6 minute read
Darcia D'Mello
Darcia D'Mello: Pioneering Science, Innovation, and Inspiration
The story of Darcia D'Mello is one of resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and innovation. Hailing from Anjuna, a coastal town in North Goa, Darcia’s journey from her home in Goa to some of the world’s leading research institutions is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, as a dedicated Healthcare Scientist based in London, she is making significant contributions to research and global healthcare. Her path, marked by relentless hard work, determination, and a passion for solving realworld problems, serves as an inspiration for young minds, especially in Goa, to pursue careers in STEM fields and think beyond boundaries.
Early Inspiration and Family Support
Darcia’s fascination with science wasn’t limited to textbooks or classroom lessons. From a young age, she was captivated by encyclopaedias and science books, spending hours immersed in learning. She eagerly watched Discovery Channel documentaries, fuelling her curiosity about the natural world, space exploration, and scientific discoveries. Her parents’ unwavering support played a crucial role in her journey, allowing her to dream big and work hard to achieve her goals. Whether conducting small science experiments at home, participating in creative art projects, or engaging in dance competitions, she was given the freedom to explore her potential. This holistic support system helped shape her into a wellrounded individual, instilling both intellectual curiosity and a creative spirit.
Academic Excellence: From Goa to Bangalore
Darcia began her academic journey at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, Goa, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. Her dedication to the field and ability to grasp complex scientific concepts quickly earned her the top rank in her class, setting her apart as an exceptional student. However, she wasn’t solely defined by academics— her passion extended to dance and artistic pursuits, showcasing her ability to balance intellect with creativity.
Eager to expand her knowledge, she moved to Bangalore to pursue a Master’s in Biotechnology at Garden City University. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional education. Instead of seeing this as an obstacle, Darcia used the opportunity to upskill herself. She delved into Bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary field that applies computational techniques to analyze and interpret biological data, playing a crucial role in drug discovery, genomics, and vaccine development.
Combining computational biology with Immunoinformatics, her master’s thesis focused on designing an in silico multi-epitope peptide vaccine for Mucormycosis (Black Fungus)—a severe fungal infection that poses a significant threat to immunocompromised COVID-19 patients. Her groundbreaking research gained recognition, earning her the Best Research Poster Presentation Award at an international symposium.
Beyond her research in biotechnology, Darcia also tackled an urgent environmental challenge—the pollution caused by disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. With support from her professors, who saw potential in her innovative thinking, she developed a portable copyrolysis machine that converted used PPE into liquid fuel, providing a sustainable energy solution while addressing PPE waste management.
Her project won the Best Student Project of the Year Award from the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) in 2021 and secured government funding for its environmental impact. This achievement paved the way for her first-ever patent, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7).
During her Master’s degree in Bangalore, Darcia not only excelled academically but also earned numerous prestigious awards, including Best Innovative project award, and Best Poster Presentation at both international and national conferences. She was the top performer in her batch, securing First Rank, and made significant academic contributions to biotechnology by authoring three international book chapters.
Expanding Horizons: A New Chapter in London
Determined to push her expertise further, Darcia pursued a second Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, specializing in Medical Microbiology at the University of Westminster, London. This exposure provided her with access to world-class research facilities, allowing her to refine her skills in molecular genetics and drug discovery. During her time in London, she completed a CRISPR/Cas9 Human Genome Engineering course, equipping her with hands-on experience in cutting-edge genetic research and antiviral drug discovery for SARSCoV-2 variants.
Her academic excellence was once again recognized —she graduated with Distinction, topping her batch. She was also awarded the Westminster Employability Platinum Award, a prestigious recognition of her dedication to both academics and extracurricular contributions.
Following her second Master’s, Darcia worked at Imperial College London, one of the world’s top research institutions, collaborating with the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Hospital and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). She played a pivotal role in managing a biorepository bank containing over a million of HIV specimens, contributing to significant vaccine research efforts. Working alongside leading scientists, she further honed her expertise in infectious diseases and vaccine development. Currently, Darcia is a Healthcare Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), where her research focuses on advancing the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Some of her projects align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) vision to enhance global diagnostic accuracy, contributing to improved disease detection and public health outcomes worldwide. One of her most significant achievements at UKHSA was representing her team and winning the Best Project Award in the UK for developing a novel External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme aimed at improving Group B Streptococcus screening in pregnant patients, a crucial initiative to reduce neonatal mortality worldwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Darcia’s journey is not just about academic success or research breakthroughs— it is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the courage to push boundaries. Her rise from a small town in Goa to global research institutions proves that dedication and vision can turn even the most ambitious dreams into reality.
To aspiring young scientists, she shares a simple but powerful message: "Believe in your vision, embrace challenges, and trust your potential—because the power to create and inspire is within you."
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that talent has no limits and that groundbreaking innovation can arise from anywhere, even the smallest corners of the world. Through her unwavering determination and scientific brilliance, Darcia D’Mello has forged a path that exemplifies how passion and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements on the global stage.
