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
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
Amruthashree
​joined: February 2026
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 investigates whether cyclic nucleotides protect against oral pathogens. Outside the lab, I enjoy bird watching, reading philosophical fiction, writing, and singing.
Nivethaa
​joined: February 2026
ALUMNUS
Varuni Nagesh
Junior Reserach Fellow
June 2025 - May 2026
Charanraj C A
Junior Research Fellow
May 2024 - October 2024
Janvi Roni
Vivek A
Deepak Balaji S
Master Thesis student
August 2024 - August 2025
Master Thesis student
Feb 2025 - August 2025
Master Thesis student​
February 2025 - June 2026
Masira Gondekar
Master Thesis student​
August 2025 - June 2026
Hitha Ram