Chitrabhanu Sharma (Avi) Bhunjun
Date of birth: 23/03/1985
Nationality: Mauritian
Email address: chitrabhanu.bhu@mfu.ac.th
Education
2019-2021 Mae Fah Luang University
PhD Biological Science
I have completed my doctorate under the supervision of Emeritus Prof. Dr. Kevin David Hyde at the Center
of Excellence in Fungal Research (Thailand), which is one of the leading research centers in Asia. My
research focuses on species delineation of pathogenic genera by applying several bioinformatics
approaches. Findings from two of the genera have been published in high impact factor journal (Fungal
Diversity (IF>10)). I have also studied the succession of leaf litter fungi from three native hosts in Thailand.
The study aims to compare the diversity of fungi from these different hosts and to identify the fungal
communities involved at the different stages of decomposition. I have performed DNA extraction,
electrophoresis, PCR and single spore isolation technique during my study.
2013-2014 Newcastle University
MSc Bioinformatics (Merit)
My project was titled ‘in silico characterisation of the large gene families in the human parasite
Trichomonas vaginallis’. Detailed bioinformatics analyses were used to investigate the structural diversity
and potential functional relevance of the gene family encoding Trichomonas proteins. This course helped
me gain extensive research experience and professional skills in the field of bioinformatics together with
an understanding of the core principles of scientific programming in BioPython, Perl and R.
Findings from this study enabled the identification of 80 different adaptins in Trichomonas vaginalis. The
arrangement of the subunits in the different adaptor proteins complexes was also proposed. Findings from
the project was presented at the 13th International Congress of Parasitology (10th
- 15th August 2014,
México).
2008 -2011 The University of Greenwich
BSc Hons Biomedical Science (2:1)
Final Year Research Project: Analysis of Hexosaminidase A gene using Bioinformatics and PCR.
The area of interest for my project was exon 1, which contains several mutations linked to Tay-Sachs
disease. Amplification by PCR and analysis by bioinformatics was used to detect the presence of any single
nucleotide polymorphism.
Research grants
1. Total fungal diversity in a given forest area with implications towards species numbers, chemical
diversity and biotechnology. Provided by National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). Co-PI &
Biodiversity project leader
Programming languages
BioPython Perl R
Work experience (last 10 years)
Lecturer (July 2022 – present)
• Planning teaching, seminars and learning materials
• Checking and assessing students' work
• Writing research proposals, papers and other publications
Independent Consultant Researcher (Jan 2015 – Dec 2018)
• Support academics with grant applications and develop research projects
• Analyzing data from research projects
• Writing scientific research papers
Newcastle University - United Kingdom (Oct 2014 to Dec 2014) – Visiting Researcher
• Detailed bioinformatics analysis
• Investigate the structural diversity and potential functional relevance of the gene family encoding
Trichomonas adaptor proteins
Certification
Next Generation Sequencing Bioinformatics Course 2021 (Online - University of Cape Town)
(Expected completion July 2021)
The course covers prominent sequencing technologies, algorithmic theory and principles of bioinformatics,
with a strong focus on practical computational sessions using sequence analysis techniques and tools
applicable to any species or genome size. A variety of applications are covered from post-sequencing
analysis - QC, alignment, assembly, variant calling and RNA-Seq.
Reviewer of Journals
AJOM, Cream, Fungal Biotech, Journal of Fungi, Mycokeys, Phytotaxa, Fungal Diversity, Mycosphere
Editor of Journals
Mycokeys, Mycosphere, Fungal Diversity
