Subhani Upadhyaya

Research & Projects

Expression Analysis of circulating miR-34a and miR-146a in Healthy, Pre-diabetic and Diabetic Patients in Nepal

Undergraduate Thesis Project, Kathmandu University (Defense August 31, 2025)

Pilot study to investigate the role of circulating miR-34a and miR-146a and their potential as biomarkers in diabetes progression.
Obtained ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC), Dhulikhel Hospital, followed by participant recruitment under informed consent, and questionnaires.
Collected and processed patient blood samples, performed HbA1c testing in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry at Dhulikhel Hospital.
From the serum sample, RNA extraction and isolation, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR were performed for the expression profiling.
Applied ΔCt, ΔΔCt, and ROC curve analysis to compare expression across healthy, pre-diabetic, and diabetic groups to evaluate biomarker potential of miR-34a and miR-146a in the Nepalese population.
Conducted ROC curve and AUC statistical evaluation using Python (pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, scikit-learn).

Comparative evolutionary studies of the hemoglobin gene in different vertebrates

Bioinformatics Project, Junior Year, Kathmandu University

Utilized bioinformatics tools and genomic databases to analyze hemoglobin gene conservation, phylogenetics, and evolutionary dynamics across 11 vertebrate species.
The study highlighted evolutionary conservation patterns, functional divergence, and syntenic relationships among vertebrate hemoglobin genes.
Key methodologies included multiple sequence alignment (MSA), phylogenetic tree construction, synteny analysis, and functional annotation of alpha and beta hemoglobin genes.

Development of Spirulina (microalgae) based cookies

Kathmandu University (August 8, 2023 – November 30, 2023)

Implemented efficient methods for harvesting Spirulina, including filtration and drying techniques to ensure purity and quality of biomass for extracting phycocyanin dye from Spirulina.
Prepared growth media and cultivated Spirulina under optimized growth parameters, including pH, temperature, and light exposure to achieve high biomass yield.
Designed a nutrient-dense Spirulina-based food prototype, a health-conscious food product that leverages microalgae’s high protein and nutrient content.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Processed Drinking Water in Kathmandu Valley

Chemistry Project, Sophomore Year, Kathmandu University

Assessed compliance with WHO, EPA, and NDWQS standards by running key lab tests: spectrophotometry, flame photometry, titration, and microbial assays.
Performed membrane filtration-based microbial detection (M-Endo and EMB agar).
Conducted statistical analysis and risk evaluation based on pH, EC, nitrate, phosphate, and contamination levels.

Additional Coursework

Every Drop Counts: Water, Food, and Global Public Health MIEH 333 / ENSP 360, University of Maryland · Instructor: Dr. Leena Malayil · August–December 2023 Studied global water safety and agricultural health risks, focusing on microbial and chemical contamination. Strengthened communication and research skills through collaborative projects. Included lectures, guest speakers, and discussions during virtual sessions every week.

Water4Nature Workshop Organized by Kathmandu University and Utrecht University · Instructors: Professors Jasper Griffioen and Martin Wassen, Utrecht University · 21–25 October 2024 Completed an intensive field-based course on environmental impact assessment, water–energy–food–biodiversity nexus, ecohydrology, and nature-based resource management.

FAO Regional Forum: “Innovation to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Asia and the Pacific” Virtual workshop · November 12–14, 2024 Gained insights into climate-smart technologies and innovation frameworks for improving efficiency, safety, and resilience in livestock systems across the Asia-Pacific regions.

Posters & Presentations

Upadhyaya, S., Giri, S., Tharu, S., & Shrestha, P. (2025). “Expression Analysis of Circulating miR-34a and miR-146a in Healthy, Pre-diabetic, and Diabetic Patients in Nepal.” Undergraduate Thesis Poster Presentation; organized by Nepal Society of Biotechnology, World DNA Day 2025.

KC, B. M., Pokharel, S., Upadhyaya, S., Gauchan, D. P., Lamichhane, J., & Khanal, S. (2025) “Bamboo artifacts as promising alternatives to plastics in light of climate change mitigation.” Poster presentation; organized by the Department of Applied Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Tribhuvan University, funded by Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia Project, Kathmandu Conference on Plastic Waste Management 2025.

“Environmental Impacts of Developmental Projects in Annapurna Conservation Area”: Oral Presentation; Water4Nature Workshop, organized by Kathmandu University and Utrecht University.