Meet the Team!

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Dr. Sushmita JhaAssociate Professor

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Shalini SinghPhD Scholar

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Shivanjali SaxenaPhD Scholar

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Ishan AgrawalPhD Scholar

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Preethika NairPhD Scholar

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Preeti MutrejaPhD Scholar

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Alumni

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Nidhi SharmaPhD Scholar (2013-2019)

Currently: Post-doc, Karolinska Institute, Sweden

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Swetha SM.Tech Student (2018-2019)

Currently: PhD, University of Warwick, England

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Varsha SrinivasanM.Tech Student (2018-2019)

Currently: PhD, University of Michigan, USA

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S. ArvindM.Tech Student (2018-2019)

Currently: Intern, GeneX India Biosciences Pvt. Ltd.

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Sunandan ChoudhuryUGRI (Summer 2017)

Currently: Masters, University of Technology Sydney

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Jatin SharmaUGRI (Summer 2016)

Currently: PhD, University of Florida

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ShaileshUGRI (Summer 2016)

Currently: PhD, NCBS, Bangalore

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Arnav MishraB.Tech Project Student (2017)

Currently: UPSC Preparation

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Miti MishraUGRI (Summer 2013)

Currently: Fujitsu Bangalore

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Shruti ThakurUGRI (Summer 2014)

Currently: Marketing Head, DelveInsight Business Research

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Dipti R. PradhanDST-Inspire Fellow (Summer 2014)

Currently: Marketing Head, DelveInsight Business Research

NISER Bhubhaneshwar More Details
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Priya ElangovanProject JRF

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Sushmita Jha

I completed my BSc (Microbiology, Chemistry and Botany) from St. Joseph's college of arts and science, Bangalore and MSc (Biochemistry) from MS University Baroda. I received my PhD from the Dept. of Cell and Molecular Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA). During my PhD, I elucidated a novel inflammasome-dependent pathway for inflammation and demyelination in the brain. After completing my postdoctoral training I joined IIT Jodhpur in 2012.

My research and teaching interests have been fostered by education, research, teaching and mentoring at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, M.S University Baroda and St. Joseph's College of Arts and Science, Bangalore. During this time I have been trained in cell and molecular physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience and immunology. These diverse experiences have helped shape my research and teaching as a broadly trained scientist and educator. My scientific vision is to apply my research skills to studies of complex neurological disorders for therapeutic interventions and train future scientists (graduate, undergraduate and high school level students) in the scientific process. I enjoy teaching interdisciplinary students and sharing my enthusiasm for science education and research.

Apart from being passionate about neuroscience education and research I enjoy travelling, hiking, swimming and spending time with friends and family.

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Hi! I'm Nidhi Sharma

I have pursued Integrated M.Tech in Cognitive and Neurosciences from CCT, University of Rajasthan. I am exploring the role of innate immune regulatory molecules in inflammation and brain cancer. I enjoy being with family, learning new things, listening music and dance.

Achievements:

  • The Workshop for "Women in Science Administration and Management (Level -2)", supported by British Council, IISER Pune and IndiaBioscience through the Newton-Bhabha Fund in IISER Pune, from 10-11th January, 2019.
  • The workshop for "Women in Science Administration and Management (Level -1)", supported by British Council, IISER Pune and IndiaBioscience through the Newton-Bhabha Fund in NCBS, Bangalore, from 26-29th November, 2018.
  • International travel grant and registration fee waiver awarded by the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung to attend the ENCODS 2018, supported by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) in Berlin, Germany, from 5-6th July, 2018.
  • Travel Award from the International Congress of Cell Biology Selection Committee to attend the ICCB -2018, Organized by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India, from January 27th – 31st, 2018.
  • DST-funded Nano Mission School on ”Nano Science & NanoTechnology- Biological Sciences”, from November 6th – 11th, 2017, at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, Punjab.
  • International Travel Support Grant from SERB/DST and Conference waiver award from the Journal of Cell Science to attend EMBO workshop, Organized by the Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria, from 10th-14th January, 2017.
  • DBT –IPLS Scholarship, M.Tech., 2011-2013.
  • International Indo-US workshop On Brain and Cognition at Centre for Neurosciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), funded by IUSSTF, Bangalore, India from July 5th -14th, 2011.
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Hi! I'm Shalini Singh

