Team

Manesh Prakash Joshi 

Principal Investigator

After completing his M.Sc. in Biotechnology at IIT Bombay, Dr. Manesh Joshi joined the biology department at IISER Pune as a Ph.D. student in Prof. Sudha Rajamani’s lab. During his Ph.D., he conducted extensive research on the synthesis of abiotic lipids and the formation of liposomes (vesicles), focusing on the role of lipid-based membrane compartments in the origin of cellular life. His Ph.D. work was recognized with a gold medal and the Best Thesis Award in Biology from IISER Pune. Subsequently, he was awarded a prestigious NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship to work with Prof. Christine Keating at Penn State University in the USA. During his postdoctoral stint, he studied lipid membrane-coated coacervates as model hybrid protocell systems, investigating how increased membrane heterogeneity affects their properties and its implications for prebiotic evolution. Currently, Dr. Joshi works as a Scientist at the Department of Oils, Lipid Science, and Technology, CSIR-IICT, where his research spans both fundamental and applied aspects of lipid science.

Umme Kulsum 

Ph.D. student

I am Umme Kulsum from West Bengal. I completed my B.Sc. in Nutrition and M.Sc. in Nutrition and Public Health from the University of Burdwan. As part of my postgraduate studies, I conducted a dissertation investigating the level of awareness of diabetes-related complications among both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. After qualifying for the UGC-NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Home Science, I joined the Lipid Systems Laboratory in the Department of Oils, Lipid Science and Technology at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, under the guidance of Dr. Manesh Prakash Joshi. I am delighted to be a part of this lab, as my research interests are closely aligned with the laboratory's focus on developing advanced drug delivery systems with potential applications in healthcare. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching movies of different genres, drawing in my free time, and exploring a variety of cuisines.

Keerthana Murthati

Project research scientist

My fascination with biology began long before I stepped into research. As a student, I was captivated by biology classes, especially the first time I looked through a microscope and saw the world of cells. That sense of curiosity stayed with me and naturally led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in science, followed by a Master's in Applied Microbiology from VIT Vellore. My research journey spans biotechnology and drug delivery. At CCMB, I worked on polymer-based constructs and their biological evaluation in tissue engineering. I later joined IICT, where I developed liposomal formulations for targeted cancer therapy and Immunotherapeutics. Currently, I work as a Project Scientist in Dr. Manesh Joshi's laboratory, where I am involved in developing a novel indigenous lipid membrane-coated coacervate platform for the delivery of mRNA vaccines targeting infectious diseases. Through this work, we aim to establish a robust and cost-effective delivery platform for mRNA cargo and enhance its therapeutic potential for next-generation vaccines.

Evan C. Biju

Project Associate-I

I’m Evan C. Biju, a native of Kerala, and I completed my post-graduation in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, in 2021. Since January 2025, I have been working as a Project Associate in Dr. Joshi’s lab on the project titled “Green synthesis of industrially important N-acyl amino acids from phospholipids and amino acids.” I also bring along one year of industrial experience as a QA/QC chemist in a leading food industry in Kerala, along with research exposure in lipids and oil technology from CSIR-NIIST, Trivandrum. My research interests focus on applying chemistry to food, cosmetic, and delivery applications. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing badminton and exploring good food.