COVER LETTER
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please accept this letter and attached CV as my application for this position. I am seeking a
challenging opportunity to develop my career to next level.
I obtained my medical degree (Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery) from NTR University of health
Sciences, India. Further, I have pursued a masters’ degree in Neuroscience from University of
Hartford, Connecticut.
My profile stands out unique from among the pool, with both Clinical Neurology and Neurological
research experience along with being in leadership position for more than 10 years at UNM and
MGH Hospitals. Currently, I am working as a Clinical Research Physician on clinical trials at UNM
Hospital, Department of Neurology.
As a clinician, I worked as a rotating medical doctor in hospital setting and as a Physician scientist, I
actively worked with Stroke and neurocritical team on neurology clinical trials. As a Neuroscience
researcher, I have been an active team leader and designed, participated in multiple studies both at
UNM and at MGH with experience in behavioral testing and neurological stereotaxic surgeries on
TBI and ICH models. My masters’ thesis titled “Effect of Ketogenic diet and Calorie restriction on
Cognition, anxiety, depression, activity levels in different age group of rat models” evaluates the
effect of KD in normal and enriched environment on rats, and Epilepsy in particular.
With my clinical and translational research experience, I am seeking a challenging opportunity that
would enhance my skill set and enable developing my career. Given my work experience and
educational background, I am confident that I will be a successful addition to your team and am
positive that I can work independently.
Given the opportunity, I assure you I would work to my fullest ability and be a significant asset to
your team.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Sarah Kelangi MD, MS
SARAH SUSAN KELANGI MD, MS
Address: Andover MA 01810
Phone: +1-860-970-1839
E-mail: susansarah2526@[Link]
SUMMARY
Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and Master’s in Neuroscience.
With more than 10 years of academic experience in Clinical Neurology and Neurological
research.
Supervision and lead clinical trials & translational research (NIH, NINDS, NIMH) in the
Department of Neurology.
Clinical trial experience with both investigator-initiated and sponsor-initiated trials.
Trials include Stroke, Epilepsy, Duchene Muscular dystrophy, Cervical Dystonia and
Dementia. Covering both in patient as well as outpatient population.
Experience working in Neuro intensive care unit. Ability to perform Neuro exam on
patients. Review patient charts, MRI, CT scans.
Thesis on Epilepsy and Ketogenic diet. Surgical techniques on mice include TBI and ICH
models (stereotaxic surgeries), Behavioral testing.
EDUCATION
Master of Science (Neurosciences), 2008 – 2012
University of Hartford
Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery, MBBS, 2002 – 2007
Clinical Intern, 2006 – 2007
NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh Medical Council, India
CERTIFICATIONS
ECFMG certified
Issued 2016 – No Expiration date
Medical Professional with license to practice in India
Indian Medical Association
Issued 2007 – No expiration date
CLINICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Lead Clinical Research Physician and Scientist, 02/2019 – Present
Department of Neurology: UNM Hospital
Neurosciences Clinical Trial Unit
Supervision and lead clinical trials, research in the Department of Neurology on behalf of
and under the direction of Neurology Chairman and primary investigators in the UNM
Stroke & Neurosciences Unit.
Instrumental in creating a team to lead Stroke net clinical trials from startup to close out
- ARCADIA, ARCADIA CSI, MOST, CHARM, INTREPID, SATURN, ASPIRE, SLEEP SMART,
TESLA& AbbVie trials.
Experience working in Neuro intensive care unit. Ability to read and review patient
charts, MRI, CT scans.
Perform Stroke neuro exam certifications – modified Rankin scale (mRS), NIH Stroke Scale
(NIHSS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index, SIS-16, ZBI, EQ-5D-5L,
HCRUQ
Leading other neurology trials which include Epilepsy, Duchene Muscular dystrophy (FOR
DMD study, OPMD registry, Alexion- myasthenia gravis, MDA MOVR study), Cervical
Dystonia, Dementia.
Responsible for overseeing the research studies and managing the grant-funded research
projects, which includes writing successfully funded grant applications, study protocols,
assist with manuscripts and presentations, attending trial related investigator meetings.
Strategic planning and budget management of Clinical trials, grant funded research
projects.
Planning execution and reporting of clinical trials and research studies.
