The People Driving Our Research
Bal Krishna, PhD.
Principal Investigator
Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE)
Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad (IIT Dh)
Postdoctoral Training- Yale University School of Medicine.
Ph.D. - National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune
Research interest: Cardiovascular/Cancer Metabolism, Endothelial biology, Bioenergetics, Angiogenesis, Cardiovascular Disorders, Flow-induced metabolic/vascular remodeling, Vascular mechanics and remodeling, Exosome engineering and therapeutics.
About me: I am an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator in the Department of BSBE at the IIT Dharwad. I earned my Ph.D. from the BRIC-NCCS, Pune, followed by postdoctoral training at Yale University School of Medicine, where I investigated vascular biology and metabolism in the context of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Our research program explores the intersection of cardiovascular and cancer metabolism, with a focus on endothelial biology, bioenergetics, angiogenesis, flow-induced vascular and metabolic remodeling, vascular mechanics, and remodeling.
Beyond the lab, I enjoy playing sports and running, and I am an avid supporter of FC Bayern Munich.
Email: balkrishna@iitdh.ac.in
Graduate Students
Graduate Student (2025-)
Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE)
Education: MSc. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University
Research interest: Cancer Metabolism, Tumor Angiogenesis
About me: I have recently joined the Integrative Vascular Biology & Metabolism Lab in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) at the Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad as a Ph.D. scholar. I hold a Master’s degree from Guru Nanak Dev University, where my dissertation focused on understanding how metabolic and sleep stress can alter blood–testis barrier permeability.
My current research interests lie in cell and cancer metabolism, with a particular focus on elucidating the molecular and biochemical pathways that regulate vascular remodeling during breast cancer metastasis progression. Through my doctoral work, I aim to uncover mechanistic insights that could inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies against metastatic disease.
Outside the lab, I am deeply passionate about literature and creative expression—you will often find me immersed in a good book or crafting poetry that reflects my thoughts and experiences.
Email: bb25dp009@iitdh.ac.in
Graduate Student (2025-)
Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE)
Education: MSc. in Biochemistry, University of Lucknow
Research interest: FIRE-induced Vascular Remodeling in Atherosclerosis
About her: I am currently a Ph.D. Scholar in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) at IIT Dharwad. I hold a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where I completed my dissertation at CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow. My dissertation research focused on the Generation of Musashi-2 Deletion Mutants and Their In-vitro Characterization.
My current research interests center on vascular biology, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling in atherosclerosis. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the development of strategies for preventing or reversing vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases.
Beyond the lab, I am passionate about creative pursuits such as photography, journaling, and mandala art, which help me maintain a balanced, focused, and mindful approach to research.
Email: bb25dp002@iitdh.ac.in
Chinmay, KLE Technological University, Hubbali. (Jan 2025-June 2025)
Anuj Choubey, IISER Kolkata. (May 2025-July 2025)
Anamitra Goswami ( St. Xavier's Mumbai). (May 2025- July 2025)
Vaishali Vashu (August 2024- July 2025)
Collaborators
Dr. Umesh Hallikeri, MD in Pathology (Karnataka Cancer Therapy and Research Institute)-Breast cancer metastasis