Nisha Bhattarai’s research is driven by her passion for understanding the intricate relationship between humans and diseases.
Originally from Nepal, Bhattarai came to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ for a postdoctoral position in the in the fall of 2023. Her research focuses on plexins and GTPases, proteins essential in cancer biology. She investigates protein allostery and dynamics in the context of Plexin-GTPase interactions. Her work is supported by the NCI-T32 fellowship from the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Even before arriving at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, Bhattarai established an impressive research record. Her scientific career began at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, where she earned her PhD. During her doctoral studies, she developed expertise in molecular dynamics simulations, advanced sampling methods, drug screening and investigating membrane-protein interactions.
Her focused on unraveling viral proteins’ biophysical properties and structural dynamics, including Ebola, Marburg and SARS-CoV-2. She also studied the pore formation dynamics of lantibiotics, such as Mutacin. In recognition of her work, she received FIU’s Best Dissertation Award and was celebrated as a Real Triumphs graduate in 2021. Since 2022, she has held an honorary postdoctoral position at FIU.
After completing her PhD, Bhattarai joined Dennis Lal’s research group at Cleveland Clinic Foundation as a postdoctoral researcher. There, she expanded her skills in advanced bioinformatics tools, focusing on the molecular effects of mutations in sodium ion channels associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her into how these mutations impact protein function and clarified underlying molecular mechanisms.
Bhattarai has presented her findings at multiple national and regional conferences and has authored more than 20 research articles published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
Beyond research, Bhattarai is actively involved in professional and community service. She served as treasurer of the Postdoctoral Association at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in 2024 and was a member of the organization’s Professional Development Committee from 2023 to 2024. She also serves as a scientific officer at RISE-UP Northeast Ohio.
Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature and cooking.
1. What has been your best experience so far as a ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ postdoc?
As a member of the Professional Development Committee with the Postdoctoral Association, being involved in organizing the inaugural at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ was an incredible experience.
2. How do you think the postdoctoral experience at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is helping you prepare and advance toward your goals?
At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, I am developing not only advanced scientific expertise but also professional and leadership skills that I believe will significantly contribute to achieving my career aspirations.
3. What’s your best piece of advice on how postdocs can make the most of their postdoc career and prepare for their future goals?
I believe, setting clear priorities, communicating, being honest and time management are key skills for maximizing the postdoc experience.
Beyond career goals, it is equally important to focus on personal well-being, happiness and fulfillment. Striking a healthy work-life balance, spending time in nature, cherishing moments with family and creating meaningful memories are vital for overall satisfaction and growth.
4. What are your career goals after your postdoc?
After my postdoc, I aspire to pursue a career as an independent researcher, continuing my work in the field of computational biophysics.