Stroke Neuro-Exam Certifications
Modified Rankin scale (mRS)
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Barthel Index
SIS-16
ZBI
EQ-5D-5L
HCRUQ
Stroke Clinical Trial - Investigator Meetings Attended
Multi-arm Optimization of Stroke Thrombolysis (MOST) - May /2019
Glibenclamide for large hemispheric infarction analyzing mRS and mortality (CHARM) -
June / 2019
Stroke Clinical Trials (Sub Investigator)
Atrial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs in Prevention After cryptogenic stroke
(ARCADIA)
Atrial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs in Prevention After cryptogenic stroke
Cognition and Silent Infarcts (ARCADIA- CSI)
Multi-arm Optimization of Stroke Thrombolysis (MOST)
Impact of Fever Prevention in Brain Injured Patients (INTREPID)
Glibenclamide for large hemispheric infarction analyzing mRS and mortality (CHARM)
Statins use in intracerebral hemorrhage patients (SATURN)
Anticoagulation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) Survivors for Stroke Prevention and
Recovery (ASPIRE)
Thrombectomy for Emergent Salvage of Large Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
(TESLA)
Sleep for Stroke Management and Recovery Trial (SLEEP SMART)
AbbVie M19-148 Stroke Study
Medical Reviewer, 10/2012 – 05/2013
Triad Health Care
Medically reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Orthopedic
Surgery (Spinal Fusion and Decompression Surgery), Joint Surgery (Hip, Knee, Shoulder),
Interventional Pain Management (ESI, Facet joint, SI joint injections, ablations, Spinal
cord Stimulator, Spinal infusion pump, Spinal implants) Case sheets of the patients for
Approval/ Denial determination from a medical view lens.
Meeting established production and quality standards while evaluating cases for
insurance claims according to signs, symptoms, medications, injections, and MRI
findings.
Participating in scheduled Level I UM committee meetings along with case managers,
spinal surgeons, and Committee directors.
Investigating and evaluating the quarterly Inter rater reliability case scenario(s).
Identifying and communicating short and long-term continuous Quality improvement
and Utilization objectives, goals to Level I UM Committee Director.
Physician, 08/2006 – 08/2007
NTR University of Health Sciences, India
A twelve-month rotating medical doctor in outpatient, inpatient and emergency unit
setting at hospital health system. Responsible for clinical care of patients.
o Two-month rotations in General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and
Gynecology, three months each in General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics,
and Gynecology
o Three-month rotations in Social and Preventive Medicine, Public health
o Two-week rotations in Emergency Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics,
Psychiatry and Anesthesia.
Patient evaluation in clinics and presenting same to consultants, obtaining the history
and physical examination data for admitted patients, presenting admitted cases for
morning rounds, learning principles and procedures in the management of all kinds of
cases.
Responsible for assisting surgery, educating patients on care and prevention of
contagious diseases including AIDS, STD’s.
Assisting senior doctors at emergency department, burns ward and ICU.
Admitting patients, writing case sheets, participating in ward rounds, and examining lab
results.
Managing cases independently at outpatient department, making timely decisions for
referral to higher level and assisting in various procedures. Attended night calls and night
duties.
Monitored the National Health Programs and Schemes, oriented to provide preventive,
curative, and rehabilitative health care services to community.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Lead Clinical Research Physician and Scientist, 02/2019 – Present
Department of Neurology: UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC), Neuroscience Lab
Project: Rat model for Neuro inflammation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Assisting principal investigator in research of neuroprotective mechanism in traumatic
brain injury and intracerebral hemorrhage model.
Assisting with research studies, experiments, and assays including animal surgeries (ICH
and TBI surgeries), behavioral testing, data collection, and data analysis.
Well versed with use of Stereotaxic frame and experience with stereotaxic surgeries in
rats with good writing skills.
Performing neuroanatomy experiments such as anesthetizing, perfusing, and
euthanizing rodents, removing, and sectioning of brains and preparing homogenates,
brain fixation, freezing and immunofluorescence antibody staining and tract tracing.
Managing and leading the integrated support activities for scientific research lab.
Preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting research results to scientific
conferences and other groups.
Senior Research Associate and Research Manager, 09/2013 – 02/2019
Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School,
Department of Burns and Trauma Research
Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Department of Surgery
Project 1: “Expression analysis of potassium channels after limb amputation in mouse
embryos”
To evaluate the breeding performance of genetically modified mouse colony, maintain
genetically modified mouse colonies with accurate records and examine them regularly
Performing genotyping of mice by PCR technique
Analyzing the western blotting and PCR techniques on mice embryos
Project 2:"Elastin-like polypeptide nanoparticles incorporated into tissue-engineered skin
accelerate wound healing"
Performing de-cellularization techniques on tissue engineered skin graft
Carrying out implantation methods and surgeries of ELP nanoparticles into tissue -
engineered skin graft of mice (C57BL/6J mice)
Evaluation of implanted tissue engineered skin graft for wound healing
Project 3: “Decellularized adipose tissue is a viable material for reconstructive surgery”
Performing de-cellularization techniques on human adipose tissue from abdominal
surgeries
Evaluating the growth factors for recruitment of stem cells
Carrying out implantation methods and surgeries of decellularized adipose tissue onto
dorsum of mice (C57BL/6J mice).
