Srikanth

Email: psrikanth20@iiserb.ac.in; Twitter: @Sri_1118

I did my masters from Central University of Kerala in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am exploring how Hsp40 family proteins regulate protein aggregation/condensate dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, my research has identified key endocytosis-dependent signalling pathways that restrict synapse growth.

Debarpita Saha

Email: debarpita24@iiserb.ac.in

I did my Masters in Biomedical Science from ACBR, University of Delhi and previously worked as a Project associate in CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative biology (IGIB), Delhi. My current research focuses on understanding how J domain proteins are involved in neurodegeneration and Neuromorphogenesis.

Priyabrata Sarangi

Email: priyabrata24@iiserb.ac.in

I did my Masters in Pharmacy at NIPER Ahmedabad.  In my masters I had worked on Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of omega 3 fatty acids in Rat. Main focus of my research is on understanding how J-domain proteins contribute towards the neuronal physiology and neurodegeneration. 

Ramya Shekar (visiting student)

Email: ramyashekhar@iisc.ac.in

I am a visiting student in the Neurogenetics Lab, coming from Upendra’s Lab at IISc. My research focuses on investigating the role of cytoskeletal chaperones in microtubule organization and their implications in neurodegeneration.

Shruti Tyagi

Email: shruti25@iiserb.ac.in

I finished my master's at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, in Biotechnology. I will be exploring the role of chaperones in neurodegeneration.

Biteshwari Devi

Email: leishangthem25@iiserb.ac.in

My research focuses on understanding how molecular chaperones regulate neuronal survival and neurodegeneration. By combining Drosophila genetics, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout models, and disease-relevant interactions with TDP-43 and FUS, I aim to uncover how Hsp40s contribute to ALS and related disorders.

Deshna Bankar

BSMS (2021-2026), Email: deshna21@iiserb.ac.in

I am a final-year BSMS student with a strong interest in Neurobiology. I am working on the genetic and functional analysis of a gene from the Hsp40 family. My work aims to uncover how this gene influences neural pathways and contributes to the neurodegenerative process. 

Sakshi Dunakhe

BSMS (2021-2026), Email: sakshi21@iiserb.ac.in

I am interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern synapse function, development, and maintenance. My current focus lies in exploring how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. I am studying the role of molecular chaperones, the Hsp40 (DNAJ) family of proteins, in maintaining proteostasis at the synapse and mitigating protein aggregation associated with neurodegeneration.

Ishwari Dixit

BSMS (2022-2027), Email: ishwari22@iiserb.ac.in

I am a 4th year BSMS student working as a summer intern. My work focuses on characterization and antibody production against neuronal proteins which play a critical role in synapse functioning and neurodegeneration. Besides this, I am also learning to work with Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. 

Anjali Bisht

Email: anjali19@iiserb.ac.in; Twitter: @anjali_neuro

Anjali completed her PhD in 2025. She identified Prefoldin5 as novel microtubule-binding protein and a regulator of Tau-induced neuropathy. 

Shikha Kushwaha

She completed her PhD in 2022.  She explored the role of dAsap in synaptic morphogenesis.  Current 

Current position: Working at Mayo Clinic, USA.

Manish Kumar Dwivedi

Twitter: @ManishKD_neuro

He completed his PhD in 2020.  He explored the role of AP2-mediated synaptic signaling in synaptic morphogenesis. 

Current position: Postdoc in Collins lab at  Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Bhagaban Mallik

Twitter: @Mallik_Synapse

Bhagaban completed his PhD in 2017.  He explored the role of PICK1-ICA69-Rab2 in iGluR clustering at the synapse

Current position: Senior postdoctoral research scholar at the University of Iowa, USA, with Dr. C. Andrew Frank.

Saumitra Dey Choudhury

Twitter: @saumitradc

Saumitra completed his PhD in 2016.  He mapped the angur mutant to sigma2-adaptin and explored its role in synaptic function and BMP signaling 

Current position: Scientist-II (Microscopy), Centralized Core Research Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Snigdha Pathak

BSMS (2020-2025) ; Email: snigdha20@iiserb.ac.in

I am a master's student passionate about neurobiology, with my research centered on understanding neurodegenerative diseases. I'm particularly interested in investigating the role of Hsp40 family proteins in ALS using Drosophila as a model. This complex field motivates me to seek potential solutions through my work. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing badminton.

Thanvi

BSMS (2020-2025) ; Email: thanvi20@iiserb.ac.in

I am a final-year BS-MS student at IISER Bhopal with a strong interest in neurobiology, particularly Brain tumors. I am researching on functional significance of proteins involved in the synaptic plasticity and synaptic architecture, using the Drosophila NMJ (neuromuscular junction) as a model system.  

Tanvi Saksena

BSMS (2020-2025) ; Email: tanvi19@iiserb.ac.in

I am a final year BSMS student, fascinated by the complex mechanisms of neurodegeneration, especially diseases like ALS. Currently, I am working with Surabhi to uncover the role of Sis1 orthologs in Drosophila and studying protein remodelling dynamics in tauopathies.

Vishnu Pavithran

BSMS (2020-2025) ; Email: vishnu20@iiserb.ac.in

Final year BS-MS student of IISER Bhopal. Interested in the field of neurobiology specifically Alzheimer's disease. Currently working on proteins that affect the synaptic architecture using Drosophila NMJ as model system.

Athulya  T Gopi

BSMS (2019-2024) & JRF ; Email: athulya19@iiserb.ac.in

To me, the brain holds the key to understanding the most intriguing mysteries of the human body. The current focus of my research is the interaction between Hsp40 family chaperones and neurodegenerative proteins such as tau. I examine the eye morphology and NMJs in the Drosophila model for the purpose.

Kunal Jadhav

Research Intern; Email: ksj95884@gmail.com

I was a research intern here at IISER Bhopal. I'm currently at MET Institute pursuing bachelors in Pharmacy. My research interests lie in genetics and signalin pathways. In this internship, I worked on the synaptic plasticity and its dynamics at the rosophila NMJ.

Neerukattu Kaivalya

Research Intern; Email: kaivalya519@gmail.com

I pursuing BSc (Research) Biotechnology in Shiv Nadar University. Here in IISERB, I am worked as a summer intern and my work mainly focused on the molecular cloning, antibody generation, and characterization of the proteins involved in the synaptic physiology and neurodegeneration.

Nitika Chandra

MSc, Biotechnology (2022-2024); Email: nitika22@iiserb.ac.in

I did my BSc in Life Sciences (2018-2021)  from Miranda House University of Delhi.  In collaboration with Athulya, I screened Hsp40 family chaperones for their roles in various neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila eye and NMJ as model system.