Renuga Devi M
Project Research Scientist
renuga@csirccmb.org
Renuga builds brains in a dish, midbrain organoids and defined neuronal models to explore how cells think, survive, and respond to drugs. Her work focuses on understanding neuroprotective and neurogenic potential, guiding stem cells into precise neuronal identities to decode how specific compounds influence their fate. She is endlessly curious about how a small cluster of cells can organise itself into something that mirrors the human brain and how one can gently push that system to reveal its secrets.
Alongside organoid development, she works on antiviral research where collaboration and idea-sharing fuel progress. She has a strong interest in proteomics and enjoys running complete analysis pipelines to uncover the molecular story behind what we see at the bench. At heart, she loves wet lab science, designing experiments, troubleshooting, and watching biology unfold in real time.
Mohit Billore
Junior Research Fellow
mohit@csirccmb.org
Mohit is a doctoral student with a strong interest in regenerative biology and stem cell research. His current work focuses on corneal limbal stem cells and their role in maintaining corneal epithelial integrity. He is particularly interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and tissue repair, with a long-term goal of developing effective therapeutic strategies for limbal stem cell deficiency.
He is always enthusiastic about learning new experimental techniques, refining laboratory skills, and engaging in interdisciplinary scientific discussions.
K Sreenivasan
Project Associate-I
sreenivasan@csirccmb.org
Sreenivasan started his journey as a project trainee and currently serves as a project associate. His interest lies at the intersection of cancer biology and translational medicine. He received his master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Pondicherry University. His research focuses on understanding the dysregulation of tRNA methyltransferases and their role in disease progression, particularly in cancer and neurodegeneration. He investigates how natural compounds and small molecules modulate translation regulation in a context-dependent manner, with a focus on uncovering the mechanistic links between tRNA modifications, stress responses, and cell fate decisions. He is deeply interested in experimental optimisation, protocol standardisation, and troubleshooting. With expertise spanning both wet-lab and computational methodologies, he applies high-throughput and mechanistic strategies to address complex biological questions and to develop innovative experimental frameworks that move beyond conventional approaches.
Chennuru Vuddhav Reddy
Junior Research Fellow (Project)
vuddhav@csirccmb.org
Vuddhav is a Project Junior Research Fellow developing neuron-based assays for
regenerative drug screening. He completed his master's at the University of Nottingham. He brings international research experience from Sweden and the UK. He has worked with Drosophila and zebrafish models for behavioural studies. These experiences sparked his interest in neurobiology and the mechanisms underlying behaviour.
This interest gradually shifted toward cell-based systems. As a self-described stem cell
whisperer, he is now working with human iPSC-derived neurons and is fascinated by
organoid technologies. His long-term goal is to build more physiologically relevant models and help reduce reliance on animal models. He is also the lab’s trivia maven.
Anmol Kamath
Project Technical Support-III
Anmol’s journey at the lab began during his dissertation and has since evolved into a Project Technical Support-III role, following his graduation from Amity University Mumbai. He is deeply invested in the world of translational research and regeneration, specifically looking at how we can bridge the gap between bioengineering and the clinic. Currently, he spends his time at the bench (and in the animal house) validating 3D bioprinted hydrogel scaffolds for corneal regeneration, mastering everything from rabbit microsurgery to OCT imaging.
Anmol views CCMB as an ideal place for professional and personal growth as he prepares for a career in translational research. With a long-term vision of securing a doctorate, he treats every experiment as a building block for his future career. When the lab coat comes off, Anmol stays in motion as a runner and fitness enthusiast, frequently trading the pipette for the badminton court or the dance floor. He also maintains a strong commitment to animal welfare, leading Project Embrace to support stray dogs within the community.
Satvika Parnandi
Satvika Parnandi is a final-year B.Tech Biotechnology student at the School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, DY Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai. She is currently completing her dissertation at the lab where precision and persistence are vital and western blots have a personality of their own.
Her research explores how small molecules influence the expression of tRNA methyltransferases across various cancer models, examining changes at both gene and protein levels. By integrating molecular analysis with thoughtful experimental design, she works to understand how RNA-modifying enzymes shape cancer-associated pathways and whether they hold therapeutic promise.
With a strong interest in translational research and molecular medicine, Satvika is motivated by the idea that fundamental discoveries should extend beyond the bench and into meaningful clinical applications. Her dissertation journey so far has further refined her analytical thinking and strengthened her commitment to uncovering the “why” behind disease biology.