Evaluation of implanted tissue for regeneration
Supervision of Lab Operations
Supervision of lab operations at Shriner’s/MGH facility
Responsible for management of day-to-day lab operations
Oversight and coordination of compliance with laboratory safety regulations and lab
operational policies
Participating in research activities
Supervision of Lab Safety
Attending Shriner's Environment of Care Committee (EOC) meetings every month
ensuring safety according to OSHA and Shriner’s hospital policies and procedures
Responsible for risk management includes reviewing and reporting lab incidents to MGH
occupational health and Shriner's risk management, training lab members regarding
safety of using sharps, needles and their proper storage and disposal.
Responsible for life safety includes training lab members regarding Fire safety and
responding to Fire drills as an emergency. Part of this includes new employee orientation
and staff knowledge questionnaires.
Supervision of Animal Facility
Responsible for maintaining animal facility, surgical procedure rooms and PET rooms in
compliance with rules and regulations as per CCM and IACUC
Liaise with MGH CCM and IACUC for the use of animals (mice, rats, monkeys, transgenic
mice, immunosuppressed mice, diabetic mice) in research by lab members
Coordinating with CCM personnel and IACUC members in preparing animal facility for
inspections and communicating with lab members at the same time
Educating lab members regarding animal protocols, writing cage cards and policies of
CCM and IACUC.
Overseeing Inspections Related to Lab and Animal Facility
Overseeing Semiannual IACUC inspections, USDA inspection, and AAALAC site visit
inspection for animal facility.
Overseeing biosafety inspection, Joint Commission visit, Semiannual Safety Survey
inspection rounds for the lab.
Organizing meetings related to inspections with CCM, IACUC and general services
personnel.
Performs General Laboratory Duties
Managing repair status of detected equipment, maintaining equipment, leading service
scheduling, scheduling annual pipette calibration
Retiring lab equipment and monitoring their disposal according to hospital policies
Maintaining accurate disposal records of all hazardous, infectious substances, chemical
as well as radioactive material and laboratory waste.
Coordinates Research Office Administrative Services
Supervision of Summer Academy Program for Interns – Mentoring interns and conducting
journal club
Research Assistant, 01/2011 – 10/2012
Greater Hartford Ophthalmology
Conducted retrospective study on effect of high blood sugars on the development of
cataracts
(Volunteer work)
Research Assistant, 09/2009 – 07/2011
Department of Biology, University of Hartford
Conducted retrospective study on effect of high blood sugars on the development of
cataracts
(Volunteer work)
Teaching Assistant, 08/2008 – 12/2008
Biochemistry Lab, Department of Biology, University of Hartford
Cloning and expression of foreign proteins, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and
electrophoresis, western blot techniques, ELISA, ion exchange chromatography, affinity
chromatography, gel filtration chromatography.
Assisted students in various team activities, lab activities, and record maintenance.
Independent Study, 07/2008 – 09/2009
Department of Biology, University of Hartford, CT
Exanimation and evaluation of pathology slides for atretic follicles in liver and ovaries of
shark fishes.
Thesis Dissertation-Neuroscience, 09/2009 – 07/2011
Department of Biology, University of Hartford
Effect of Ketogenic diet and Calorie restriction on cognition, anxiety, depression, and activity
in epilepsy in different age group of rat models, and on shifting them to Enriched Environment
Behavioral testing on Rats and Mice:
Cognition Morris Water Maze
Novel Object Testing
Anxiety Elevated plus Maze
Open field test
Depression Porsolt Forced Swim
test
Hanging test
Activity Activity wheel
Open field test
Weighing ketogenic diet and rodent chow every day and feeding diet to ad lib, calorie
restriction groups depending on BMI.
Injecting rodents with substances like Wortmannin and alcohol intraperitoneal.
Collecting blood through venipuncture, cauterizing, measuring blood glucose and
ketone body levels in plasma on weekly basis.
Setting up enriched cages for rat groups. Observing the behavior of rats when they are
socially housed in enriched cages.