I completed my B.Tech in Biotechnology from Kurukshetra University in 2010. I was then awarded the DBT scholarship to pursue M.Tech from West Bengal University of Technology. During my post-graduation dissertation I worked upon Micro RNA mediated regulation in Taupathy cellular model, which developed my interest in neuroscience. My current research focuses on the role of NLRs in inflammation and brain cancer.
Achievements
• Shalini Singh and Sushmita Jha, NLRs as Helpline in the Brain: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Molecular Neurobiology, 2018 (Impact factor: 6.1)
• Presented poster at International Congress of Cell Biology on The Dynamic Cell: Molecules and Networks from form to function organized by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad , India from 27th-31st 2018.
• Rita Singh, Kirti Shitiz, Shalini Singh, Sushmita Jha and Antaryami Singh, Evaluation of wound dressing properties of chitin membranes containing nanosilver. Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express, 2018
• Poster accepted at TOLL 2015:Targeting Innate Immunity at Marbella, Spain, Sept 30th- Oct 3rd,2015
• Selected for Hands-On Training course on Flow Cytometry, C-CAMP, NCBS, Banglore, India from 9th- 12th December, 2014

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Hi! I'm Shivanjali Saxena

I have completed my B.Tech in Bio-Informatics from AMITY University. I have worked on “Database development of immune related genes of Fishes” at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources. I have a keen interest in exploring neurological disorders and working on innovative solutions for medical/research problems. During my leisure, I love to sketch, read novels and interact with people around me. I joined PhD in 2014 directly after my graduation. My project is on assessing the role of Nod-like receptors (NLRs) in glioma angiogenesis.

Achievements
• Developed a hypoxia chamber for simulating hypoxic environment to study hypoxia related diseases specially cancer. (Patent application number : 201811017208)
• Presented the hypoxia chamber developed by me at The LJ Innovation Village organized by LJ Group of Institutes, Ahmedabad on 17 th Feb 2018.
• January 2018: Presented poster in the International Congress of Cell Biology 2018 organized by CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India, during 27th-31st January 2018.
• September 2017: Won Medical Device Innovation Conclave 2017 (MEDIC) at Pune.
• July 2017: Won Medical Device Hackathon (MEDHA) 2017 at Pune, organized by BETiC, IIT Bombay.
• July 2017: Presented paper at 3rd Indian Conference on Applied mechanics (INCAM 2017), Allahabad.
• April 2017: Review “Saxena, Shivanjali, and Sushmita Jha. Role of NOD-like Receptors in Glioma Angiogenesis: Insights into future therapeutic interventions." Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews (2017).” published.
• 12th February 2017: Attended and won first prize at Medical Technology Innovation Workshop at AIIMS, Jodhpur.

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Hi! I'm Ishan Agrawal

I have done my B.Tech in Biotechnology from Gaumtam Buddh Technical University. I completed my first M.Sc. in Bioscience with specialization in Infection and Immunity from University of Leeds, England. My second M.Sc. is in Life Sciences from Central University of Gujarat. I am interested in exploring the role of immune cells with respect to neurological disorders. I like to read novels and explore places in my free time.

Achievements
• Presented poster on ‘Dopamine induces functional extracellular traps in microglia’ at International Congress of Cell Biology 2018.
• Attended Workshop on ‘Basic course on techniques in flow cytometry’ C-CAMP, Bengaluru.

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Hi! I'm Preethika Nair

I found my disposition for immunology while pursuing my B.Sc. Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai. I completed my M.Sc. in Biological Science from NMIMS University, Mumbai. I furthered my interest by working on CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T cell therapy at IIT-B. In order to learn more about protein-protein interactions, I worked as a JRF at ACTREC, Navi Mumbai. Further, I also briefly worked as a visiting faculty at NMIMS university. Currently, my interest revolves around understanding the immunobiology of Glioblastoma and modulatory effects of the microenvironment. Beyond the scope of being an ‘immuno-junkie’, I am a quintessential Mumbaikar, an ardent fan of science fiction and murder mysteries. Food, travel and dancing are my modes of escape.

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Hi! I'm Preeti Mutreja

I am a Pathologist by profession and a researcher by interest. I completed my M.D. Pathology in 2018 and M.B.B.S. in 2014 from Dr. S. N. Govt. Medical College Jodhpur under Rajasthan University of Health Sciences. My MD thesis was on Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry (ER, PR status) of the Breast Carcinoma. My primary interests are surgical pathology and cytopathology.

Achievements
• PPD accepted under the WOS-A (DST) scheme in 2019.

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Hi! I'm
S. Arvind

I have completed B.Tech in Biotechnology from Sathyabama University and currently I am pursuing M.Tech in Bioscience and Bioengineering. I am interested in studying the role of mutations in signalling pathway of retinal disorders. I love to travel and experience new things.

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Hi! I'm Varsha Srinivasan

I have completed my under graduation (B.Tech) in Biotechnology from SASTRA University and currently pursuing M.Tech in Bioscience and Bioengineering. Being associated with science and research keeps me ignited with curiosity. I am interested to understand how our immune system is getting us past each day robustly and with high acumen. I have worked in “Combination Therapy against Leishmaniasis” in my B.Tech. I would like to explore more on receptors that are involved in innate immunity.

