Research Associate
Dr. Swechchha Pradhan is a biomedical scientist with over a decade of experience advancing gene and cellular therapy, synthetic biology, and DNA nanotechnology across academia and industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Design from Arizona State University, an M.S. in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University, and a B.Tech. in Biotechnology from Kathmandu University. Throughout her career, Dr. Pradhan has led transformative research in gene and cellular therapy, synthetic biology, CRISPR technology, and DNA nanotechnology.
Her contributions have driven high-impact projects funded by DARPA, IARPA, NIH, and NSF, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, biodefense, and therapeutic innovation. Currently, as the R&D Project Leader at Exodigm Biosciences, Dr. Pradhan spearheads the development of reconfigurable DNA nanosensors for real-time live-cell genotyping, a cutting-edge platform with applications in precision medicine and national security.
Dr. Pradhan is a co-inventor on multiple patents, including next-generation CRISPR logic circuits for safer gene therapies and a DNA origami-based antiviral platform that blocks viral attachment with nanomolar potency. Her work has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Methods and ACS Nano, with over 550 citations highlighting the broad adoption and influence of her research.
- Developed a second-generation CRISPR-Cas9 transcriptional repressor, setting new standards for targeted gene regulation.
- Designed synthetic gene circuits enabling precise spatiotemporal control of CRISPR activity, enhancing safety of gene-editing therapies. Co-inventor on patent on next-generation CRISPR-based gene regulation system that enables precise, reversible control of gene expression.
- Led NIH-funded liver-on-a-chip research to assess and minimize CRISPR off-target effects, advancing therapeutic safety.
- Led DARPA-funded project on CRISPR-based reprogramming of inner ear cells to address noise-induced hearing loss in mice.
- Invented the VirABloC DNA origami chimera, blocking viral attachment at nanomolar potency, a breakthrough in antiviral nanotechnology. Co-inventor on patent describing multivalent DNA origami platforms for broad-spectrum antiviral defense.
- Led IARPA-funded project on the development of DNA nanosensors for real-time live-cell genotyping in therapeutic applications and secured $1.5M+ additional funding.
- R&D Project Leader, Exodigm Biosciences: Lead multi-disciplinary teams in developing DNA nanosensors and nanomedicine platforms; mentors junior scientists; manages collaborations and reporting for federal agencies.
- Senior Scientist, Exodigm Biosciences: Established scientific foundations at startup; advanced nanosensor platform from concept to validated prototype in under a year.