PhD candidate Ram Prasad Mohanty is helping to develop a faster and more accurate prototype design for DNA analysis which could change how healthcare is delivered by offering DNA diagnostics tests in-the-field and personalised medicine.
Profile
I chose UNSW Computer Science and Engineering because I wanted to have international research experience and the research project on offer resonated with me – through this engineering project I can help lots of people.
I am working on designing and implementing an energy-efficient system for DNA processing in resource-constrained environments like regional hospitals. The project aims to optimise the associated DNA analysis algorithms which were originally developed for high-performance computers and develop novel algorithms that can run on more lightweight embedded systems.
I chose this project because it has the potential to change the direction of healthcare which excites me. It could change how healthcare is delivered by offering DNA diagnostic tests in-the-field and personalised medicine.
I hope to develop a faster and more accurate prototype design for DNA analysis that can be used in hospitals or clinics. The research outcomes will be especially useful for patients living in remote areas where accessing medical technology like maybe more difficult.
After completing this research I’ll be looking for my next research opportunity, ideally one which brings together DNA analysis and computer engineering. It’s also really important that the research I do in the future continues to help people and intrigues me!