Team
Vaisak Mohan
PhD Scholar
Vaisak completed his post-graduation in Life Sciences from NISER, Bhubaneswar. He has worked in the field of vector-borne disease. In the Laboratory of Parasites, he focuses on Malarial parasites. He will investigate the mechanisms of drug resistance and explore possible combat strategies.
On a break, he can be found going on rides, treks and adventure activities in random locations. He loves occasional walks into nature, swimming, and savoring local cuisine and art. He has a deep fascination for science and technology innovations: translational research outputs, advancements in cognitive biology and philosophy of psychology, and the latest gadgets. In the interstices, he consumes movies and series, infotainments, and applies computer programming for daily hacks
Meet Parnika, a dynamic 4th-year Integrated Ph.D. student driven by an unwavering passion for Infectious Disease Biology and pathology. Her academic journey commenced at BJB Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, where she graduated with honors in Zoology, setting the stage for her fervent pursuit of scientific inquiry.Her ongoing research is centered on exploring the intricate host factors that facilitate the sustenance of specific intracellular pathogens, while concurrently seeking methods to manipulate infected cells without compromising the host's well-being.Beyond her academic endeavors, Parnika is a multifaceted individual with a deep appreciation for literature and mythology. Her artistic talents extend to the canvas, where she expresses herself through painting. Embracing a holistic approach to life, she finds joy and balance by engaging in leisurely badminton matches.
Parnika Sahoo
IPhD Scholar
Abhinav Hatwar
PhD Scholar
A guy with full of adventures, Abhinav has completed his master’s in biotechnology from School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad. During his master’s dissertation in Biophysics laboratory, he carried out structural, stability and fibrillation studies of proteins in presence of different mixtures of cosolvents. He worked as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Structural and Molecular Biology lab, where he carried out purification of Leishmanial proteins. In addition to it, he has also worked as Intern at Biocon Limited in API R&D Downstream and peptides department, where he was working on developing purification method for different active pharmaceutical ingredients.He has always been fascinated in the field of drug discovery for different infectious diseases. During breaktime, he always like to explore the new places and spent his time in between nature. He appreciates mythology and loves to play Cricket and Chess during his leisure time.
Sandra S N
IPhD Scholar
Sandra is a zealous Zoology graduate from Calicut University, driven by a deep-rooted understanding of the pervasive impact of infectious diseases, especially when compounded by lifestyle-related health issues. Growing up as a member of Generation Z, Sandra has been witness to the hardships faced by individuals affected by these afflictions, inspiring her commitment to finding solutions.Sandra acknowledges the invaluable contribution of her parents in encouraging and motivating her to choose her own life path.
Sandra is currently investigating both host and pathogen factors essential for their sustainability, focusing on achieving this entirely through computational methods. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is a passionate food aficionado, exploring various cuisines with enthusiasm. Additionally, Sandra finds joy and self-expression through dance, channeling her creativity and energy into this art form.
Vyshnav
PhD Scholar
Vyshnav completed his postgraduate degree in Microbiology from the Central University of Punjab, where he focused on multidrug resistance in bacteria and their molecular characterization. He then worked as a Project Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST-IISER Mohali), studying how bacterial genetics and morphology are affected by various preservatives. Vyshnav is passionate about exploring new techniques and instruments to appreciate the wonders of science. To recharge, he immerses himself in nature, enjoys music, and watches fictional series. He also has a strong interest in sports, particularly football. Vyshnav firmly believes that every challenge has a solution, reflecting his optimistic approach to problem-solving.
Major Project Students
Anjana Narayanan
Major Project student
Anjana Narayanan is from the scenic Kannur district in Kerala.. With a deep passion for scientific research, she is committed to exploring the complex dynamics between hosts and pathogens. Anjana's research is focused on exploring proteins involved in essential cellular processes.Anjana's work contributes to the broader understanding of infection biology, aiming to uncover molecular insights that could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.Beyond her research pursuits, Anjana is an avid explorer with a love for discovering new cuisines. She is also an accomplished Kho-Kho player, having twice secured gold medals at the IISER sports meet, reflecting her dedication to both academic and extracurricular excellence
Akshay Unni hails from the picturesque Palakkad district of Kerala. Coming from a family, engaged in academics and researching his deep-rooted fascination for infection biology and neurobiology that dates back to his school days, Akshay has always been intrigued by the complex interactions between organisms and diseases. His passion for understanding how pathogens impact their hosts has driven his research pursuits.Akshay is researching a membrane protein in host cells and its interactions with pathogens. His work explores the interactions between this protein and the malarial parasite once it invades the host cell. In addition to his scientific endeavors, Akshay is a passionate actor and theatre enthusiast. He has represented IISER Thiruvananthapuram at the Inter IISER Cultural Meet twice, showcasing his dedication to the performing arts alongside his academic pursuits
Akshay Unni
Major Project student
Gayathri S Kumar
Major Project student
Gayathri joined the lab as an intern initially and continued as a major student working on checking the nutrient hyjacking pathways of the parasite by studying protein-protein interactions of the host and parasite. She likes to explore the intricate dynamics of host-parasite interaction and delving deep into the molecular activities occurring in the host cell. She is particularly fascinated by how hosts survive and respond to infections.
