For Hivrale, who has since returned to Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar), India, the fellowship has done exactly that. “The program at VBRI not only expanded my technical expertise but also positioned me to contribute meaningfully to research innovation and student training upon returning to my home institution,” she says. 

During her time at VBRI, Hivrale immersed herself in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques that went beyond the theoretical knowledge she had previously taught at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Hivrale’s home university. A major component of her training at VBRI involved learning how to produce proteins in bacterial systems and animal cells. This hands-on work and foundational knowledge will allow her to meaningfully assist her university’s biochemistry department on future research. 

“In India, I did all the experiments at a basic level, but not at the molecular level,” Hivrale says. “All these techniques I knew theoretically, but I didn’t get that practical experience before this lab at VBRI.” 

The public health relevance of Hivrale’s training via the fellowship is significant. “By bringing this expertise back to India, I will be able to support research activities that address national health priorities, improve laboratory diagnostic capabilities, train students in clinically relevant techniques, and contribute to translational research that can ultimately benefit patient care,” says Hivrale.  

She also adds that the VBRI community has been incredibly welcoming. “Working with such a wonderful team has been a memorable experience, and I truly appreciate the collaborative environment and the encouragement I received from everyone in the lab during my stay,” she says.