Dr. Sahadev is a neuroscientist by training, specializing in neurobiology, neurophysiology, and drug delivery research, currently working as a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at RUAS. Before joining Ramaiah, Sahadev worked as an assistant and associate professor in the Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine at Amrita University in Kochi, for more than 10 years. He is a 2013 DBT Ramalingaswamy fellow, and completed his postdoctoral training in the laboratories of Professors Robert Langer at MIT, and Daniel Kohane at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Sahadev holds a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from Loyola University Chicago, an MPH from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.B.B.S. from Bangalore University. When not doing science, Sahadev practices meditation and enjoys long-distance running.
Dr. Nasera is a postdoctoral researcher and her work involves developing neural cue-driven hydrogels for corneal repair. She is a trained Dentist and has completed her MSc in Nanoscience and Technology. She holds a PhD from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. She has been awarded the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR-SRF). Apart from her passion for research, she is a deeply involved mother, enjoys embroidery, and has recently taken up pickleball (passion is not directly proportional to her game!!!).
Ahina is Junior Research Fellow working on understanding how modulating shape of nanoparticles effect their behaviour in single cell membrane systems. She has completed her M.Sc. in chemistry from St. Albert’s college (autonomous), Ernakulam and qualified GATE 2020. She was previously a research fellow at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, and strongly believes that research is not just a career or a degree, but a societal responsibility! Other than research, she is interested in reading books and writing articles.
Merlin is Junior Research Fellow and her work involves figuring out how neural innervation plays a role in developing hierarchical tissue systems for purposes of tissue regeneration. She completed her MTech in Biotechnology from D.Y.Patil Deemed to be University, Mumbai, and has been a research student at ACTREC, Mumbai. She has also worked at ICMR-NIRRH as Project Assistant on clinical research projects, and has experience in stem cell biology as a part of her Project Assistant position at IISER Thiruvananthapuram. Apart from her passion for research, she loves to play the violin, sing, dance, read novels, and watch movies.
Pushpa B N is a PhD researcher working in the field of cartilage preservation, osteochondral graft viability, and regenerative medicine, with valuable experience in Tissue Bank operations and tissue preservation practices. Her professional work in tissue banking has strengthened her expertise in tissue processing, storage, and quality maintenance, which directly informs her PhD research focused on developing optimized preservation strategies for articular cartilage and osteochondral grafts. By bridging practical tissue banking experience with translational musculoskeletal research, she aims to advance clinically relevant approaches that enhance graft quality and improve outcomes in cartilage repair. In addition to her research, she enjoys reading, scientific writing, and creating impactful academic presentations.
Raj is a PhD scholar in Biotechnology at Shankarappa Lab, RUAS, Bengaluru. Supported by DRDO funding, his research integrates neuroscience, material science, and pharmaceutics to design nanowood-based thermogenic transdermal patches that mitigate cold weather–induced sensory deficits. His aim is to establish preclinical evidence that paves the way for clinical translation and practical solutions for soldiers in extreme environments. Beyond the lab, Raj enjoys singing, playing almost every sport, and exploring new knowledge across diverse fields, with a natural inclination to connect ideas and uncover how the world works in subtle, meaningful ways.
Adith is currently pursuing his Master's in Biotechnology in the Ramaiah institute of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on the toxicity of different nanoparticles. He makes use of C. elegans as a model organism to get a further understanding of his topic. He is also interested in understanding more about axonal drug delivery. Adith holds an undergraduate degree in biotechnology, genetics and biochemistry from Dayananda Sagar University. Apart from this he also enjoys playing the guitar and loves watching movies.
Ayesha is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Biotechnology, with a research focus on nanoparticle toxicity assessment using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Her work explores the biological impacts of nanoparticles such as copper oxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles on growth, reproduction and locomotion in C. elegans. Through this study, she aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of nanomaterial safety, environmental implications, and translational relevance to human health. Ayesha holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology & Chemistry from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. Beyond her research, Ayesha is passionate about painting, reading, baking, and travelling.
Bhavya Kasala is a postgraduate student in M.Sc. Molecular and Cellular Biology at M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. She holds an undergraduate degree from Amrita School of Biotechnology. She is interested in protein chemistry, stem cell biology and neurobiology, with a focus currently on a project that investigates how different local microenvironment shape the morphology of cultured C. elegans neurons, leading to distinct phenotypes that may serve as a platform for screening neuroprotective compounds. Beyond the lab, she enjoys photography, painting, writing, poetry, and cycling.
Malavika Kulkarni is a Master's student in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She holds an undergraduate degree from Vijaya College in Genetics, Microbiology, and Biochemistry. She is interested in the molecular basis of neurological disorders and neurogenetics.Her current project investigates how different gut microbial profiles influence the functional mechanics of neurons, specifically regarding their sensitivity to pain. Beyond the lab, she enjoys reading novels and singing classical music.
Sonal is a Master's student at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, where her research focuses on understanding the wound healing process under microgravity. She is also interested in exploring the connections between Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and aging. She completed her B.Tech in Biotechnology from SRMIST, Chennai. Beyond academics, she enjoys reading novels, painting, and exploring new places.
Former Lab members:
Sumi E. Mathew – SRF (2014)
Dr. Neeraj Katiyar – PhD Scholar (2014–2021), currently Postdoctoral Scholar, Uppsala University, Sweden
Siva – SRF (2016)
Gayathri R. – SRF (2017–2020), currently Scientific Illustrator
Vignesh – SRF (2017–2019)
Rajlakshmi – Master’s Thesis (2017–2018)
Amata – Master’s Thesis (2018–2019)
Dr. Chinnu Jerard – SRF (2018–2022), PhD Scholar
Dr. Pallavi Madhusudanan – PhD Scholar (2018–2023), currently Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Chicago, USA
Anushka – Master’s Thesis (2019–2020)
Parvathi – Master’s Thesis (2020–2021)
Andrea Antony – Master’s Thesis (2021–2022)
Jinu Roy – Master’s Thesis (2021–2022)
Aditi Swamy – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Goutham S. – Bachelor’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Karishma Ravikumar – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Meet Joshi – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Moupali Saha – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Nashida Shaheen – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Raji M. R. – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Sherin Alice Joseph – Bachelor’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Sucharita Yanamandra – Master’s Thesis (2022–2023)
Anjitha Jayesh – Master’s Thesis (2023–2024)
Dineshraj – Master’s Thesis (2023–2024)
Meghna Alarkan – Master’s Thesis (2023–2024)
Pavan Ruthwik Kondapally – Master’s Thesis (2023–2024)
Raazi Mashook – Master’s Thesis (2023–2024)
Abhishek J. – Master’s Thesis (2024–2025)
Madhav Sujith – Master’s Thesis (2024–2025)
Prarthana S. – Master’s Thesis (2024–2025)
Shreeraksha Upadhyaya – Master’s Thesis (2024–2025)
Eeshaan S Reddy - Bachelor's Thesis (2025-2026)
Lakshmi Praveena M - Bachelor's Thesis (2025-2026)
Mahek Mavani - Bachelor's Thesis (2025-2026)