She is passionate about art and scientific illustration bagging many prizes representing IISER TVM in events like the Inter-IISER Cultural Meet. She also enjoys singing classical music and reading fiction earning her the Cultural Colour Award, IISER TVM 2024. She is enthusiastic to dig into anything which she finds interesting, be it a new technique for her science experiment or a new tool for her pencil portraits
Sandra T R
Major Project student
Sandra TR, a devoted BSMS major, is deeply passionate about the complexities of Cell biology and host-pathogen interactions. She is currently engrossed in innovative research aimed at uncovering synthetic lethality as a groundbreaking method to fight against Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii.
Beyond her research endeavors, Sandra is a person of optimism, enthusiasm, and kind-hearted nature. Outside the laboratory, she finds immense joy in singing and dancing, pursuing these activities with as much passion as she does in her academic interests.
Bhadra R
Major Project student
Bhadra is a passionate BS-MS student with a curious mind. Driven by a deep curiosity for the intricate dance between host and pathogen, she delves into the world of cellular kinases, unraveling their crucial role in shaping the course of infection. With a keen eye for detail and a meticulous approach, she dissects the complex interplay of molecular signals, seeking to understand how these cellular gatekeepers influence the fate of invading microorganisms.Bhadra enjoys expressing her creativity through art, music, and writing. She loves reading and exploring new places, which fuels her curiosity and passion for discovery. This drive pushes her to keep expanding her knowledge and experiences.
Dipanwita is a dedicated biology enthusiast with a keen interest in exploring the intricate dance between hosts and parasites. Her passion for biology, coupled with a love for the natural world, fuels her research endeavors.
Originally from Kolkata, Dipanwita's experiences as a defense brat have broadened her horizons and instilled in her a love for exploration and shaped her global perspective. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Zoology and Education at RIE Bhubaneswar, deepening her understanding of biological systems.
When she's not immersed in her research, Dipanwita finds solace in the pages of crime and epic fantasy novels. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys peaceful walks in the outdoors, accompanied by the soothing melodies of her headphones
Dipanwita Paul
Major Project student
Junior Research Fellow
Sandeep Reddy Vinjamuri
JRF
Sandeep Reddy Vinjamuri is a driven researcher with an academic background in M.Tech from IIT Guwahati and a bachelor's degree from NIT Rourkela. His expertise lies at the intersection of immunology and evolution, focusing on the evolutionary dynamics of host immunity driven by pathogens.
Currently immersed in investigating the mechanisms by which the Plasmodium parasite secures essential nutrients and biomolecules for its survival during the liver stages of infection, Sandeep is dedicated to unraveling pathways crucial for the progression of infection.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Sandeep is an avid reader, podcast enthusiast, and holds an unwavering passion for cricket and football, often exploring these interests outside the laboratory.
Lab Assistant
Usha Krishna K
Lab Assistant
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Meet Usha Krishna K, an adept researcher with a profound passion for delving into the intricate world of microbiology. Armed with a Master's degree in Microbiology from Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science for Women, Coimbatore, Usha is a dedicated and detail-oriented individual whose academic journey has been driven by an unyielding thirst for knowledge.While her demeanor may initially appear reserved, Usha's quiet nature conceals an unwavering dedication to her craft. Her strength lies not just in her meticulous approach to research but also in her loyalty and unwavering support for those who become part of her circle, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration
Senior Project Associate
Anushree Bhatnagar
Senior Project Associate
She hails from nawabo ka sheher Lucknow but has spent a major part of her life around Delhi. She has done her PhD from IISER TVM in the field of host-pathogen interaction, MSc from JNU, and BSc from the University of Delhi. She is passionate about learning about the elements involved in the tug of war between the host and the pathogenic microbes. Currently, she is focused on elucidating the Plasmodium-induced complexity in the host signaling network.
Alumni
Tanmay Devgan
Ishika kain
Ajmal P M
Jaya Sharma
G Theja Kumar
Interns
Thejal Ann Liz
BS-MS
Department of LifeScience
Central University of Tamil Nadu