Doctor of Natural Sciences (Ph.D.)

Pharmacy (Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology)
University of Graz, Austria
2002

Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm)

Quality Assurance
S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Mumbai
1996

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm)

Pharmaceutical Sciences
Madras Medical College
1994

Pharmacological Therapeutics I

Pharmacological Therapeutics II

Applications for Pharmacy Practice V/Applications for Pharmacy Practice A

Research Elective (Fall/Spring)

Faculty of the year award, Howard University College of Pharmacy Student Council (CPSC), 2024 & 2025

Excellence in Teaching Award, Presented by the Dean of the HU College of Pharmacy, 2023/2024 & 2024/2025

Teacher of the year award, presented by the Dean of the Howard University College of Pharmacy, 2022/2023

Special invitee to Governor Mead’s Technology Summit held in Jackson Hole, WY, Sept. 2017

Austrian Academic Exchange Scholarship for Ph. D., a research study in Austria, 1999-2002

Retrospective Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome’s Role in Breast Cancer Outcomes in Black Women

Retrospective Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome’s Role in Breast Cancer Outcomes in Black Women

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a cluster of chronic conditions characterized by the co-occurrence of at least three out of five clinical risk factors: central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, elevated circulating triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. MS is a well-established precursor to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), but emerging evidence also links MS-related pathways, particularly those involving obesity and hyperglycemia, to increased breast cancer (BC) risk and tumor progression. Despite this growing body of literature, there remains a significant gap in understanding the interplay between MS components and BC progression among Black women, a population disproportionately affected by both MS and adverse breast cancer outcomes.

Resmetirom and beyond

Resmetirom and beyond: A new era in MASLD therapeutics

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver condition globally, affecting nearly 100 million individuals in the United States alone. The recent reclassification of NAFLD to MASLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) reflects a paradigm shift in understanding the metabolic underpinnings of this disease.

Obesity-Induced MASLD Is Reversed by Capsaicin via Hepatic TRPV1 Activation

Obesity-Induced MASLD Is Reversed by Capsaicin via Hepatic TRPV1 Activation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD.

3D-Printed Capsaicin-Loaded Injectable Implants

3D-Printed Capsaicin-Loaded Injectable Implants for Targeted Delivery in Obese Patients

The present study is aimed at preparing and characterizing 3D-printed capsaicin-loaded rod-shaped implants by thermoplastic extrusion-based 3D printing technology.