the diversity and depth of my research in cancer informatics, viral protein modelling, drug repurposing, and microbial genomics. My study on the structural modelling of Bluetongue Virus VP2 was published in Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, while its phylogenetic analysis appeared in the International Journal of Bioinformatics and Biological Sciences. I conducted structure-based virtual screening and molecular docking of COX-2 and VEGF inhibitors for colorectal and ovarian cancer, published in Molecular Simulation and Journal of Molecular Modeling, respectively. My work on EGFR-targeted inhibitors for glioblastoma was featured in Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, and a conformational study on ESR1 for breast cancer appeared in Molecular Chemistry. I explored AI-assisted approaches to identify potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 in BMC Chemistry and Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. My research on herbal leads for Alzheimer’s disease was published in Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, and I examined the economic impact of COVID-19 in Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Additionally, I published the complete genome sequence of Microbacter strain EMBS2025, a petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium, in NCBI GenBank. I am currently working on two new projects: one on CDK2 inhibitors using generative AI, and another on comparative transcriptomics in breast cancer, recently accepted for publication in Nature Scientific Reports. I have also contributed to many conference proceedings, book chapters, and presented at national and international forums including the Indian Chemical Society Convention, VIT University, and DAV College, alongside attending workshops on GIS, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and research methodology hosted by leading institutions. I have also contributed genome sequence data to GenBank, presented research papers at national and international platforms, and authored book chapters and conference proceedings in areas intersecting health, biotechnology, and human rights. My professional development has been further enriched through participation in academic workshops and seminars on GIS applications, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and research methodology, hosted by institutions such as the Central University of Punjab, SAS DNA Research Centre, and others. Together, these experiences underscore my strong interdisciplinary foundation and commitment to translating academic research into impactful, real-world solutions. 3. AWARDS RECOGNITION and MEMBERSHIPS (ACHIEVEMENTS): In addition to the present honour of “SCOPUS INDEX 2025”, my research journey has been marked by a series of distinguished accolades that reflect both the depth and impact of my contributions to science. In 2018, I was honoured with the Nobel Researcher Award by the International Journal for Research under Literal Access (IJRULA), recognizing my outstanding research achievements and co-curricular contributions in life sciences and bioinformatics. This international recognition served as a catalyst, encouraging my continued pursuit of excellence in scientific exploration. In 2022, I received the Young Woman Scientist Award from the Global Initiatives in Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Allied Sciences (GIRISDA), acknowledging my significant contributions to the field of bioinformatics and computational modeling. The following year, 2023, was especially rewarding, as I was conferred with three prestigious national honors: the Excellence in Research Award, the Scientist of the Year Award, and the Eminent Scientist Award. These awards, presented by the Agro Environmental Education and Farmers Welfare Society (AEEFWS) and the Indian Society of Agriculture & Horticulture Research Development (ISAHRD), Chandigarh, recognized my work in applying bioinformatics innovations to real- world problems in health, agriculture, and sustainability. Each of these recognitions reaffirms my commitment to advancing science that is not only innovative but also relevant and responsible, driving progress in therapeutic development and sustainable bioscience research. In addition to these recognitions, I am an active and contributing member of several prominent scientific societies, where I hold Lifetime Memberships that support my interdisciplinary collaborations and research outreach. I am a Life time Member of the International Journal for Research under Literal Access (RULA), which fosters global access to quality academic research. I also maintain Lifetime Affiliations with AEEFWS, GIRISDA, and ISAHRD Chandigarh, organizations that are deeply invested in the promotion of sustainable development, agricultural innovation, and bioscientific research. These memberships offer me valuable platforms to contribute to national policy discussions, mentor upcoming researchers, engage in collaborative projects, and present scientific work in interdisciplinary contexts. They also connect me with a wide network of scholars, scientists, educators, and industry experts who share a vision for ethical, high-impact research. As I continue to evolve in my role as a bioinformatics scientist and academic, I remain devoted to leveraging these affiliations and recognitions to further science that is transformative, translational, and in service of societal well-being.