Govind Sah

Biography

As a postdoctoral appointee at Sandia National Laboratories, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise in molecular biology to address critical challenges in biothreat detection and intervention programs. My current research focuses on developing nanobody-enzyme conjugates, a technology aimed at creating a modular screening and diagnostic tool for the rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of abusive drugs and infectious agents in the field.
With over eight years of hands-on experience, I specialize in molecular cloning, omics studies, and bioinformatics, contributing to advancements in biodefense through swift disease detection, prevention, and effective management strategies. I thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments, mentoring junior scientists and refining experimental approaches to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions, all while supporting Sandia’s mission-driven research.
My scientific journey encompasses diverse projects, from investigating phage therapies for antibiotic-resistant bacteria at UC San Diego to studying microbial behaviors during my Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming. These experiences have honed my skills in genomics, transcriptomics, and infectious disease research, fueling my passion for innovation. At Sandia, I am excited to be part of a dynamic, goal-oriented research environment where cutting-edge science meets real-world impact, and I look forward to pushing the boundaries of molecular biology.

Education

PhD in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA, 2020

MSc in Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2011

BSc in Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2008

Research Interests

Nanobody Engineering, Antibody/nanobody based diagnostics and therapeutics, Infectious diseases and biodefense, Omics studies.

Publications

Ghatbale, P., Sah, G. P., et al., Experimental Phage Evolution Results in Expanded Host Ranges Against MDR and XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates. Nature Microbiology (BioRxiv).

Ghatbale, P., Sah G.P., et al. (2025). “In vitro Resensitization of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis through Phage-Antibiotic Synergy.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

Sah G.P., et. al., (2023). Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 distribution and microbial succession in a clinical microbiology testing facility during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Microbiology Spectrum).

Balagam, R., Cao, P., Sah, G.P., et. al., (2021). Emergent Myxobacterial Behaviors Arise from Reversal Suppression Induced by Kin Contacts (mSystems).

Vassallo, C. N., Sah, G.P., et. al., (2021). Modular Lipoprotein Toxins Transferred by Outer Membrane Exchange Target Discrete Cell Entry Pathways (mBio).

Sah, G.P. & Wall, D. (2020) Kin recognition and outer membrane exchange (OME) in myxobacteria (Curr Opin Microbiol).

Sah, G.P., et. al., (2020). MYXO‐CTERM sorting tag directs proteins to the cell surface via the type II secretion system (Molecular Microbiology).

Thapa, K., Manandhar, S., Bista, M., Shakya, J., Sah, G., et. al., (2018). Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow of tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) across Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (PloS One).

Karmacharya, D., Manandhar, S., Shakya, J., Thapa, K., Bista, M., Sah, G.P., et. al., (2016). Incidental discovery of non-focal carnivore species during genetic study of Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Nepal (Asian J Conserv Biol).