Dr. Giriraj Sahu

Assistant Professor, MBU, IISc

Education: Ph.D. IIT Madras, Chennai, India

My research career started with a doctoral degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in ion channel biophysics under Prof. Amal Kanti Bera. My interest in ion channel physiology drove me to undertake postdoctoral studies in neuronal ion channels and plasticity in Prof. Ray W Turner’s group at the University of Calgary, Canada, after a brief postdoc in Prof. Michal R Kreutz’s lab at LIN Magdeburg, Germany. With my doctoral and postdoctoral work, I characterized the physiological and pharmacological properties of gap junction channels (Connexin and Pannexin), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav1/Cav3), various potassium channels (Kv4, KCa2, KCa3), and endoplasmic store calcium channels (IP3 and RyRs) in brain physiology.

At MBU, IISc Bangalore, my lab's research interests are to elucidate the contribution of neuronal ion channel protein complexes in controlling the excitability of pyramidal neurons of the brain in normal brain physiology and the processes that alter the functions of these channels in neurobiological disease states such as in aging, dementia, and epilepsy. (CV For Detail Info).

Email: gsahu@iisc.ac.in

Dr. Mandip Gadpayle

Postdoctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (April 2024, Funding support from ICMR Grant)

Education: Ph.D. IISER Kolkata, West Bengal, India

My academic journey commenced with a doctoral pursuit at the IISER Kolkata, where I delved into the intricate realm of actin-cytoskeleton dynamics regulation under the mentorship of Dr. Sankar Maiti. 

At GSahu lab, my focus pivots towards unraveling the multifaceted roles of ER-PM junctional proteins in cellular and neuronal homeostasis, alongside their nuanced influence on ion channel dynamics. With a sharp focus on deciphering their profound impacts on neuronal physiology and pathophysiology, my investigations strive to shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying aging, neurodegeneration, and epileptic conditions.

Beyond the realms of academia, I find solace in artistic expressions such as singing and dancing, as well as the exhilarating experiences of biking and exploring new destinations. 

Email: mandipgadpayle@gmail.com 

Aynal Hoque

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2022)

Education: Master in Biophysics, Delhi University, New Delhi, India

I have a Biophysics background with a Bachelor's degree in Physics at the Bilasipara College, Gauhati University, followed by a Master's degree in Biophysics from the Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi, India.

My PhD research interests are to characterize the gating transitions of voltage-gated calcium channels and their involvement/alterations in temporal lobe epilepsy. 

Email: aynalhoque@iisc.ac.in

Kashmiri Lande

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, Brain and Artificial Intelligence, MBU, IISc (January 2023) 

Education: Masters in Animal Biotechnology, University of Hyderabad (HCU), Telangana, India.

I have done my Bachelors in Zoology from Fergusson College, Pune. I did my Master's in Animal Biotechnology from the University of Hyderabad. Later on, I worked as a Project - JRF in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) with Dr. Santosh Kumar, where my project focused in studying the mechanism of KIR2DL1, an inhibitory receptor of Natural Killer cells.

In my PhD research, I am interested in understanding neuromodulatory mechanism contributing to hippocampal pyramidal neuron intrinsic excitability at the molecular and cellular standpoint.

Email: kashmirim@iisc.ac.in 

Sailesh S

Integrated Ph.D. - MBU, IISc (August 2022)

Education: B Tech. Biotechnology,  Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India.

I am an aspiring researcher in the field of Neuroscience. I am fascinated by the intricate workings of the brain and aim to contribute to understanding the mechanisms that operate for the altered brain functions in neurobiological disorders.

During my academic journey, I have gained valuable hands-on experience in working with primary and 3D culture techniques. My PhD research interests lie in the intriguing fields of neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, and electrophysiology. 

Outside of my academic pursuits, I find solace in playing badminton, which helps me maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Email: saileshs@iisc.ac.in

Rituparna Sahu

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2023) 

Education: Masters in Zoology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India.

