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Dr. Krishnendu Chakraborty, Principal Investigator
After completing my Master's in biotechnology, I chose immunology as a research area to pursue a Ph.D. During my doctoral training under Dr. Santasabuj Das at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata (NICED), I mostly worked on the signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells controlling gut homeostasis and tolerance. Next, I moved to the University of Pittsburgh, USA, for my post-doctoral training with Prof. Prabir Ray and Prof. Anuradha Ray, where I got the opportunity to work on multiple murine models of asthma and acute lung injury (ALI). We investigated the underlying mechanisms of airway tolerance and inflammation resolution during ALI. I returned to India at CSIR-IGIB as a Ramalingaswami fellow and was privileged to have Prof. Anurag Agrawal as my mentor. Currently, we are trying to understand the pathophysiology of different stages of ALI.
In my free time, I love to travel in the mountains and cherish reading books and listening to music.
Dr. Saumya Johri, Principal Project Associate
I pursued a Master's degree in Zoology, but developed a keen interest in innate immune response and its implications in disease biology during my dissertation. This interest led me to pursue my doctoral research in my current laboratory, where I investigated how mitochondrial DAMPs influence host immune responses in the context of ARDS/ALI pathophysiology. My initial research delved into investigating the impact of cellular metabolism on the severity of ALI. My doctoral work focused on how mitochondrial DAMPs contribute to the late phase of ARDS/ALI, specifically in the development of secondary pneumonia. Having completed my PhD, I am now continuing to build on this research in the same laboratory.
Besides my scientific interests, I enjoy dancing and cooking.
Aashul Nagora, Project Associate II
I earlier worked in this lab as a Trainee during my Masters' dissertation. After finishing my Master's degree in Pharmacology, I returned to this lab, assuming the role of Project Associate I. Despite my pharmacology background, I strongly advocate for minimal medication use unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, the lab's focus on enhancing host immune responses aligns perfectly with my interests. Currently, my research involves studying the effects of drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae on host immune mechanisms. Additionally, I am conducting experiments using murine models to investigate secondary pneumonia.
Apart from my scientific interests, I like gaming and traveling.
Sultana Begum, Ph.D. Scholar
I pursued my Masters of Science in biotechnology, and thereafter joined CSIR-IGIB for my doctoral programme. I currently hold the position of Junior Research Fellow in this lab. I am somewhat new to the area of disease pathophysiology in ALI/ARDS. However, I am fascinated by the work ongoing in the lab on murine models, deciphering the role of mitochondrial DAMPs during late phase of ALI. As of now, I would be investigating the role of metabolism in secondary pneumonia during late phase of ALI.
Apart from research, I love trekking and traveling and wish to explore the world as I explore science.
Bhargab Jyoti Baruah, Ph.D. scholar
After completing my Master’s program in “Molecular Biology and Biotechnology” from Tezpur University, with a deep curiosity for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying disease biology, I joined THE PNEUMONIA LAB. Phagocytosis plays an essential role in anti-microbial activity in the cellular system. During my PhD journey, I will be exploring the mechanism of impaired lung macrophage phagocytosis in association with secondary pneumonia.
In addition to science, I am passionate about playing badminton, reading books and doing poetry.
Garima Sheoran, Ph.D. scholar
I completed my Masters in Zoology and then joined CSIR-IGIB for my PhD studies. Driven by a strong interest in immunology, I joined The Pneumonia Lab to investigate the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. My current goal is to understand the impairment of macrophage metabolism upon bacterial infection and unravel the underlying pathophysiology.
Besides research, I enjoy dancing, traveling, and engaging in adventurous activities.
Annu, Ph.D. scholar
I completed my masters in biotechnology and i recently joined as a junior research fellow at CSIR-IGIB in the PNEUMONIA LAB. I feel that the lab is doing some amazing work and i have lots to learn. I am trying to absorb the different aspects of the work going in the lab regarding ALI/ARDS and the relatively new field of metabolism that is being merged with the above.
Apart from science, I love travelling, yoga and music.
annuchoudhary9906@gmail.com
Falak, Dissertation Trainee
I am currently pursuing an M.Tech in Biotechnology from IIT Mandi and joined this lab in August 2025 to undertake my dissertation work. With a strong interest in understanding the immunopathology of diseases, I was particularly motivated to explore conditions such as Acute Lung Injury and Pneumonia in greater depth. Through this internship, I have gained hands-on experience in animal handling, isolation of primary cells, and various molecular biology techniques. My current project focuses on investigating how cardiolipin, acting as a DAMP, influences macrophage phagocytic function during the late phase of ARDS/ALI.
In my free time, I like to read and write poetry, travel, and listen to music.
Samriddhi Singh, Dissertation Trainee
I am currently pursuing my B.Tech in Biotechnology and training in THE PNEUMONIA lab, where I am gaining hands-on experience in immunological techniques. My work focuses on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), particularly studying host immune responses to pathogen in severe respiratory conditions. This experience is strengthening my interest in infectious diseases and translational research while enhancing my laboratory skills and scientific thinking.
Additionally, I like to travel and do crafts in my spare time.
PAST MEMBERS
Gauri Shembekar, Project Associate-II
Sridip Mukherjee, Dissertation Trainee
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