chhabrad@vcu.edu
Certification
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University, Honors College2025Richmond, VABachelor of Science, Health Services; Minor in Biology, Chemistry, Pre-medicine
University of Virginia2024 – 2025Charlottesville, VACoursework toward Bachelor of Arts, Biology
Brightpoint Community College2023 – 2024Chester, VAAssociate of Science
- Graduated with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude).
- Inductee: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society & Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society
Research Experience
Undergraduate Research Student2025Mulvaney Lab at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute
- Currently working on identification of candidate resistance pathways through genomic and transcriptomic analysis, including potential PRMT5 mutations, altered substrate profiles, and compensatory signaling; validated targets using qPCR, CRISPR screening, and western blotting.
C.R.A.F.T Research Scholar2025UCLA (Art MEDified; non-profit organization)
- Designed and carried out an original research project on health literacy, including literature review, data analysis in R, and creation of a full research portfolio with an abstract, e-poster, visual abstract, and oral defense.
- Built strong skills in clear science communication, public speaking, data interpretation, and professional development through hands-on practice, peer feedback, and guided training in finding and joining research labs.
NeuroSURF Program Research Intern2024Virginia Tech Center for Cancer Research & Children’s National Research Innovation Campus
- Investigated the functional redundancy among RNA-binding proteins AKAP8, AKAP8L, and ZNF326.
- Gained proficiency in molecular biology techniques including bacterial transformation, DNA extraction (mini/midi prep), lentivirus production, transfection, infection, Western blotting, DNA gel electrophoresis, and qPCR.
- Documented experimental procedures and results in compliance with research standards.
Academic Research Project: Investigating Glycated LDL as a Molecular Link in Obesity-Driven Type 2 Diabetes Complications2025University of Virginia, Genetics of Metabolic Health Course
- Proposed a novel research study to explore the role of glycated LDL in linking obesity-driven Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) to increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.
- Developed a comprehensive experimental design utilizing genetically engineered mouse models (ApoB KO, Glycated LDL OE) and pharmacological interventions to manipulate glycated LDL levels.
- Defined key outcome measurements, including glucose metabolism (GTT, ITT, HOMA-IR), glycated LDL levels (ELISA, LC-MS/MS), atherosclerotic plaque formation (Oil Red O staining), and tumor progression in azoxymethane-treated mice.
- Designed a rigorous methodology incorporating high-fat and control diets, controlled environmental conditions, and statistical analysis plans to ensure robust evaluation.
- Identified and proposed solutions for potential challenges, such as off-target CRISPR-Cas9 effects and biological variability in mouse models. Demonstrated understanding of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their role in exacerbating insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, and metabolic instability.
Conference Presentaion
Unveiling the Overlap: Are RNA-binding proteins ZNF326, AKAP8, and AKAP8L functionally redundant?Virginia Tech Center for Cancer Research & Children’s National Research Innovation CampusDiya Chhabra et al.
VA
PA
OR
VA
VA
Work Experience
Pediatric Ambulatory at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA
- Clinical staff within a nationally ranked medical center, managing the complete clinical intake process, including vital signs and patient screenings.
- Patient advocate and system navigator, performing care coordination to connect families with essential resources, addressing social determinants of health, and mitigating barriers to care.
- Execute parenteral medication administration; IM, sub-Q, and ID injections for vaccinations.
- Demonstrate leadership, training of new clinical team members on key procedures, such as vaccination.
- Provide patient care as per the order of the provider or licensed practitioner.
Shadowing Experience
Orthopedic Surgeon
Pediatric Surgeon
Leadership & Volunteer Experience
UVA Health
Brightpoint Community College
Brightpoint Community College
Chesterfield County
Relevant Coursework
Cellular and Molecular BiologyVirginia Commonwealth University
Organic Chemistry IIVirginia Commonwealth University
Life Span Developmental PsychologyVirginia Commonwealth University
Genetics and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Virginia
Introduction to NeurobiologyUniversity of Virginia
Organic Chemistry IUniversity of Virginia
Genetics of Metabolic HealthUniversity of Virginia
Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal CasesHarvard University
Hypertension in Primary CareStanford University
Introduction to Food and HealthStanford University
Early Signs of PsychosisStanford University
Unconscious Bias in MedicineStanford University
Health Across the Gender SpectrumStanford University
COVID-19: Effective Nursing in Times of CrisisJohns Hopkins University
Awards
Children’s Hospital of Richmond
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Brightpoint Community College
Brightpoint Community College