Udita Mishra
PhD Student
M.Sc. Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad.
Email: bb25dp004@iitdh.ac.in
I am from Nagpur, Maharashtra. I have completed my B.Sc. from Shri Shivaji Science College, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur, with majors in Chemistry, Zoology, and Microbiology. I hold M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad.
In the lab, my interests focus on identifying and characterizing novel targets of the bacterial second messengers c-di-GMP, c-di-AMP, and ppGpp that regulate key survival pathways, including stress response, antibiotic resistance, quorum sensing, persistence, and biofilm formation. I am particularly interested in elucidating novel mechanisms of second-messenger signaling mediated by scaffold/adapter proteins, with the long-term goal of developing these pathways as potential drug targets for next-generation antibiotics to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), using an integrated structural biology approach.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, gardening, baking and cooking, photography, traveling, vlogging, numismatics, writing, diet counselling, and swimming.
Anirudh K. Wadayar
PhD Student
M.Sc. Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics, Shivaji University
Email: bb25dpf01@iitdh.ac.in
I am from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. I completed my B.Sc. at Shivaji University, where I gained a multidisciplinary foundation in Physics, Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry. I subsequently earned my M.Sc. and Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics from Shivaji University.
My research interests focus on uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of signal transduction in bacteria, particularly how bacteria sense and respond to antibiotics. A key component of my work involves understanding the structural and mechanical roles of PAS domains, especially in the context of full-length protein assemblies and their interactions. These studies aim to elucidate PAS-mediated regulation of histidine kinases and to provide deeper insight into the conformational dynamics and regulatory modes of bacterial two-component systems. My broader goal is to identify novel drug targets and to facilitate the development of next-generation antibiotics effective against clinically relevant pathogens.
Beyond the lab, I enjoy swimming and playing football, and I am enthusiastic about traveling, exploring new destinations, and experiencing a variety of cuisines.
Swati C. Hullipelled
Internship Student
B.E. Biotechnology from Basaveshwara Engineering College, Bagalkot
Email: swatihulipalled04@gmail.com
I am from Bagalkot, Karnataka. I completed my B.E. Biotechnology from Basaveshwara Engineering College, Bagalkot.
My research focuses on the evolution of histidine kinase regulation by second messengers in bacteria. Understanding the evolutionary origins and diversification of c-di-GMP signaling in conjunction with histidine kinases requires a multifaceted approach that integrates phylogenetic analyses of c-di-GMP–binding domains and histidine kinases, comparative genomics across diverse bacterial phyla, and structural and molecular characterization of these interactions beyond well-studied model organisms such as Caulobacter crescentus. Through this work, I aim to provide fundamental insights into how ancient signaling mechanisms have shaped bacterial proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and environmental adaptation, while also informing the development of novel antimicrobial strategies by targeting conserved regulatory hubs.
Outside the laboratory, I enjoy learning new languages, as well as singing and dancing.
Anupam Mishra
Master Student
M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine at IIT Dharwad
Email: mm25ms003@iitdh.ac.in
I am from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. I have completed my B. Tech in Biotechnology from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. I am currently pursuing my M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine at the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad, Karnataka.
My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the bacterial Social-IQ score and its contribution to the survival of bacteria, with particular emphasis on the roles of second messengers in quorum sensing, persistence, and biofilm formation. I aim to correlate bacterial Social-IQ scores with the presence and diversity of second-messenger effectors.
Outside of academics, I enjoy watching movies and dancing.
Ayushman Roy
Master Student
M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine at the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad
Email: mm25ms009@iitdh.ac.in
I am from Kolkata, West Bengal. I completed my B.Sc. in life sciences at Presidency University and am currently pursuing my M.Sc. at Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad.
I am a dedicated and passionate master’s student with a strong interest in research on protein engineering and drug design, particularly through the use of AI-based models and computational analysis. I am keen to unravel the complexities of drug discovery using AlphaFold and AlphaFold-based protein–protein interaction prediction approaches.
Outside the laboratory, I enjoy reading.
Prakash Dhir
Master Student
M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine at the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad
Email: mm25ms007@iitdh.ac.in
I am from West Medinipur, West Bengal. I completed my B.Sc. in botany, zoology and physiology at Panskura Banamali College and am currently pursuing my M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine at the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad.
My research interests focus on investigating the structure of full-length CckA both in isolation and in complex with DivL/DivK. I aim to address a key outstanding question: how PAS domains mediate the association between CckA and DivL and enable reciprocal control of CckA functional states, specifically its kinase and phosphatase activities. Overall, this research seeks to provide fundamental insights into the signaling mechanisms employed by PAS domain–containing proteins. Given the central roles of PAS domains in numerous bacterial signaling pathways, an improved understanding of PAS domain structure and function may open new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in disease processes.
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and listening to music.
P. S. Steevan Andrew
MBBS ( 4th year)
SDM Medical College, Dharwad
Email: psstevanandrew@sdmucmsh.edu.in
I am Stevan Andrew from Chennai and currently a fourth-year MBBS student at SDM Medical College, Dharwad.
My research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance surveillance, to generate high-quality, standardized AMR data to inform clinical practice and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship. I study resistance patterns and underlying mechanisms in WHO priority ESKAPE pathogens, with particular emphasis on antibiotic resistance in high-risk patient populations. This work aims to align institutional surveillance data with national and global AMR frameworks, supporting evidence-based infection control strategies and contributing to India’s National Action Plan on AMR.
Outside academics, I enjoy playing chess and guitar, and traveling.