Lab Members

Robert Sonowal received his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Delhi. He obtained his PhD in Microbiology and Genetics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He completed his post-doctoral training at Dr. Daniel Kalman’s lab at Emory University. Prior to joining IIT Kanpur, he was a Research Scientist at Emory University, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. 

Robert is passionate about social entrepreneurship. He dreams to combat poverty through his scientific and societal endeavors. He loves to workout and travel.

As a graduate in Pharmacy from Assam down town University, Guwahati and post-graduate with specialization in Pharmacology from Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, venturing into Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur was a kairotic moment. To assimilate my research interest, I had joined the MiMeTics laboratory in December 2022. What keeps me engaged and driven is the shared research interest with the team. Leisurely, what keeps me high is kicking the football in the rectangular lush greens.

I am a dedicated zoologist with a passion for understanding the intricate world of animals. From my Bachelor’s degree in Zoology to my Master’s specialization, I have delved into the fascinating realms of cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry. Currently, I’m immersed in the captivating “Diet-induced obesity regulation across generations by microbial metabolite” (DREAM) project. Unraveling the impact of diet on obesity across generations is both exciting and essential for advancing our understanding of health and wellness. I find solace in physical fitness and the thrill of video games. 

Hello! I’m Rohit Kumar Bhandari, hailing from the lively city of Ray. My academic journey in Life Sciences at the prestigious Presidency University, under the guidance of Professor Mausumi Sikdar (Nee Bhakta) and Ms. Prerona Biswas, was nothing short of inspiring. In 2023, I stepped into a new adventure by joining Dr. Robert Sonowal’s esteemed MiMeTics Lab. My research dives deep into the intriguing world of gut metabolites and their role in healthy aging and frailty. When I’m not unraveling scientific mysteries, you can find me lost in the world of movies, engrossed in enthralling books, or exploring the wonders of different places. Life, for me, is a beautiful blend of science, stories, and exploration.

My name is Shruthi Shanbog Ramamurthy. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication from VTU and have 10 years of experience in the field of data science. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with several startups, where I've been instrumental in performing data analysis, building models, and creating visualizations. I excel at transforming complex datasets into actionable insights that drive business decisions. My passion for data science fuels my continuous learning and application of the latest industry techniques.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy painting, craft work, classical music, and practicing yoga. These hobbies not only allow me to express my creativity but also help me maintain a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.

Hi! I’m Sagar Gupta, the Lab Manager at Professor Robert’s lab since January 2024. I graduated in Paint Technology from Government Polytechnic Kanpur in 2020 and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Sociology from C.S.J.M.U in 2023. I’ve worked as a Junior Engineer at New Holland Agriculture Company and as a Lab Chemist at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited. In my free time, I enjoy painting, singing, traveling, and learning new skills.

Hello there! I’m Satyam Kumar. I started working as a Project Staff in Professor Robert’s lab since March 2024. I graduated with a B.Sc from C.S.J.M.U in 2022. Before this, I worked as a Project Assistant in Economic Science at the New Core Lab in IIT Kanpur. I enjoy listening to music and reading books.

Hello! I am Prachi Singh, a biotechnology engineer currently pursuing my Master's of Technology at Vellore Institute of Technology. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Raja Balwant Singh Engineering Technical Campus. During my internship at Vardan Environet, I gained valuable experience with microbiological equipment and hygiene analysis. My project work includes protein analysis for vector-borne diseases, bioactive compound extraction, nanoparticle synthesis, and antimicrobial studies. Besides my academic pursuits, I am a state-level Kho-Kho player and zonal basketball player. In June 2024, I joined the prestigious MiMeTics Lab at IIT Kanpur, where I am excited to further my research in biotechnology and contribute to innovative projects.