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Hi! I'm
Swetha S

A Biology lover who is passionate about pursuing research in the same. Broadly, I am interested in exploring the fields Immunobiology, DNA Replication, Evolutionary Biology and Astrobiology. I have got my Bachelor’s degree B. Tech in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University, Chennai. Currently, I am pursuing M. Tech in Bioscience and Bioengineering at IIT-Jodhpur. I am working on Inflammasome Biology under the guidance of Dr. Sushmita Jha.

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Hi! I'm Sunandan Chowdhary

Science has piqued my curiosity at all times and this is the reason why I have always wanted to be a contributing member of the scientific community. A graduate from Manipal Institute of Technology, Currently studying towards masters in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney, My aim has always been to augment the disciples of engineering and medicine and come up with real world solutions to benefit humanity.

The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur played a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals. Thanks to an enriching experience at the Advanced Cellular and Molecular Neurosciences Lab and the Micro fabrication Lab in the form of research internship. My research entailed me to work on the Nano electronic detection of Pro –inflammatory cytokines namely Interleukin-1 Beta. Under the guidance of Dr. Sushmita Jha and Dr. Mahesh Kumar, I was successful in studying correlation between the conductivity of Nano Field Effect Transistor and the concentration of IL-1β.

My experience was embellished with good memories. Thanks to the other working members of the lab- Nidhi Sharma, Shivanjali Saxena, Shalini Singh and Ishan Agrawal. I value my time spent at IITJ and shall forever cherish my memories and experience.

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Hi! I'm Arnav Mishra

I am an alumus of IIT JODHPUR batch 2013-17 with graduate specialization in Biologically Inspired System Science Engineering. After working in a multinational firm for an year, I am currently pursuing higher studies in New Delhi.

I had been part of several innovative and educational ongoing projects under the precious guidance of Dr. Sushmita Jha. It had been a great experience all throughout and I was able to learn a lot from my mentors, guides and peers. The research lab is fully equipped with contemporary technological equipment which facilitated me in pursuing the latest research projects with much simplicity.

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Hi! I'm Jatin Sharma

The most valuable and intellectually prolific experience I have had so far was in Dr. Sushmita Jha’s Advanced Biosciences and Neuroscience laboratory in the Biology department of the Indian Institute Of Technology, Jodhpur (IIT-J) where I joined as an Undergraduate Research and Initiative (UGRI) fellow in the summer of 2016 for 8-weeks. I was introduced to an altogether new area of innate immunity – The inflammasomes, which were the central point of research in the lab. My work involved standardisation of the immunoblotting technique for an adapter protein ASC, required for the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex. Towards the end of the 8-week program, I volunteered to present in the journal club, which was my first such experience, and I tried to give my best in terms of critical outlook. There, I learnt the most important skill a researcher must possess – his critique. The constant encouragement and feedback I received from the Ph.D. scholars helped me improve not only as a researcher, but also as a person. The interaction I had with them in the lab and during the journal club was motivating enough for me to decide that Doctor of Philosophy is the degree I must seek. My predilection for immunology coupled with this amazing experience made it easier for me to realize my area of interest and the path I should take in the future.

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Hi! I'm Shailesh

I came to visit the lab from Central University of South Bihar to do my two months internship in the summer of 2016. During my time in the lab, I got the opportunity to learn about inflammasomes and get hands on training in molecular biology. I got a great deal of exposure to good lab practices and working with others as a team which has proven to be very important asset till now. Currently, I am a graduate student at National Centre for Biological Science, Bangalore and a lot of credit for me being here goes to my time spent in the Advanced Bioscience and Neuroscience lab at IITJ and the direction it gave to my career.

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Hi! I'm Miti Mishra

I joined the lab during 2013-2014 as UGRI. During my intern, I worked on detection of TBI-caused brain injury.

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Hi! I'm Shruti Thakur

I joined the lab in the year 2014 as UGRI. I acquired hands-on training of basic molecular biology techniques.

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Hi! I'm Dipti R. Pradhan

I joined as DST-inspired fellow in 2014. I focused on learning basic cell culture techniques during summer internship.

I had been part of several innovative and educational ongoing projects under the precious guidance of Dr. Sushmita Jha. It had been a great experience all throughout and I was able to learn a lot from my mentors, guides and peers. The research lab is fully equipped with contemporary technological equipment which facilitated me in pursuing the latest research projects with much simplicity.

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Hi! I'm Priya Elangovan

I joined the lab as JRF during 2014-2015. I focused to determine the cellular and molecular effects of silica nanoparticles on lung cells.