Team

I am Anjali Prajapati, a science geek, working as PhD scholar under the guidance of Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy at Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, IICT, Hyderabad. I did my Masters from BHU, Varanasi and graduated from Delhi University. Currently, my work focuses on the development of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies by mRNA-LNP platform for therapeutic intervention in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Apart from science, I also enjoy listening to good music and painting to balance my terrain of thoughts.

My name is Apoorva, and I am a PhD scholar under Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy at the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, IICT, Hyderabad. I have a background in biotechnology and previously worked on resistance reversion in mosquitoes at Delhi University. My research focuses on enhancing the efficiency of mRNA-engineered CAR T cells for cancer treatment using lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems. I am dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapies and vaccines to improve human health. Beyond research, I am a trained classical dancer, and my creative pursuits help bring balance to my scientific journey.

I am Shivank, a PhD scholar at the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, IICT Hyderabad, under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam. My academic background includes a bachelor's in pharmacy and a master's in biomedical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar. For my master's thesis, I worked on identifying cross-reactive epitopes between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mpox virus to design an effective vaccine against Mpox. I am particularly interested in studying immune responses to develop more effective and safer vaccines. My work involves exploring novel adjuvants to enhance immune protection against infectious diseases.

I am Sagithya Elangovan, a final-year B.Tech Biotechnology student at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. I have completed my minor project on the DPT group of vaccines at the Pasteur Institute, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, where I gained knowledge in vaccine research. Currently, I am working on my major research project in the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy playing chess and badminton, listening to music, and dancing, as these activities help me stay calm, focused, and refreshed.

I am Akshaya Kongari, a final-year undergraduate student in Biotechnology at KL University, Vijayawada. My academic work includes a project that examined the phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera and its potential inhibitory role against human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which led to my interest in antiviral research and in-silico analysis. Currently, I am undertaking my dissertation under the supervision of Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy at the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, CSIR–IICT, Hyderabad. where I am focused on identifying promising vaccine targets of hMPV using epitope-based immunological strategies.

I am Sharath Kavali, a final-year undergraduate student in biotechnology. Currently pursuing my dissertation work under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam. My preliminary research focused on the Phytochemical profiling of Moringa oleifera and analyzing their inhibitory activity on RdRp (L) protein of hMPV. I'm presently focused on identifying the key vaccine targets of hMPV by assessing their inhibitory potential using epitope based immunoinformatics strategy.

My name is P. Poornima, and I hold an M. Pharmacy in Pharmacology from Andhra University. Presently, I am working as a Project Associate-1 (PA) at the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, where my research focuses on investigating the immunomodulatory properties of nanoparticles and synthetic compounds. Through these projects, I am actively contributing to innovative research in the fields of cancer therapeutics and immunomodulation. In addition to my professional endeavours, I have a strong interest in singing and drawing, which offer me a creative balance and personal fulfilment.

My name is Dendi Meghana, and I am a final year B. Tech student in Biotechnology at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT), Hyderabad. I recently completed a project on the in-silico prediction of biomarkers for colorectal cancer, using computational tools to analyze datasets and identify potential biomarkers to enhance targeted therapies. I am currently involved in a project under Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, focusing on the development of mRNA vaccines for Mpox. Outside of my studies, I enjoy plantation and fashion design, which allows me to express my creativity. I am passionate about combining my interests in biotechnology and design to make a positive impact on healthcare. 

My name is Rithika, and I am a final-year B. Tech student in Biotechnology at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT), Hyderabad. During my academic journey, I have successfully identified key biomarkers in lung cancer using advanced bioinformatics tools, contributing to progress in early detection and personalized treatment approaches. Currently, under the mentorship of Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy, I am working on the development of the Mpox vaccine to address significant global health challenges. Beyond science, I am passionate about sports, particularly badminton, which helps me maintain a healthy balance and engage in activities outside of the lab.

My name is P. Srilekha, and I hold an M.Sc in Biotechnology from SRM University, Chennai. During my postgraduate studies, I undertook a project focusing on bacterial biofilm formation and structural changes in limestone. Currently, I'm working as a project associate in the vaccine immunology lab at IICT, where I contribute to immunological research. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music, which helps me unwind and stay inspired.

My name is Akshaya Pulletikurthi. I am a final year MSc student in Bioinformatics at REVA university, Bangalore. I completed a project on In-silico analysis of sebaceous gland carcinoma by finding potential targets. Currently, I am focusing on the project on "mRNA-based vaccine development targeting drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains by immunoinformatics" under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about exploring new cultures through travel and capturing life's moments through photography, providing a refreshing balance to my life.

I am Jonnak Bhoomika, a postgraduate student pursuing a Master's in Biotechnology at Osmania University. I am currently working on a project involving human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) as a dissertee at the Vaccine Immunology Lab, CSIR IICT, under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam. I hold a tri-major Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology and Chemistry, which has given me a strong interdisciplinary foundation in life sciences. My core interests lie in immunology and molecular therapeutics.  Outside the lab, I enjoy gardening and volunteering.

My name is Dinesh Bachina, and I am currently in the final year of my M. Pharmacy (Pharmacology) program at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guntur. I have completed a project involving preclinical studies on memory enhancement activity, using a scopolamine-induced dementia model in mice, with the aid of plant extracts. At present, I am pursuing my dissertation under the guidance of Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about exploring new developments in science and technology, and I also have a keen interest in sports and physical activities. 

I am Saikanth Varma, and I have recently submitted my Ph.D. Thesis (Biochemistry) at the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. My doctoral work investigates how maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), affects the metabolic and reproductive health of their offspring. I have also tried to understand the impact of microplastics on placental function using in vitro models (early-trimester trophoblast cells). Currently, I am working as a project associate in the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, where I am developing Self-Amplifying mRNA (SAMRNA)-LNP for human IL-10. I am a research enthusiast, eager to learn new tools and techniques to contribute to scientific discoveries that address pressing public health challenges.

I am Debanjana Roy, a research enthusiast working as a Project Associate under Dr. Bonam Srinivasa Reddy at the Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad. My academic background includes a tri-major Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology from MSRCASC, Bengaluru, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad. During my Master’s dissertation, I worked on deubiquitinases (DUBs), focusing on their role in cellular proliferation and their substrate repertoire in various cancers, which deepened my passion for disease biology. Currently, my research focuses on recombinant antibody production and CAR T cell therapy. Beyond science, I am passionate about fine arts and have received formal training. In my free time, I enjoy reading novels or playing with colors.