Vishakha Mahajan

Vishakha is currently working as a Research and Innovation Scientist at The cGP Lab Limited. Her work involves managing and leading clinical and commercial research projects that aim to understand the potential of a molecule cyclic Glycine-Proline (cGP) in healthy ageing.

Vishakha’s current work requires her to explore avenues of scientific progress and nutraceutical development in the space of Healthy Ageing. As a Research & Innovation Scientist, she is involved in the new product development process, exploring natural, food-based ingredients that help in complementary formulations to support longevity and health.

Previously, Vishakha has research experience accumulated over 10 years across varied research laboratories and universities. Her research has covered areas such as cervical cancer, endometriosis, endometrial cancer and in vitro fertilisation, demonstrating a comprehensive and an interdisciplinary approach.

Vishakha did her BSc. at Pennsylvania State University, USA in Biological Sciences complemented with an additional degree in Health Policy & Administration.

She then pursued her MSc. from Imperial College, London where she investigated the impact of environmental and lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the vaginal microbiome of women with HPV infection and pre-cancerous lesions.

She further pursued her PhD. in Molecular & Reproductive Biology from The Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland where she spent 4.5 years understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide uterine health and hormone action in diseases such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.

During her Ph.D., she was also involved in pioneering research that involved developing a methodology characterising the urogenital microbiome as a predictive test in the in vitro fertilisation treatment cycle.

In 2019, Dr. Mahajan received the Liggins Institute Leadership Award for her work as the PhD Representative where she demonstrated her love for team building and fostering collaborative efforts towards impactful outcomes for the doctoral programme.

Qualifications

• 2017-2021 Ph.D. in Health Sciences (Molecular & Reproductive Biology), The University of Auckland, New Zealand
• 2015–2016 MSc. in Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, UK
• 2011–2014 BSc. in Biological Sciences, Pennsylvania, US
• 2011-2014 Minor Degree in Health Policy & Administration, Pennsylvania, US

Publications

First Authored:

1. Mahajan et al., The Interplay between Steroid hormones, Steroid Hormone Receptors and TETs in Endometrial Stromal Cells. Under Review.
2. Mahajan et al., Differential Expression of Steroid Hormone Receptors and Ten Eleven Translocation Proteins in Endometrial Cancer Cells. (2022). Frontiers Oncology.
3. Mahajan et al., Expression and Steroid Hormone Regulation of TETs and DNMTs in Human Endometrium. (2020). Reproduction.
4. Mahajan et al., Could DNA Hydroxymethylation be Crucial in Influencing Steroid Hormone Signalling in Endometrial Biology and Endometriosis? (2019). Mol Reprod Dev.

Co-Authored:

1. Evans et al., A pilot study using unique targeted testing of the urogenital microbiome has potential as a predictive test during IVF for implantation outcome. (2023). Arch Gynaecol Obstet.
2. Gujral et al., HDAC class IIa expression in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle and effect of steroid hormones on human endometrial stromal cells. (2021). Research Square
3. Mitra et al., The Vaginal Microbiota and Innate Immunity After Local Excisional Treatment for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (2021). Genome Medicine
4. Gujral et al., Histone acetylation and the role of histone deacetylases in normal cyclic endometrium. (2020). Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
5. Duffy et al., A core outcome set for future endometriosis research: an international consensus development study. (2020). BJOG.
6. Mitra et al., Comparison of vaginal microbiota sampling techniques: Cytobrush versus swab. (2017). Nature, Scientific Reports

Professional Interests & Specialist Areas

• Women’s Health and Reproductive Issues
• Healthy Ageing
• Hormone health
• Food-based interventions
• Innovating in the kitchen (food-based interventions and integrated approaches for a holistic health and wellbeing)
• Public speaking and Science communication
• Collaborative learning and team-work