Lab Alumni

Sudharshan Kailash M

B.Tech Dissertation Student (Jan - June 2025)

B. Tech Pharmaceutical Technology, Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai

Project: Targeting virulence factors in Streptococcus pneumoniae for potential antibacterial therapeutics

"I had the privilege of working in Dr. Karthik's lab for five months as part of my Bachelor's dissertation. I worked on the lab's objective of 'Drug development and repurposing', during which I gained experience in both in-silico and in-vitro techniques involved in the discovery and development of novel drug scaffolds with anti-pneumococcal activity. My project was conducted in collaboration with IISER Trivandrum, and I performed molecular docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, kinetic assays, and functional assays specific for target proteins, including hemolysis and infection assays. Additionally, I tested the cytotoxicity of novel scaffolds on A549 cells and performed a high-throughput virtual screening of over 30+ pneumococcal virulence factors against the top scaffolds. I also identified pneumococcal protein homologs present in other pathogenic bacteria...

I am extremely pleased to have been able to perform such advanced techniques and spearhead a collaborative project of this magnitude at my bachelor's level. More importantly, I learnt the art of troubleshooting, how to design an experiment, and how to brainstorm. Karthik sir is very agile and hands-on with his students, which is also why he has been able to override me to excellence. As we had regular journal clubs and lab presentations, I actively participated and was able to ask questions, come up with new ideas or consider why don't we try this in our project? Deep thanks to all the senior members of the lab for their constant guidance and support. By the end of my period, I was confident enough to train the new interns on the procedure I had learnt here. These 5 months have deepened my research in the field of infectious disease and will be very fruitful for me in the future. I will cherish the memories that I made in this lab..."

Charmi M Panchal

Project Assistant (February 2024 - 2025)

BSc Biotechnology, Natubhai V. Patel College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Anand, Sardar Patel University, Gujarat

MSc Biotechnology, Institute of Advanced Research, Gujarat

Project: The role of infection-derived extracellular vesicles in host-pathogen interactions

"I had the opportunity to work as a Project Assistant in the Host-Pathogen Laboratory for one year, and it has been an enriching and transformative experience.

This lab fosters an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, bringing together expertise in microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. The well-equipped facilities and supportive work environment create the perfect space for scientific exploration and discovery. During my time here, I have gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in various scientific techniques, as well as organizational and research skills. The lab has made significant progress in its research, and I am confident that, in the coming years, it will gain recognition as a leading research center in India. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to seeing the lab’s continued growth and impact in the field of host-pathogen interactions. Above all, I’ll always cherish the friendship and mentorship I found here."

Malavika S

Summer Intern (May - July 2024)

Integrated MS, IISER Pune

"“The two and a half months I spent for my summer training ‘24 in the Host-Pathogen Lab, RGCB was an immensely enriching learning experience. The lab's dynamic environment fosters a strong scientific temperament and encourages individuals to explore their full potential. The lab meetings are worth mentioning, they often evolved into thought-provoking discussions, broadening my understanding of infection biology. Personally, I found my time in the lab to be both inspiring and intellectually rewarding. Wishing Dr. Karthik Subramanian and his team continued success in their endeavors!”

Himani Dhyani

Junior Research Fellow (January - July 2024)

Joined as a PhD candidate in the lab

Nithya Shree Sriram

B.Tech Dissertation Student

(December 2023 - June 2024)

B.Tech Biotechnology, SASTRA DEEMED UNIVERSITY, Tanjvaur, Tamil Nadu

Current: Master's in Biotechnology, University of Auckland, New Zealand

"The six months I spent in Host-Pathogen Laboratory was memorable with lots of learnings, science and fun! The project in which I worked was Isolation and Characterization of extracellular vesicles that included many different techniques like Western blot, Densitu gradient ultracentrifugation. Currently, I am working as a Student intern at SASTRA DEEMED UNIVERSITY and my work is fully computational. I am a prospective postgraduate student at University of Auckland, New Zealand from February 2025. I am really grateful for the opportunity to work under your guidance. Special thanks to my lab people for all the memories and I miss everyone of them. Hope we all will have a lab gathering soon."

Anagha Oke

Intern (May - July 2023)

Integrated MSc in Biomedical Sciences

Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Current: PhD candidate, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Germany

"My summer internship at RGCB was a memorable experience wherein I learned many techniques involved in EV isolation and characterization. More importantly, the mentorship I received made this experience even better. I will always treasure the friends I made and the exposure I got to biological research here."

Priyadatha M K

MSc Dissertation Student (April - December 2023)

Union Christ College, Aluva, Mahatma Gandhi University

Current: MSc Bioprocess Engineering, Dublin City University, Ireland

"My tenure at RGCB under Karthik sir was a truly enriching experience. Where I gained experience with several advanced techniques which allowed me to deepen my knowledge in this field."

Chinmay V Bhat

Project Assistant (September 2022 - August 2023)

Project Associate (August - February 2024)

Current: Junior Research Fellow, Indian Institute of Sience (IISc), Bangalore, Karnataka

"My time at the Host-Pathogen Lab [2022-2024], it truly felt like a home with a supportive environment where mentorship thrived. The lab provided not only cutting-edge research opportunities but also a sense of belonging that fueled both personal and professional growth.The knowledge and skills I acquired here have played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of my research career. I’ll always cherish my time at RGCB."

Asmita Dutta

MSc Dissertation Student (April- August 2022)

Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology

Current: PhD in IMPRS “From Molecules to Organisms” Program at Tübingen, Germany

"“I started working in the lab to identify the role of Pneumolysin-induced EVs in bacterial host invasion and immune escape. I got my first exposure to research under Karthik Sir’s guidance and I am really grateful to him for introducing me to the fascinating world of EVs and host-pathogen interactions, for being my mentor, for teaching me how to think critically and how to ask the right questions. My tenure in the lab made me realise how much I really enjoy doing science and that I want to keep pursuing science in the future as well!”

Arya J

MSc Dissertation Student

(January - June 2022)

M.Sc Microbiology

Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amritapuri, Kollam, Kerala

"I had the privilege of completing my MSc final year project at Host Pathogen Lab under the guidance of Dr. Karthik Subramanian at RGCB. The lab's state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship enriched my understanding of pneumococcal diseases, extracellular vesicles, and advanced characterization methods. I gained essential skills like cell culturing, EV isolation, and protein estimation assays. This experience has been pivotal in shaping my academic journey, and I am deeply grateful to the Host Pathogen Lab for the invaluable learning opportunity."

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