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About me:
Dr. Kanishka Sikligar is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Carolyn Anderson’s Lab at the Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center (MITC) at the University of Missouri. His research focuses on leveraging his background in supramolecular chemistry to develop innovative theranostics for imaging and treating cancers, arterial plaques, and genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease. Dr. Sikligar earned his PhD in Chemistry with a specialization in supramolecular chemistry, where he investigated the self-assembly of ligands like pyrogallol[4]arene with large metal ions.
During his time as a graduate student, Dr. Sikligar was an active leader and contributor. He served as president of the Chemistry Graduate Student Organization (CGSO) for a year after he took on the role of head of social media for three years. He played a pivotal role in establishing the organization’s Instagram page, YouTube channel, and newsletter. Additionally, he was a Graduate Professional Council Member for the MU Postdoctoral Association and served as the Marketing and Communications Chair, where he launched the MUPA Instagram page.
Dr. Sikligar is passionate about teaching and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students in the research lab. He finds it rewarding to see diverse individuals working collaboratively towards common research goals and values the importance of teamwork in achieving success. He is committed to advancing science through collaboration and is engaged in numerous projects both within the university and in industry.
He views his postdoctoral position as a crucial step in developing him into independent scientist, polishing his skills in coordination, communication, and pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Dr. Sikligar has been recognized for his teaching excellence with several awards, including the MU Department of Chemistry Teaching Award and Research Award, the Donald K. Anderson Excellence in Teaching Award, the Arts and Sciences Green Chalk Award, the Graduate Professional Council (GPC) Excellence in Teaching Award, GPC Excellence in Student Leadership Award, and a nomination for the Columbia Missourian Progress in Education Award.
In his spare time, Dr. Sikligar enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, cooking, and watching shows.