Infectious Diseases Biology Lab
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 3rd-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. Currently, he has joined the lab as 1st year PhD and carrying out structural guided approach studies to identify potential inhibitors to target CS Malaria. 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.
Presently immersed in an intriguing term project, Sandra is actively investigating the host factors crucial in sustaining specific intracellular pathogens. Her focus lies in innovating methodologies to manipulate infected cells without compromising the host's well-being, aiming to mitigate the virulence of these pathogens.Beyond her academic pursuits, Sandra is a passionate food aficionado, exploring various cuisines with enthusiasm. Additionally, she finds joy and self-expression through dance, channeling her creativity and energy into this art form.
Major Project Students
Ajmal P M
Major Project student
Meet Ajmal, a dedicated BSMS major whose passion lies in exploring the intricacies of immunology and host-pathogen interactions. With a fervent interest in the field, Ajmal is currently immersed in groundbreaking research, aiming to unravel synthetic lethality as an innovative strategy in the battle against Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii.Beyond the confines of research, Ajmal embodies kindness and an adventurous spirit. Outside the lab, he finds joy in exploring new destinations through travel and channels his enthusiasm into his passion for football.
Ishika kain is a 2nd year M.Sc. student. She completed her Bachelor’s from Gargi College, Delhi University. Majoring in Microbiology, the field of Disease Biology and Immunopathology have always fascinated her.
She developed her interest in research and lab work during a project she did during her Bachelors on ‘’Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal Influence on Human Micro Flora and Its Effect on Female Health’’. From here, she began to appreciate the beauty of science and research, understanding the scope it holds for the future. Someday in future she wishes to work on understanding the relationship between microbial infections and autoimmune disorders.
Currently she is working on a short term project understanding the various modes of nutrient uptake and transport mechanisms used by parasitic organisms and their interactions with the host body.
Outside work, her leisure lies in writing, reading comics and drowning herself in music.
Ishika Kain
Major Project student
Tanmay Devgan
Major Project student
Native of Delhi, Tanmay graduated from the University of Delhi with honours in Biomedical Sciences. His research interests lie in host-pathogen interaction and translational biology which motivated him to take up a project in the Infectious Disease Biology Lab. He is working on finding ways to mould the host's innate immunity in such a way as to lower the liver-stage load of the malarial parasite Plasmodium. An ardent foodie, in his free time, he can be found jamming to Indian classical and Punjabi folk songs, taking a stroll in the woods, or finding ways to cook something gourmet with whatever he gets from the mess.
Junior Research Fellow
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.
Sandeep Reddy Vinjamuri
JRF
External Project Students
Usha Krishna K
Project student
.jpeg)
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
Alumni
2022-2023
Jaya Sharma
G Theja Kumar
Interns
Thejal Ann Liz
BS-MS
Department of LifeScience
Central University of Tamil Nadu