Hello, I’m Keya.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Keya Thumar, a biotechnology professional with a strong foundation in molecular biology, microbiology, and genetic analysis, and a passion for driving innovation across scientific and strategic domains.

I hold a Master’s in Biotechnology from The Pennsylvania State University and a dual Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My professional experience spans R&D roles in academic and industrial laboratories, including contributions to genetically modified crop development at Syngenta RTP and microbial community research at Penn State, as well as behavioral research on bats and naked mole-rats at UIC.

In parallel with my scientific journey, I’m aiming to build a career at the intersection of science and leadership. I’m currently enhancing my knowledge through the Coursera Project Management Certificate (July 2025) and the Project Management: Leading Organizations to Success MIT xPRO course (August 2025). I’m also pursuing my CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) license through PMI. These credentials strengthen my ability to manage complex workflows, cross-functional teams, and strategic operations in biotech settings.

Whether I’m in the lab or leading a project, I bring precision, creativity, and purpose to every environment I step into. I’m currently seeking opportunities that align with my vision of bridging science and business, particularly in areas such as therapeutics, translational biotech, women’s health, or neuroscience.

RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS

Manuscripts in Preparation

• Trexler, R.V., Thumar, K., Patel, S., Doucek, D., Kaye, J., Couradeau, E.
  Resiliency of cyanobacteria and diazotroph mutualisms in a biological soil crust community under limiting photosynthetically active radiation.
• Richards, S., Thumar, K., Bell, T.H., Couradeau, E., Roman, R.
  Directed evolution of a beneficial microbial inoculant to improve survival in soil.

Published Contribution

Acknowledged Contributor – Auditory Processing of Communication Calls in Interacting Bats
iScience, Vol. 27, Issue 6, June 21, 2024. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109872]
Contributed to social call classification using Batty Koda software.

💬 Let’s Connect

Whether you’re looking for a sharp mind in biotech, a science communicator, or someone who bridges research and strategy I’d love to connect.