Some call it evolution, others call it creation—but for me, the fascination with biological sciences has been innate since childhood, though it truly took shape during my school years. I vividly recall wondering why my mother insisted on applying saliva or turmeric to my wounds. This curiosity led me to discover that these natural remedies were early forms of infection control—an insight that ignited my passion for science. As Louis Pasteur aptly said, “Without laboratories, men of science are soldiers without arms.” This quote resonated deeply with me as I spent more time in the lab, where I learned patience, precision, and the spirit of discovery that fuels research.

I pursued my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with Biotechnology and Microbiology as supporting disciplines. These fields broadened my understanding of life at the molecular level. It was during this time that I developed a strong interest in molecular biology—sparked by the simple, yet powerful image of DNA bands glowing under UV light during gel electrophoresis. This passion led me to undertake a mini-project titled “Multiplex PCR assay for the detection of virulence genes of Escherichia coli in chicken samples,” where I explored the use of multiple primers for gene amplification—a foundational experience that solidified my interest in molecular diagnostics.

Eager to expand my expertise, I pursued a Master's degree in Biotechnology, where I deepened my skills in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell culture. I was drawn to nanotechnology—a rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field—and worked for nearly two years assisting a Ph.D. scholar in synthesizing and characterizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for curcumin delivery in cancer therapy. This experience culminated in my thesis project: “SPION–Polyethyleneimine (PEI) core–shell-mediated gene transfer into cancer cell lines by magnetofection.”

Beyond academics, I have actively participated in numerous national and international conferences, courses, and workshops. I also gained teaching and mentoring experience as a Teaching Research Associate at the School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Vellore, where I guided undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research projects, particularly in nanobiotechnology and computational chemistry.

Currently, I am a computational chemist and drug discovery researcher with a strong interdisciplinary background in cheminformatics, molecular modeling, machine learning, and quantum chemistry. My research is focused on developing computational strategies to identify and optimize lead molecules against critical viral targets, particularly methyltransferases (NS5) of flaviviruses (e.g., dengue, Zika) and coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). Driven by the global need for broad-spectrum antivirals, my research integrates structure-based drug design, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy calculations to investigate protein–ligand interactions at atomic levels. I am especially interested in natural products and their derivatives as privileged scaffolds in antiviral drug development. In addition to physics-based modeling, my research applies AI/ML techniques to predict molecular properties, bioactivity, and ADMET profiles. My recent work includes designing novel derivatives of a promising natural compound with dual antiviral potential and assessing their drug-likeness and synthetic feasibility using cheminformatics tools. I have a keen interest in translational research and aim to bridge the gap between in-silico discovery and experimental validation. My goal is to contribute to the development of next-generation therapeutics through predictive modeling, virtual screening, and rational drug design.

• Currently working as Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) at Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, IN

• PhD (Thesis submitted July 2025) in Computational Chemistry and drug discovery at Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, IN

• Awarded Department of Science and Technology-ANRF International Travel Grant (Govt. of India)

• Awarded Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) International Travel Grant (Govt. of India)

• Guided students with their bachelor's and master's theses

• Experience in writing research proposals and scientific manuscripts

• Computer Aided Drug Designing (CADD) 

• Design and development of potent bioactive natural product against viral proteins. 

• Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) modelling to predict the biological activity of identified novel natural compounds.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Language (ML) for drug discovery.

• Virtual reality in drug discovery

• Computational Techniques: high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) [Autodock Vina, PyRx, YASARA], molecular docking [Autodock, Glide, MOE, DiffDock etc.], ADMET analysis (SwissADME, Padel descriptors, ProTox2, CLC-Pred2 etc.], molecular dynamics [GROMACS], density functional theory (DFT) [Gaussian, Spartan, Chemissian etc.], Principal component analysis (PCA), Free energy landscape (FEL), Free energy analysis, 2D-QSAR (Machine Learning) [DTC lab software package, Weka etc.].

• Other Techniques: AR/VR (Nanome), Materials designing and simulations [Dassault Systèmes Solidworks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Dassault Systèmes Abacus SIMULIA].

• Instrumentation: HPC (high performance computing), Virtual reality device [Meta Oculus Quest 2- Nanome (molecular visualization software)], 3D Printing [Flashforge Guider II], UV-Visible spectroscopy, Microscopy, PCR, basic analytical tools.

• Other Software: Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, Origin, Prism, QT grace, OpenBabelGUI, Visualization software [PyMol, Chimera, ChimeraX, Discovery Studio, VMD, Maestro etc.], Protein structure predictions tools [AlphaFold, RosettaFold etc.].

• Experience in intermediate coding in Python, Linux environments, and LaTeX.

• Experience in handling HPC (High-Performance Computing), scripting, etc.

• Trained on Molecular Biology Techniques

• Trained on Basic Techniques in Mammalian Cancerous Cell Lines

• Additional Skills:

a. Innovative experimentalist with broad experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.

b. Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

c. Proficient written, verbal, and organizational skills necessary to effectively collaborate within small and large workgroups.