Present Position: Group Leader

Highest Education Qualification: Ph.D., NIPGR, New Delhi.

Research Goal: Working towards the sustainable greener tomorrow by utilizing the high throughput technologies of science and technology.

About me: I have always been deeply curious about various aspects of life. This curiosity has continued to drive me along my scientific journey. I am fascinated by the dynamic interplay among various signaling pathways under stressful conditions. My research interest involves unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms behind plants’ responses to harsh environments. I aspire to significantly contribute to an in-depth understanding of plant stress biology to generate climate-resilient crops with better yields. Stress-resilient crops are more likely to adapt to climate change, decrease food security, and be farmed sustainably. Collaborating with the scientific community, I hope to minimize global challenges, including food security and sustainability.

https://genestogenomes.org/early-career-leadership-spotlight-divya-mishra/ 

https://nipgr.ac.in/nipgrv2/dr_dmishra.html 

https://www.ils.res.in/ibric-scientists/view_profile.php?sci_id=Mjc1 

Fun Facts: I cherish activities like binge‑watching, traveling, and running - pastimes that are increasingly rare now that I’m fully occupied caring for my daughter.

Official contact: divya.mishra@nipgr.ac.in 

Present Position: Post Doctoral Fellow (DBT-Research Associate)

Highest Education Qualification: Ph.D., DPMB, University of Delhi.

Research Goal: Investigating chromatin organization dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana under high temperature stress

About me: Civilization, they say began the day humans learned to grow crops, a perspective I wholeheartedly believe. That pivotal moment marked not just the beginning of agriculture but also the birth of science and sustenance. Plants are fascinating! Rooted in soil, yet full of life. Self-surviving. Sustaining life on earth. My passion for plant science took root in a small town located in Manipur, where agriculture is not just a means of livelihood but a way of life, deeply woven in our culture. To explore this interest, I pursued my MSc and Ph.D. in plant molecular biology at the University of Delhi. During my Ph.D., I explored the molecular mechanisms behind heat stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana using integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, uncovering key genes and metabolites involved in pathways underlying thermotolerance. Currently, I am working as a DBT-RA at the Stress Resilience Lab, NIPGR, delving into chromatin organization under heat stress. I’m still learning, driven by curiosity and a deep-rooted passion to understand how plants adapt, survive, and thrive.

Fun Facts: A cat mom who loves good books, eclectic music and the occasional karaoke session.

Official contact: rinchuilashimphrui@nipgr.ac.in 

Present Position: Post Doctoral Fellow in Gates Foundation Project.

Highest Education Qualification: Ph.D., Plant Biology and Biotechnology, NIPGR.

Research Goal: Understanding the role of negative regulator(s) of high temperature stress in chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) by using the gene-editing technologies

About me: I am a dedicated, curious, and easy-going person with a good academic background and a deep interest in scientific research. My focus has been on plant physiology and molecular biology, and I have always approached my studies with hard work and honesty. During my PhD, I explored how salicylic acid and glucose interact in plants, especially during growth and stress conditions. As a student, I’ve shown a strong desire to learn, think critically, and make meaningful contributions. I believe in discipline, teamwork, and solving problems values that guide me in both research and academics.

Fun Facts: When I am not in the lab, I enjoy most of my free time binge watching shows and movies of almost any genre.  

Official contact: sanjayrawat4595@gmail.com, sanjay@nipgr.ac.in 

Present Position: PhD Graduate Student (DBT Fellow)

Highest Education Qualification: M.Sc. Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Research Goal: Understand the role of RNA-binding protein in heat stress tolerance in chickpea.

About me: My life’s journey began in Jaunpur, a small city in Uttar Pradesh, with a supportive family who always encouraged curiosity. Early on, watching my parent’s dedication inspired my own work ethic. In high school, an inspiring biology teacher sparked my fascination with the microscopic world, and soon I was dreaming of unraveling the mysteries of cells and genes.

When I moved to BHU, that journey shaped me both personally and academically. It was filled with new responsibilities, many late-night study sessions, and an occasional setback. My passion for science deepened when I joined the laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology for dissertation, under the supervision of Dr. Rajeshwar P. Sinha at BHU, who encouraged me and guided me to pursue a PhD. My PhD journey so far has not been without its share of obstacles from failed experiments and long hours in the lab to moments of self-doubt. However, each challenge has only strengthened my perseverance and deepened my passion for discovery.

Today, I value empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I’m grateful for every challenge and hope to contribute meaningful insights to science, inspiring others along the way.

Fun Facts: I am a solitudinarian who enjoys collecting unique coins and absolutely loves learning and sharing quirky science facts with anyone interested. 

Official contact: swapnilsri052@nipgr.ac.in 

Present Position: PhD Graduate Student (CSIR Fellow)

Highest Education Qualification: M.Sc. Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Research Goal: Investigating the role of high temperature in root nodule symbiosis in legumes

About me: I completed my Bachelor’s in Botany at Utkal University, Odisha, then deepened my passion for plant sciences during my Master’s studies at the Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University. This pursuit of knowledge led me to join the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as a PhD student. However, seeking opportunities that better aligned with my research interests and goals, I decided to leave my PhD program at BARC and subsequently began my PhD journey anew at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in 2024. Throughout this journey, my path has been defined by passion, perseverance, and an unquenchable curiosity qualities that continually fuel both my growth and my joy in di bi  Jiscovery. Every chapter, from village to research institute, has shaped my journey, which I find profoundly rewarding and blissful.

Fun Facts: Nature’s mysteries keep me joyfully enchanted.

Official contact: rakeshkumar@nipgr.ac.in 

Present Position: Post Graduate Intern 

Highest Qualification: M.Sc. Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.

Research Goal: Utilize my strong background in biotechnology to develop improved crop varieties that directly contribute to global food security. 

About me: Coming from a farming background in Haryana observing my parents and neighbors work in the fields and witnessing the struggles of my community has instilled in me a sense of urgency and responsibility. My interest in biology and environmental science was sparked during my high school years. Then I pursued my undergraduate studies at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana and later moved to Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, for my post-graduation. My interest in plant biotechnology deepened during my master's, especially in the second semester when I had hands-on experience in plant biotechnology techniques. With the thought of making a real difference, I came to NIPGR for my dissertation. My initial research focused on the genetic transformation of Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea). And currently, I am working on the transformation of Oryza sativa (rice). Here, I am continuing to build on my knowledge and skills, with the goal to strengthen our agricultural systems and to ease the everyday struggles faced by farming communities.

Fun Facts: I am someone who enjoys dancing and journaling to unwind after a long day. I am also really into politics and current affairs and staying informed about the same helps me feel more connected to the world outside the lab.

Official contact: 2002sharmahimanshi@gmail.com

Present Position: Post Graduate Intern 

Highest Qualification: M.Sc. Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Bihar, India

Research Goal: Understanding the role of small secreted peptides under stress conditions, using computational tools in chickpea

About me: Hailing from Saharsa, Bihar, my journey began with a curiosity for biology sparked by the agricultural landscapes of my hometown. Pursuing B.Sc.(Botany) at Patna Science College, I explored the intersection of biology and technology while sharpening teamwork through representing in the East Zone Inter-University cricket tournament. Transitioning to M.Sc. in Computational Biology at the Central University of South Bihar, I embraced bioinformatics to address agricultural challenges. My dissertation at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, focuses on in-silico discovery of small secreted peptides in chickpeas, blending computational tools with biological insights for global impact.

Fun Facts: Listening to folk music, blending its rhythm with my coding and cooking sessions

Official contact: nitishyadav6301@gmail.com