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.
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
Major Students
Aishani Saha
Aishani Saha is a Master’s major project student at IISER TVM with a primary research interest in host–pathogen interactions. She is fascinated by the intricate “dance” between microbes and their hosts. She completed her undergraduate degree in Microbiology (Honors) from Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where her academic journey laid the foundation for her passion for infectious disease research. Beyond academics, Aishani finds inspiration in nature. Gardening allows her to connect with life in its simplest form, while dance remains her greatest passion and creative expression. Together, these pursuits reflect her curiosity, discipline, and love for both science and art.
Malavika K A
Meet Malavika K A, a final-year BSMS student with a deep interest in Host–Parasite Biology. Her current research delves into the molecular interplay between host cells and the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, with a particular focus on understanding how kinases influence infection dynamics.she aims to identify host signaling pathways that could be targeted to control disease without harming the host. Beyond her academic pursuits, Malavika is equally passionate about the arts. She has proudly represented IISER Thiruvananthapuram at the Inter-IISER Cultural Meet (IICM) for two consecutive years, winning accolades in group dance, and continues to contribute actively to Ishya, the institute’s annual cultural festival. Outside the lab and stage, she cherishes spending time with friends and family, finding joy and balance in these connections.
Paarth Manoj is a 5th-year BSMS student at IISER Thiruvananthapuram. Life took a big turn for him when he shifted from being a social media influencer to majoring in biology—and he hasn’t looked back since. A summer at IISc in 2023 sparked his passion for drug delivery and targeting, especially studying how therapeutics travel across host systems.
He is also a proud member of the iGEM 2024 wetlab team. Outside the lab, he has kept up a streak of three consecutive IISMs and IICMs, because sports and oratory are just as much a part of who he is as science. His motto is simple—“do what excites”—and he actually lives by it.
Most days, you’ll find him juggling between cell culture and clones by day, and sports or chilling with friends by night. In a world where malaria and mosquitoes are still a threat, it’s his curiosity and stubborn drive that push him to keep working toward making things a little better.
Paarth Manoj
Alumni
Tanmay Devgan
Ajmal P M
Bhadra R
Akshay Unni
Gayathri S Kumar
G Theja Kumar
Ishika kain
Sandra TR
Dipanwita Paul
Jaya Sharma
Anjana N
Interns
Thejal Ann Liz
BS-MS
Department of LifeScience
Central University of Tamil Nadu