Meet the Team
PhD Students
Hi! I'm Yash
Hi, I’m Yash. With a background in biotechnology from Jai Hind College and The Institute of Science, Mumbai. I’m broadly interested in how molecular, cellular, and organismal processes are regulated. My current work explores interorgan communication in wound healing from a wider systems perspective.
Outside the lab, I'm an artist at heart, enjoy reading, music, and reflecting on ideas both scientific and beyond with a cup of tea.
Yash Suresh Sheregare
joined: August 2024
Hi! I'm Soumyadip
I hold a background in Molecular Biology from Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal, Currently, my research explores the role of water-channel proteins (aquaporins) in Drosophila immunity, with particular attention to how they regulate water and small molecule transport, influence cellular physiology, and contribute to host defense mechanisms.
​Beyond the lab, I am an avid fan of science fiction novels, movies and love doing digital illutration.
Soumyadip Sarkar
joined: August 2024
Hi! I'm Ankita
I have a background in Genetics and Microbiology with a strong interest in understanding how organisms adapt and respond to their environment at the molecular level. My current research focuses on understanding the epigenetic and metabolic mechanism that drive Immune priming in flies.
When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy curling up with a good book or unwinding by drawing.
Ankita Pai
joined: August 2025
Junior Research Fellows
Hi! I'm Varuni
I completed Integrated BS-MS at IISER Pune. Currently I'm working as a Junior Research Fellow studying the role of guanyl cyclase in mediating gut immune responses. I am broadly interested in immunology.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading fantasy novels, trekking, and playing sports. Also, I'm trained in classical music and play carnatic violin.
Varuni Nagesh
​joined: June 2025
Hi! I'm Janani
I hold a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research and an M.Sc. in Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicine from MIRM, MAHE, Bengaluru. Currently, I am a Junior Research Fellow in Dr. Sveta Chakrabarti’s group, where I study the effects of injury on immunity in Drosophila. My work focuses on how immune cells and key signaling pathways respond to thoracic infection, aiming to understand broader principles of immune regulation and repair.​
Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing, art, and sports.
Janani Yuvaraj
​joined: August 2025
Master Thesis Students
Deepak Balaji S
​joined: February 2025
Hi! I'm Deepak
I am a Master’s student in Translational Immunology, with a background in Biotechnology, I am broadly interested in the regulation of immune responses and their translational potential. Outside the lab, I enjoy blues music, comics, and movies.
Hitha Ram
​joined: August 2025
Hi! I'm Hitha
I hold a bachelor's degree in Life Sciences and am currently pursuing a Master's in Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicine at MIRM, MAHE-Blr. My project focuses on the role of aquaporins in Drosophila hemocytes during immune response.
Outside the lab, I'm a bibliophile, singer, baker and love to travel.
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Masira Gondekar
​joined: August 2025
Amruthashree
​joined: February 2026
Nivethaa
​joined: February 2026
Hi! I'm Masira
I have a Bachelors in Microbiology from Fergusson College, Pune and I'm currently pursuing a Masters in Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Biology.
My thesis project investigates how levels of cGMP affect behaviour in Drosophila.
Beyond the bench, I'm the happiest when experimenting with different creative outlets whether it's cooking or baking or travelling or reading a good book or diving into an elaborate artistic project.
Hi! I'm Amrutashree
I completed my undergraduate studies in Microbiology at Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Translational Immunology at the Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bengaluru. My research interests lie in wound healing mechanisms studied using Drosophila as a model organism.
Beyond academics, I enjoy playing volleyball and badminton.
Hi! I'm Nivethaa
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Stella Maris college chennai and I am currently pursuing my master’s in Translational Immunology at MIRM, MAHE bangalore. I have long been interested in immunology and the molecular aspects of biology, while also appreciating how organisms function as a whole. Working with Drosophila allows me to connect these interests through a powerful model system. My project focuses on investigating whether cyclic nucleotides provide protection against oral pathogens. Outside the lab, I enjoy bird watching, reading philosophical fiction, writing and singing.
ALUMNUS
Janvi Roni
Master Thesis student
August 2024 - August 2025
Vivek A
Master Thesis student
Feb 2025 - August 2025
Charanraj C A