GAYA SIVAKUMAR, MSC

5 Hillside Drive
Brampton, ON L6S0B7

Phone: 519.562.0591
Email: gaya.sivakumar@gmail.com

Education
Master of Science, Biological Sciences- Cancer Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON (2011 2014)
Honours in Bachelor of Science w/ Thesis, Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON (2007 2011)

Scientific Techniques
Molecular Biology:
Cloning full-length genes
by PCR, Gateway vector
systems, Cre/Lox, subcloning to expression
vectors, DNA sequencing
analysis
Standard. real-time,
and RT-PCR
Site-directed
mutagenesis
Southern blot analysis
DNA extraction from
bacteria, yeast, and HeLa
cells
RNA extraction

Biochemistry
Agarose gel
electrophoresis
Bacterial transformation
and plasmid DNA
preparation
Recombinant protein
expression and
purification
Radioactive kinase
assays
ELISA
Immunodetection/Immunoprecipitation and
Western Blot
analysis

Cell Biology
Primary cell culture and
human-derived cell lines
culture
DNA transfection
Cell viability assays
Cell lysis techniques
RNA/DNA/Protein
extraction and
purification from cells
(human-derived cells and
bacterial cells) and tissue
specimens (organs/bone
marrow)
Histology/Immunoh
istochemistry

Instrumentation:
Spectrophotometers
Flow cytometer
Phosphoimager
Plate-reading assays

Professional Experience
UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR, WINDSOR, ON
RESEARCH COMMERCIALIZATION ASSOCIATE (JUN 2014 JAN 2016)

2008 2016

Coordinated, supported, and protected the identification and management of intellectual property (IP) developed
by inventors.
Supported the initial evaluation of technology disclosures, including the analysis of commercial potentials, market
size, developmental risk and competitive environment.
Excelled at performing market analysis and market research, explores commercialization of University-owned
technologies and identifies potential industry receptors.
Took ideas and transformed them into tangible outcomes by efficiently collaborating with scientists and industry
partners on how to best allocate resources and seize opportunities.
Lead the development and implementation of License Agreements and technology transfer agreements, as well as
effective IP policies and procedures.
Extensive experience in analyzing and reviewing grant applications and providing feedback against funding
programs evaluation criteria.
Secured funding for research ideas by writing grants for OCE, NSERC, Mitacs, and other government agencies.
Supported development of student/youth start-up ventures through the Entrepreneurship Practice and
Innovation Centre (EPICentre).

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (2011 2014)

Elucidated the role of Polo-like kinases (PLK) in cell signaling and cell division, specifically in hematological
malignancies.

Gaya Sivakumar

Curriculum Vitae, Page 2

Examined the extent of PLK deregulation (via epigenetic modifications) in bone marrow aspirates of patients with
MDS, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Determined the effects of epigenome-targeting drugs on PLK methylation and expression in neoplastic cell lines.
Identified and characterized novel downstream interacting partners of tumour-suppressor, Polo-like Kinase 4,
within the DNA-damage signaling network.
Designed, implemented, and managed research projects in order to explore and better understand the molecular
processes behind cancer development and progression.
Intimately involved in drafting, organizing, and submitting grant applications to government agencies and private
sectors.
Initiated and performed multi-disciplinary research for the basic sciences and health-related projects.
Extensive experience with project research, management, implementation, and budgeting.
Trained new undergraduate and graduate students with SOPs, research guidelines, and techniques.

TEACHING INSTRUCTOR (2011 2014)

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2010 2011)

Investigated aberrant epigenetic modifications of the oncogene, Polo-like Kinase 1 (Plk1), in mouse tumours.
Determined the specific regions of CpG promoter sites of Plk1 that become targeted for methylation in mice
tumor tissues.

GOLDEN FUTURE PROJECT COORDINATOR (2010 2011)

TEACHING ASSISTANT (2009 2011)
STUDENTS OFFERING SUPPORT F OUNDER AND PRESIDENT (2008 2012)
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LIAISON AND CANVASSER (2008 2011)
TELECOUNSELOR (2008 2010)
AT&T MOBILITY, WINDSOR, ON
SENIOR CONSULTANT

2014 - 2015

WINDSOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL, WINDSOR, ON

PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT

2008 - 2009

ALZHEIMER S SOCIETY OF WINDSOR -ESSEX, WINDSOR , ON

YOUTH BOARD OF DIRECTOR

2008 2009

HOTEL DIEU GRACE HOSPTIAL, WINDSOR, ON

PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

2006 2010

Scientific Publications
1) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Kanjeekal S, Hamm C, LaBute B, Hudson JW. The deregulated methylation of the Polo-like
kinases as a potential biomarker in hematological malignancies. Leukemia and Lymphoma, 2014.
2) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Kozarova A, Yong S, Nantais J, Hudson JW. A novel substrate of PLK4, an epigenetic
modifier, is deregulated in Plk4 heterozygous MEFs. Manuscript in preparation.
3) Sivakumar G, Wu B, Hudson JW. Polo-like kinase 4 at the nexus of the DNA damage signaling network. Manuscript
in preparation.
4) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Hudson JW. Towards a model for the Polo-like kinases and epigenetic regulation.
Manuscript in preparation.