Majoring in Zoology with a Bachelor’s from Ravenshaw University, Odisha, and a Master’s from Banaras Hindu University, I have always had a strong passion and enthusiasm for neuroscience. Scientific research is a mysterious yet exciting journey waiting for curious researchers to go on board and unravel the answers to those mysteries. 

My interest in understanding the brain paved the road for me to join the neuronal ion channel lab at MBU, IISc Bangalore. In my PhD, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the hyperexcitable drive in acquired epilepsy.

Besides research, I enjoy going on treks and painting.

Email: srituparna@iisc.ac.in

Shreya Mishra

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2024) 

Education: Master's in zoology from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India.

I have completed my master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University. After my master's, my interest in neuroscience led me to join the Molecular Neurobiology Lab at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Delhi as a Project Support to study the modulation of GABAa receptors as a potential therapy for focal cortical dysplasia.

I joined the Neuronal Ion Channel lab at the Molecular Biophysics Unit at IISc in August 2024. My PhD focuses on studying Neuronal excitability properties under physiological neuromodulation and pathophysiological epilepsy conditions.

I enjoy reading neuroscience books such as "Phantoms in the Brain" by V.S. Ramachandran and "Livewire" by David Eagleman, and I also like singing and painting. 

Email: shreyamishra@iisc.ac.in 

Akshat Bhanu Dharmani

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2025) 

Education: Master's from the NISER Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

I have done my Bachelor's from Delhi University and my Master's from NISER Bhubaneswar in the Life Sciences discipline. In my Master's, I got exposed to the topic of Ion Channels, in which I studied the role of specific calcium-permeable channels in senescent Macrophages. After my Master's, I opted for the Neuronal Ion Channel Lab at the Molecular Biophysics Unit, IISc Bangalore, to further explore the role of neuronal voltage-gated and calcium-permeable ion channels in physiology and patho-physiology. In particular, I am fascinated by the field of aging.

Email: akshatd@iisc.ac.in

Anisha Shankhari

Master's in Life Sciences, IISc (August 2024) 

Education: Bachelor's in Human Physiology, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India.

After studying Human Physiology (Hons.) in my bachelor's degree from the University of Kalyani, I became interested in neurobiology, particularly in understanding the molecular cause of neurodegeneration. My goal is to investigate the fundamental processes that lead to neuronal deterioration and contribute to creating efficient treatment strategies.

For my master's thesis project, I am studying the molecular mechanisms of adrenergic neuromodulation of intrinsic inhibitory processes using fluorescence microscopy and biophysical tools.

I enjoy painting and capturing pictures of nature in addition to my academic life.

Email: anishas@iisc.ac.in

Sudha Charita

Project Assistant, IISc (2025, Fellowship support from ICMR Grant) 

Education: Master's in Biochemistry, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, India.

Coming from a background of Zoology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, my interest in research piqued when I first started learning about proteins and their role in various biological processes. Since then, I have been deeply fascinated by protein-related research and enjoy working on experiments that explore their structure and function. In addition, I always enjoy data analysis and interpretation of results that provide me with the enthusiasm to undertake complex research problems. 

Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music and playing the guitar, which helps me stay creative and balanced.

Email: sudhacharita5@gmail.com

Sagar Pahuja

Project Assistant, IISc (September 2025, Fellowship support from DBT Grant) 

Education: B.Tech. Biotechnology, DCRUST Sonipat, Haryana, India.

I’m a B.Tech Biotechnology graduate from DCRUST and grew up in Delhi. I’ve had the chance to work in cancer biology (ACTREC, TMC) and neurobiology (IISc), and those experiences pushed me to think about biology beyond just pathways, into the physics behind how cells and molecules actually work. That’s what drew me to the Neuronal Ion Channel Lab at MBU, IISc, where I’m now exploring how neurons talk in molecular detail.

Outside the lab, you’ll probably find me on a trek or binging sitcoms. 

Email: sagarpahuja.biotech@gmail.com