Faculty & Staff
Dr. Vidya Prasad Nimbalkar
Ph D
NIH Fogarty INSIGHT fellow/ Research Scientist
Languages
English, Hindi, Marathi
- Overview
- Projects
- Publications
- Other Contributions
I am a cancer biologist with interdisciplinary training in molecular biology, biophysics, and oncology, with a research focus on tumor microenvironment driven therapy resistance. My doctoral research established a strong foundation in tumor heterogeneity and translational pathology through studies of the peritumoral brain zone in glioblastoma, providing insights into spatial and cellular diversity beyond the tumor core.
During postdoctoral training, I expanded my expertise to breast cancer biology, with a particular emphasis on breast cancer in young women. My work explored menopausal status specific differences in breast cancer and the unique biological features of postpartum breast cancer, integrating hormonal, molecular, and microenvironmental perspectives.
I am currently an NIH Fogarty INSIGHT Fellow, leading spatial tumor microenvironment studies in postpartum breast cancer within a globally collaborative research framework. These experiences have strengthened my skills in spatial profiling technologies, biomarker discovery, grant development, and research leadership. My ongoing work builds directly on this foundation and represents a key step toward establishing an independent research program. My long-term goal is to develop a sustainable and globally relevant research that applies molecular and spatial approaches to improve therapeutic strategies towards better outcomes for women with aggressive breast cancers.
Qualification/ Education
- PhD in Neuro-Oncology (2015-2020)
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2. Master of Science in Biophysics (2003-2005)
Dr. B A M University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
3. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Zoology and Environmental Science (1999-2002)
Dr. B A M University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Experience
- NIH Fogarty INSIGHT fellow (July 2025- June 2026)
Working on Project entitled, “Spatial Profiling of Tumor Microenvironment in Postpartum Breast Cancer: Implications for Prognosis and Targeted Therapies”
2. Research Scientist -I, St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (March 2024- June 2025)
Working towards understanding tumor microenvironment of postpartum breast cancer
Worked towards identification of biomarkers for early detection and progression of breast cancer using Liquid biopsy samples
3. Research associate, St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (March 2021- March 2024)
Working towards understanding the cross talk between nuclear receptors in breast cancer
4. PhD scholar, National Institute of Mental Health and Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore (July 2015 to December 2020)
PhD research mainly involved analysis and correlation of clinical and pathological parameters related to glioblastoma along with cell culture and molecular biology experiments focused on biomarker discovery
5. ICMR JRF, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (July 2013 to June 2015)
Worked towards the identification of biomarkers in the progression of kidney stone disease using proteomics approach
6. Biophysics lecturer, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad (January 2006 to May 2009)
Engaged in teaching membrane transport, hemodynamics and biophysical aspects of physiology and demonstrating physiology and hematology experiments to medical, dental and physiotherapy students.
Areas of interest
Tumor microenvironment, Breast cancer, Cancer immunotherapy, Therapy resistance
Field of Expertise
Spatial profiling- Digital spatial profiling, Visium HD, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Fluorescence in-Situ Hybridization (FISH), Mammalian cell culture , Molecular biology
Fellowship & Membership
Fellowships and Awards
- Recipient of NIH-Fogarty INSIGHT fellowship 2025-2026
- Received travel grant from SERB-ITS and ICMR to attend the international conference, SABCS 2023.
- Received Dr. Subimal Roy Award for best published paper in Neuropathology in AOCN-NPSICON 2021 conference
- Received travel grant from DBT-CTEP to attend the international conference, ASNO 2017
- Received travel grant award for oral presentation in ISNOCON, 2017.
- Qualified GATE, 2013
- Qualified ICMR JRF examination, 2012
Membership
Member of American association of Cancer Research (AACR)
Member of Society for Immunotherapy of cancer (SITC)
Member of European society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
- NIH Fogarty INSIGHT fellow (July 2025- June 2026)
Working on Project entitled, “Spatial Profiling of Tumor Microenvironment in Postpartum Breast Cancer: Implications for Prognosis and Targeted Therapies”
2. Research Scientist -I, St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (March 2024- June 2025)
Working towards understanding tumor microenvironment of postpartum breast cancer
Worked towards identification of biomarkers for early detection and progression of breast cancer using Liquid biopsy samples
3. Research associate, St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (March 2021- March 2024)
Working towards understanding the cross talk between nuclear receptors in breast cancer
4. PhD scholar, National Institute of Mental Health and Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore (July 2015 to December 2020)
PhD research mainly involved analysis and correlation of clinical and pathological parameters related to glioblastoma along with cell culture and molecular biology experiments focused on biomarker discovery
5. ICMR JRF, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore (July 2013 to June 2015)
Worked towards the identification of biomarkers in the progression of kidney stone disease using proteomics approach
6. Biophysics lecturer, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad (January 2006 to May 2009)
Engaged in teaching membrane transport, hemodynamics and biophysical aspects of physiology and demonstrating physiology and hematology experiments to medical, dental and physiotherapy students.
Tumor microenvironment, Breast cancer, Cancer immunotherapy, Therapy resistance
No groups and associations specified.
No project details available.
No publications details available.
No Others Contributions details available.