Surgical techniques: Anesthetizing, perfusing, and euthanizing rodents, removing, and
sectioning of brains and preparing homogenates.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Graduate Scholarship in Neurosciences, University of Hartford, CT, 09/2009 – 09/2011
Medical Registration Certificate, NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh
Medical Council, 08/2007
Certificate of Appreciation Awarded for Valuable Contribution of 20th IAP (Indian
Academy of Pediatrics) Pediatric Quiz, 08/2007
Certificate of Participation in Internees Medical Ethics Awareness Program, 08/2007
Academic Certificate, NTR University of Health Sciences, 05/2006
Certificate of Medical Education, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, 05/2006
Clinical Clerkship Certificate, NTR University of Health Sciences, 04/2006
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Indian Medical Association, 04/2004 – Current
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Services, 01/2003-01/2004
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
University of Hartford, CT, 07/2008 – 06/2010
Effects of ethyl alcohol on type 2 diabetic mice on cognition, memory, anxiety, and blood
sugar
Hepatic encephalopathy
Borderline personality disorder
Tolcapone improves Cognition and Cortical information processing in normal human
subjects
Abnormal REM sleep disorders
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Clinical Research: Stroke, Epilepsy, Duchene Muscular dystrophy (FOR DMD study, OPMD
registry, Alexion- myasthenia gravis, MDA MOVR study), Cervical Dystonia and Dementia.
Surgical techniques on mice, Behavioral testing, Animal Husbandry, Neurosurgery,
Orthopedic, Spine, Joint, IP case management, Maintaining mouse colony.
Statistics: SPSS and SAS, Red Cap (Data Entry program)
MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, CITI, GCP.
Exceptional bedside manners, committed to quality patient care. Strong ability to
diagnose, treat patients and assess progress.
Good knowledge on legal and ethical standards.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Leadership qualities with ability to make decisions.
PUBLICATIONS
Peer-reviewed Research Articles:
“Tissue Scaffolds Functionalized with Therapeutic Elastin Biopolymer Particles”, Bulutoglu,
Beyza; Devalliere, Julie; Deng, Sarah; Acun, Aylin; Kelangi, Sarah; Uygun,Basak; Yarmush, Martin,
2020, Biotechnology & Bioengineering.
“Msx2 is necessary for enamel in expression but is not sufficient for its maintenance.
Developmental Dynamics”, Ruspita I, Zhang W, Das P, Xia Y, Miyoshi K, Kelangi S, Snead ML,
Noma T and Bei M, 2020, Developmental Dynamics”, under review.
"Potassium channels as potential drug targets for limb wound repair and regeneration", W
Zhang, P Das, S Kelangi, M Bei 2019, Precision Clinical Medicine.
“Co-delivery of a growth factor and a tissue-protective molecule using elastin-like polypeptide
particles accelerate wound healing in diabetic mice”, Julie Devalliere, Kevin Dooley, Yong Yu,
Sarah Kelangi, BasakUygun & Martin L. Yarmush, 2017, Elsevier, Biomaterials.
Reviews and Editorials:
“ Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage “
Asad Ikram, Muhammad Ali Javaid, Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez, Magdy Selim, Sarah Kelangi, Syed
Muhammad Hamza Anwar, Michel T Torbey, Afshin A Divani 2021, Journal of Stroke and
Cerebrovascular Diseases 30 (11), 106064
“On skin substitutes for wound healing: current products, limitations and future perspectives”
Sarah Susan Kelangi, Georgios Theocharidis, Aristidis Veves, William G. Austen, Robert Sheridan,
Jeremy Goverman and Marianna Bei 2021, Technology Journal, World Scientific.
Books:
"The effects of a ketogenic diet and calorie restriction on cognition, anxiety, depression and
activity on different age groups of rats ", Sarah Susan Kelangi, Jacob P Harney, 2013, Thesis,
University of Hartford.
Chapters:
"Scaffolds for liver regeneration" Ehab Hafiz, Beyza Bulutoglu, Maria Jaramillo; Yibin Chen, Sarah
S. Kelangi.; Basak E. Uygun, 2019, Handbook of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds, Volume2,Elsevier.
"Developmental biology of skin wound healing. On pathways and genes controlling regeneration
versus scarring. A systems approach” Kelangi S and Bei M, 2017, Bioengineering in wound
healing, World Scientific, Frontiers in Nano biomedical research.
SCIENTIFIC REVIEWER
International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases 2018 – present
