Nikhil Chauhan

Nikhil Chauhan

Assistant Professor

Profile Summary

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan is a dedicated biomedical scientist currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, India. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the Vector Control Research Centre, India, his expertise spans guiding research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a focus on microbiology. Dr. Chauhan's experience includes substantial research contributions as a Scientific Consultant at the Vector Control Research Centre, ICMR, and as a Visiting Research Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago. His research has primarily focused on immunological markers, therapeutic studies, and the development of vaccines, particularly against diseases like lymphatic filariasis, asthma, and colitis. Dr. Chauhan has authored 16 research publications with significant impact, highlighting his contributions to parasitology and immunology. His key skills include animal handling, high-throughput screening, molecular biology techniques, and immunological assays. He holds patents related to filarial infection detection and has actively participated in collaborative research projects globally. Dr. Chauhan’s academic and research journey has earned him numerous accolades, including travel awards and recognition for his mentorship. He continues to contribute to scientific advancements through interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching.

Work Experience

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, where he teaches microbiology and guides student research. Previously, he served as a Scientific Consultant at the Vector Control Research Centre, ICMR, focusing on immunological markers for lymphatic filariasis surveillance. From 2020 to 2023, he was a Visiting Research Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago, leading in vitro and in vivo studies on eosinophil-associated diseases. His work spans vaccine development, therapeutic studies, and interdisciplinary research collaborations across the U.S. and India.

Research Interests

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan’s research interests focus on microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, and therapeutic interventions. He is particularly interested in developing vaccines and immunological markers for neglected tropical diseases. His work also explores the therapeutic potential of small molecules and biased antagonists in treating eosinophil-associated diseases such as asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis. Additionally, Dr. Chauhan investigates immune modulation in inflammatory conditions like colitis and Type 1 diabetes. His research involves cross-disciplinary collaborations aimed at translating basic science into practical applications for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Teaching Philosophy

His teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a student-centered learning environment. He believes in integrating theory with hands-on experience, particularly in the biological sciences, where practical applications enhance understanding. By encouraging inquiry-based learning, he guides students to explore problems independently while providing support when needed. He also strives to create an inclusive classroom that values diverse perspectives, promoting collaboration and mutual respect. Continuous assessment, feedback, and mentorship are key elements in his approach, helping students reach their potential and become lifelong learners capable of applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Courses Taught

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan teaches a diverse set of courses in microbiology, focusing on various aspects of medical microbiology and biosciences. His curriculum includes microbial classification, where he explores different types of microorganisms, their roles, and interactions with the environment. He covers pathogenesis and associated diseases, explaining how pathogens cause illnesses in humans. His teaching also integrates human anatomy and physiology, giving students a comprehensive understanding of how microbes affect the human body. Additionally, Dr. Chauhan delves into food microbiology, studying microbial growth, fermentation, and spoilage processes, equipping students with knowledge relevant to both health sciences and industry applications.

Awards and Grants

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan received several prestigious awards and grants, including the UIC Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award (2020) and the AAI Trainee Abstract Award at the AAI Annual Meeting IMMUNOLOGY 2020™. He was also honored with the Best Mentor Award at the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Rockford (2019). His research efforts have been supported by multiple grants, including funding for developing immunological markers for lymphatic filariasis diagnosis and therapeutic studies on eosinophil-associated diseases. Additionally, He has been actively contributed to securing interdisciplinary research grants and participated in collaborative projects across various institutions globally.

Scholarly Activities

Throughout academic and professional career of Dr. Nikhil Chauhan, he has been engaged in diverse scholarly activities, contributing significantly to biomedical research and scientific innovation. His work has resulted in 16 published research articles in high-impact journals. He also served as a peer reviewer for esteemed journals such as Microbial Pathogenesis, PlosOne, Parasitology Research, and International Immunopharmacology, among others. He is actively involved in mentoring students at the graduate and undergraduate levels, guided 11 M.Sc. dissertation projects. He also presented his research findings at national and international conferences, such as the International Eosinophil Society Conference (2023) and the AAAAI Annual Meeting (2022), showcasing his work on CCR3 antagonists and eosinophil-associated diseases. Additionally, He contributed to patent development, with one notable patents under his name, including a process for the immunological detection of filarial infection. He also co-supervised projects in vaccine development, diagnostics, and therapeutic research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across institutions globally. These scholarly activities underscore his commitment to advancing biomedical research, mentorship, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge.