Current Team Members
Aliya Qamar
MSc Life Sciences
Bhairavi Bakare
MSc Life Sciences
Joyeeta Nath Purkayastha
Project Associate
Nagapriya K A
Project Associate
Harman Singh Walia
Research intern
Shatabdi Roy
Int PhD, Rotation Student
Lab Alumni
Sai Nand Hebbar
Summer Intern
![IMG_20240114_091315[79].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/68f5ed_86f6a43d0ee048b88715535adbce945b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_84,h_81,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_20240114_091315%5B79%5D.jpg)
Swetha Karthikeyan, Summer Intern
starting MS in Biotech at North Eastern University
Aayushi Gupta
Int PhD (rotation student), IISc
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MEETALI SINGH
Assistant Professor
Developmental Biology and Genetics,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: meetalisingh@iisc.ac.in
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Postdoc: Institut Pasteur, Paris
PhD: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
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During my PhD, I studied the role of chaperone Hsp90 in the life cycle and virulence of protozoan parasites. For my post-doc research, I transitioned to explore epigenetic gene regulation and inheritance mediated by small RNAs in the free-living nematode, C. elegans, in the lab of Dr Germano Cecere at Institut Pasteur, Paris. I am currently a faculty at the Indian Institute of Science and my main interest is to understand the evolution of small RNA pathways in protozoan parasites and their role in host-parasite interaction. In my free time, I love to read, travel and very recently I picked up acrylic pour painting as a hobby.
Click to know more about my Ph.D. and postdoc research
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DIPTENDU MANDAL
Integrated PhD Student
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: diptendum@iisc.ac.in
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BSc (Hons) Zoology: Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira (autonomous, affiliated to University of Calcutta).
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I am currently pursuing MS under Integrated PhD (MS+PhD) programme in Biological Sciences in the Division of Biological Sciences, IISc. I completed my graduation in Zoology (Hons.) from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira. I am interested in understanding the mechanism of RNA interference via atypical RNA interference (RNAi) pathway proteins like Argonaute, DICER, and RdRP, present in Toxoplasma gondii and the role of various classes of small RNAs (siRNA or miRNA) they generate and the effect of the depletion of these proteins on parasite biology and gene regulation.
I enjoy learning new things and engaging myself in activities like chess, foosball, puzzle solving, etc, during my free time.
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SHUBHAM SUBHASH SHINDE
Integrated PhD Student
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: shubhamss@iisc.ac.in
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BSc Biotechnology (Entire): Vivekanand College (autonomous), affiliated to Chatrapati Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
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I am currently pursuing Integrated PhD (MS+PhD) programme in the Division of Biological Sciences, IISc. I completed my graduation in Biotechnology at Vivekanand College, Kolhapur. I am interested in understanding the various aspects of host-parasite interaction and the mechanism behind it. Working with Toxoplasma gondii will help me to understand the atypical RNA interference (RNAi) pathway carried out through Argonaute, DICER, and RdRP, present in Toxoplasma gondii and their role in producing various classes of small RNAs (siRNA or miRNA) which affect the different stages of the lifecycle of parasite and its interaction with the host.
Other than studies, I like playing cricket, foosball, video games, etc., during my free time.
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SOUPARNIKA P
PhD Student
Developmental Biology and Genetics,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: souparnikap@iisc.ac.in
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MSc in Biotechnology from Amrita School of Biotechnology, Kollam.
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I’m currently pursuing my PhD in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc. I have completed my MSc in biotechnology from Amrita School of Biotechnology, Kollam. My research work focuses on small RNA pathways in parasites. I’m excited to unravel the molecular intricacies of atypical RNAi mechanisms in the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, focusing on the roles of Dicer, Argonaute, and RDRP in these processes. Besides research, I enjoy dancing, painting, traveling, and playing badminton.
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ALIYA QAMAR
MSc Life Sciences Student
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: aliyaqamar@iisc.ac.in
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BSc (Hons) Biochemistry: Aligarh Muslim University
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I am currently an MSc Life Sciences student in the Division of Biological Sciences, IISc. I completed my graduation in Biochemistry (Hons.) from Aligarh Muslim University. I am interested in understanding the complete mechanism of RNA interference and how it can be utilized in therapeutics to treat infection, cancer, HIV and other genetic diseases using small RNAs (siRNA or miRNA). I am also interested in stem cell-based therapeutics.
My project will focus on understanding the role of atypical RNAi machinery in host-pathogen interaction
Besides, I love reading and writing during my leisure time. I engage myself in activities like puzzle solving, sketching, etc. and enjoy learning new things every day.
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Bhairavi Bakare
MSc Life Sciences Student
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: bhairavib@iisc.ac.in
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BSc : Hislop College, Nagpur
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I am currently pursuing a master's in Life Sciences in the Division of Biological Sciences, IISc. I completed my graduation from Hislop College, Nagpur. My research focuses on molecular biology, particularly small RNA pathways, with a strong interest in microRNA and its role in gene regulation. I am also interested in the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in diseases like cancer. Additionally, I am interested in exploring CRISPR, RNA interference, and epigenetics as powerful tools for studying gene expression and developing therapeutic strategies. Outside the lab, my hobbies include playing foosball and basketball, collecting and reading books, and writing.
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Joyeeta Nath Purkayastha
Project Associate
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: joyeetanathp@iisc.ac.in
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MSc : IIT, Bombay​
Hi ! This is Joyeeta Nath Purkayastha, coming from a small town in the lush green state of Assam. I have always been fascinated by nature. One such creativity of nature - Toxoplasma gondii that never failed to amaze me from the time I got introduced to it. Who knew a tiny parasite could be so fascinating and so good at controlling mind? I first encountered this microscopic mastermind during my MSc at IIT Bombay. After completing my MSc, I joined Dr. Meetali Singh’s lab at IISc Bangalore as a Project Associate, where I explore RNA-based epigenetic regulation in T. gondii. I love a good scientific discussion (and a bit of chitchat), always eager to exchange ideas and learn something new. Beyond the lab, I am a creative soul with a passion for design and sketching, always seeking inspiration from new horizons while embracing the beauty of going with the flow.
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Nagapriya K A
Project Associate
Division of Biological Sciences
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
email: nagapriyaka@iisc.ac.in
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MSc : IBAB, Bangalore
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Harman Singh Walia
Research Intern
Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering
email: harmansinghwalia175@gmail.com
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BE Biotechnology: Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering
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I’m currently a Research Intern with the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, while pursuing my final year of BE in Biotechnology at Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering. I have a keen interest in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological entities, with a specific focus on RNA interference (RNAi) in protozoan parasites. I am investigating the biogenesis of small RNAs carried out via atypical RNAi pathway using a clinically significant parasite Toxoplasma gondii . My research aims to help understand the evolutionary aspects of RNAi in these organisms and its role in the parasite's life cycle, pathogenesis, and host-parasite interaction.
In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, hockey, and horse riding, as well as trying out new cuisines and savouring local delicacies.