Nishith Gupta
Principal Investigator
Professor, Wellcome Trust - DBT Senior Fellow
Ratnesh Kumar Srivastav
Group Coordinator
Ph.D., Hannover Medical School, Germany
Dr. Ratnesh coordinates various research activities of an international team at iPEARL, which uses Toxoplasma gondii as a model organism to study multiple facets of host-pathogen interactions. The research facility boasts cutting-edge imaging technologies, optogenetics, high-throughput screening, parasite culture, and genetic manipulations. Research scholars receive comprehensive training at iPEARL and through collaborations in labs across India and abroad. If you're interested in collaborating or learning more, please get in touch with Dr. Ratnesh at ratnesh@hyderabad.bits-pilani.ac.in.
Geethanjali Jarugumalli
Lab Manager
M.Sc. Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh
Dinesh Kumar
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dinesh completed his Ph.D. in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar. He now works as a Postdoctoral Fellow on a DST-Core Research Grant Project. His research focuses on AMR, infection biology, genomics, and computational biology to address global health challenges.
Kranthi Gadidasu
Research Scientist
Kranthi earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Kakatiya University, Warangal, and subsequently postdoctoral training in Guangzhou, China. He brings his extensive global research experience from esteemed institutions in India and abroad.
Research Scholars
Keith Henderson
M.Sc. Biochemistry, The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore
Keith is interested in the neuronal determinants that influence Toxoplasma's ability to manipulate host cellular mechanisms, using advanced techniques such as CRISPR-based gene editing to identify critical host factors. In addition to his academic pursuits, he actively contributes to collaborative projects that bridge parasitology, molecular biology, and neuroscience to foster innovation in infectious disease research.
Namita Pandey
M.Sc. Biotechnology, GJUST Hisar, Haryana
(DST-INSPIRE Fellow)​
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She is interested in studying the making and breaking of lipids in Toxoplasma gondii. She finds the complexity of lipid molecules fascinating and her current projects focus on simplifying their signaling networks. In her spare time, she likes to paint and make crafty décor.
Mohammad Mustafa
M.Sc. Human Disease Genetics, Centre for Human Genetics (CHG), Bengaluru
His academic interests include Molecular Biology, extensively, the aspects of communication and signaling, and Bioinformatics. He previously worked as a JRF on Tumor Microenvironment at CHG before joining iPEARL in March 2021. Currently, he has been exploring the molecular mechanisms and the functional relevance of non-coding RNAs (specifically miRNAs) in skeletal muscle infection by the Toxoplasma gondii.
Priyanka Chakravarti
M.Sc. Biotechnology, Sanskriti University, Mathura (DST-INSPIRE Fellow)
Parasites exhibit a peculiar property called metabolic plasticity, enabling them to switch between various food sources depending on availability. Drawing from her experience at the renowned research institute THSTI Faridabad, she is interested in finding the interplay between metabolic plasticity and epigenetic rewiring, making Toxoplasma gondii one of the most successful pathogens. Her hobbies are traveling, exploring new things, music, and reading novels.
Vanshika Kumari
M.Sc. Bioinformatics, Central University of Punjab
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She is a bioinformatics researcher specializing in machine learning, structural bioinformatics, and computational drug discovery. Currently focused on AI-driven therapeutic target identification and drug repurposing in parasitic protists. Her expertise includes protein-ligand interactions, biomolecular modeling, and deep learning. She aims to integrate computational biology with clinical applications to advance research and innovate drug discovery.
Aditi Dey
M.Sc. Biotechnology, Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Pune
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Sphingolipids are a class of complex lipids that are essential components of the plasma membrane of a cell. Her work involves studying the sphingolipid synthesis pathway and understanding its physiological significance in Toxoplasma gondii. She spends her leisure time reading books, listening to music and taking care of her plants.
Shivashish Mund
M.Sc. Microbiology, KIIT Bhubaneswar, Odisha
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His previous research work on Plasmodium sparked his interest in parasitology. His project focuses on elucidating various aspects of cyclic nucleotide signaling in the reversible stage differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii. He likes to watch movies, cricket, cooking and playing badminton.
Ramya Sri Poosala
M.Sc. Biotechnology, SP Women’s University, Tirupati (DBT-SRF)
Ramya is working on cAMP-mediated acute-chronic stage conversion in Toxoplasma gondii. Her work focuses on understanding the regulatory network of cAMP signaling including PKA phosphorylation events responsible for stress-mediated stage conversion of tachyzoite to bradyzoite using one of the most promising optogenetics tools. She enjoys working on handmade crafts and doing DIY projects.
Lakesh Kumar Sahoo
M.Sc. Molecular Microbiology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
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He is fascinated by the enigmas of genome organization inside a cell and the changes it brings about in the metabolism. He aims to decode the metabolic control of the host-parasite interface. For fun, he likes to read fiction, play cricket, and stock marketing.
Devika P
M.Sc. Biochemistry, Univesity of Hyderabad
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She aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying Toxoplasma gondii transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Apart from science, she finds solace in sketching mandalas and listening to music.​
Ankita Paul
M.Tech. Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida
With experience in both academic and corporate environments, she embarked on her PhD journey at iPEARL. Her research is centered around understanding how Toxoplasma gondii invades host cells, particularly its impact on signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics during invasion. Besides research, she enjoys reading novels, cooking, and learning about different cultures through documentaries.​​
Vaibhav Jain
M.S. Neuroscience, M.Phill., NIMHANS Bangalore
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Vaibhav has a background in bioengineering and neuroscience. His current research delves into Toxoplasma-induced neurovascular alterations, with a specific emphasis on the neuroimmune axis and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. In addition to his research, he enjoys playing speed chess, where he ranks in the 96th percentile globally. He is also committed to teaching and science communication, striving to inspire others through scientific inquiry.​​
Swaroop Peddiraju
M.Sc. Forensic Science (DNA Fingerprinting), Amity University, Noida
Swaroop was trained in molecular biology at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad. He aims to unravel the molecular pathways in Toxoplasma gondii regulated by small molecules known as inositol phosphates. He is exploring how these pathways contribute to host-parasite crosstalk during infection. Outside of the lab, he likes discussing movies, playing badminton, photography, and learning chess.
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International Scholars
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​Moli Rani (Ph.D. Scholar)
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Esack Fonda (Ph.D. Exchange)
Industry Scholars
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​Hanumanth Rao (Ph.D., Part-time)
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Srinivasa Purushottam (Ph.D., Part-time)
Alumni Scholars
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Alexandros Katelas (Postdoctoral Fellow)
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Dina Salama (Ph.D. Exchange)
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Kasturi VM Anjali (M.E. Dissertation)
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Rosalba Cruz Miron (Postdoctoral Fellow)
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​Vartika Singh (Junior Research Fellow)​
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Venkateshwarlu Bandi (Postdoctoral Fellow)