Priyanka Sethu Raman

Advanced Research Assistant

 
Priyanka supports both lab operations and data-driven research within the Tree of Life Programme. She optimises sample preparation and tracking, co-develops automated dashboards, troubleshoots software issues, and enhances Fungi sequencing. A Lean Yellow Belt, she drives process improvements through root-cause analysis, interactive solutions, and continuous feedback initiatives.

Priyanka contributes extensively to both laboratory operations and data-driven research within the Tree of Life Programme at the Sanger Institute. She played a pivotal role in the development of the Top-up Management (TUM) dashboard within the ToL portal, collaborating closely with the Platforms team to standardise sample tracking pipelines. She participated in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and provided valuable feedback to enhance the dashboard’s functionality and overall user experience. She collaboratively developed sample selection dashboards in Portal to support multiple wet-lab experiments, streamlining the entire selection process and enhancing it to a level suitable for future automation.

In her daily role, Priyanka manages the sample preparation process and is responsible for the routine selection and preparation of samples for a variety of downstream wet-lab experiments. She works closely with data managers to troubleshoot software issues, ensuring smooth integration between laboratory processes and data management systems

Priyanka supports the optimisation of sample preparation techniques and extraction protocols, directly contributing to improved handling of challenging Fungi samples and higher sequencing success rates. She analyses and interprets complex R&D Fungi extraction data, drawing meaningful conclusions that inform collaborative projects with external partners. She regularly presents research findings at sprint reviews and ToL R&D seminars, helping to showcase the team’s scientific contributions.

Additionally, she has actively contributed to process improvement within the team by applying Lean methodologies. She led the optimization of a sample selection lab process by engaging team members, identifying root causes of inefficiencies, and developing an interactive solution that enhanced workflow effectiveness. Her efforts, along with completion of the Lean Academy course, earned her a Yellow Belt certification at the Sanger Institute. In addition, she has designed and implemented internal surveys and questionnaires to gather team feedback, supporting a culture of continuous improvement.



My timeline