Presentations

Gaya Sivakumar

Curriculum Vitae, Page 3

1) Sivakumar G, Gosselin N, Wu B, Ward A, Kozarova A, Hudson JW. Interaction with GADD45A implicates the Pololike kinases with a novel role in the DNA signaling network. Windsor Cancer Research Group Annual Conference,
2014. Windsor, ON.
2) Sivakumar G, Ward A, Hamm C, Kanjeekal S, Hudson JW. The role of epigenome-modifying drugs on the polo-like
kinase promoter methylation in hematological malignancies. American Society of Cell Biology Annual Conference,
2013. New Orleans, LA.
3) Sivakumar G, Ward A, Hamm C, Kanjeekal S, Hudson JW. Effects of hypomethylating agents of the methylation
status of the Polo-like kinases in hematological malignancies. Windsor Cancer Research Group Annual Conference,
2012. Windsor, ON.
4) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Hamm C, Kanjeekal S, Hudson JW. Deregulation of promoter methylation of the Polo-like
kinases in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and other blood neoplasms. American Association for Cancer Research
Annual Conference, 2012. Chicago, Illinois. *
5) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Munshi S, Hudson JW. Epigenetic modification of the polo-like kinases under stress and in
tumours. Bring Together Communities Annual Conference, 2011. Windsor, ON.
*AACR 2012 1st Place Poster Contest Winners; Won $5,000 from Life Sciences towards my research based on
excellent presentation and communication skills

Abstracts
1) Sivakumar G, Ward A, Hamm C, Kanjeekal S, Hudson JW. The role of epigenome-modifying drugs on the polo-like
kinase promoter methylation in hematological malignancies [abstract]. American Society of Cell Biology Annual
Conference, 2013. New Orleans, LA.
2) Ward A, Sivakumar G, Hamm C, Kanjeekal S, and Hudson JW. Deregulation of promoter methylation of the pololike kinases in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and other blood neoplasms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd
Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA):
AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-376. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-376.

Volunteerism
Board Member, United Way Committee, University of Windsor, 2015 Present
Member, Nicaragua and Honduras Community Development Project, 2012
Member, Peru Community Development Project, 2011
Student Representative, Biology Department, University of Windsor, 2010 2011
Senator, University of Windsor Students Alliance, 2010 - 2011
Vice President, UNICEF, University of Windsor, 2010 - 2011
Vice President, Science Society, University of Windsor, 2010 - 2011
Mentor, Connecting4Success Program, University of Windsor, 2010 - 2011
Team Leader, Welcome Week Committee, University of Windsor, 2008 - 2011

Certifications and Trainings

Biosafety Level II Safety Certification, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON
Proper Handling of Radioactive Substances, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON
Spill Response and WHMIS, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON
Respite Services Training, Safe Guards Training, Windsor, ON

Honours, Scholarships, and Awards

A. R. and & E .G. Ferriss Awards ($1,000)
Neil Gold International Social Justice Award ($1,000)
Verdacchia Family Graduate Scholarship ($1,000)
James Molnar Scholarship ($500)
Graduate Student Society Scholarship ($500x3)
Lois K. Smedick Graduate Award ($1,000)
Masters Entrance Scholarship ($1,833/term)

Mar 2014
Dec 2013
Mar 2013
Mar 2013
2012-2014
Mar 2012
2011-2013

Gaya Sivakumar

Curriculum Vitae, Page 4

Doreen Hughson Beatty Scholarship in Biology ($8,000)
Rev. John R. Dougherty CSB Award ($700)
Freed Orman Foundation Scholarship ($4,000)
Golden Key International Honour Society Member
Renewable Entrance Scholarship ($1,000/term)
On Deans List and Presidents Honour Roll
Community Scholars Award ($1,000)
Entrance Scholarship- Biology ($1,000)

Feb 2011
Jan 2010
Dec 2009
Aug 2008
2007-2011
2007-2011
Jun 2007
Jun 2007