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PEOPLE

Nisha N Kannan

Assistant Professor

School of Biology, IISER TVM

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I completed Master’s Degree in Biotechnology from Kannur University, Kerala. The insight I gained in research during master’s landed me in a PhD program at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore. Chronobiology laboratory at JNACSR provided me a platform to pose questions and develop research approaches to answer those questions. Subsequently I joined Prof. Kenji Tomioka’s laboratory at Okayama University, Japan as a Postdoctoral fellow and my studies were focused towards elucidating molecular mechanism of thermal entrainment of the circadian clocks. I joined IISER Thiruvananthapuram as Assistant Professor in 2015 and I am a DBT/ Wellcome Trust India Alliance Early career fellow.

 

Apart from research, I like education outreach,  travel and landscape photography, paining, art, crafts and spending time with kids.

 

 

I completed my Masters in Zoology from Sacred Heart College, Kochi and joined the Chronobiology Lab in Jan 2018. Deeply fascinated by the comparatively unexplored realm of biological rhythm and underlying molecular oscillations, I am working on the post transcriptional regulation of the major clock components namely their Micro RNA mediated control and regulation. I am also interested in exploring the neuronal mechanisms behind the generation of biological rhythm.

When out of the lab, reading literature articles and visiting art exhibitions are my favourite leisure time activites. I am also passionate about drawing,calligraphy and nail arts.

Anna Geo

PhD Student, 2018 - Present

annageo18@iisertvm.ac.in 

Swetha Gopalakrishnan

PhD Student, 2018 - Present

swethagopal18@iisertvm.ac.in

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I received my Masters degree in Genomics from the School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University. I was fascinated with Chronobiology during my masters and was keen on studying the circadian rhythms and their intricate connections with the other systems. This led me to joining the Chronobiology lab at IISER Trivandrum as a PhD student in August 2018. I will be working on understanding the unexplored link between the circadian clock and metabolism using the versatile Drosophila as a model system.

Other interests of mine include science writing, dramatics, music and  literature.

Aishwarya S

IPhD Student, 2019 - Present

aishwaryasegu17@iisertvm.ac.in 

I completed my Bachelors degree from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. Science and research have always interested me. My major interests lie in understanding the physical basis of life. Brain is the most intriguing organ. Its connectivity and processivity is commendable. Though it is just like a computer extracting data it does the most extraordinary job - thinking. This gave me reasons to join the Chronobiology lab at IISER. I will be working on understanding the connections between sleep, sleep deprivation and memory.

 

My other interests are reading, painting and writing.

Ashvitha B

PhD Student, 2020 - Present

ashvithabalaji20@iisertvm.ac.in

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I completed my Master’s degree in Human Genetics from Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai. Chronobiology is a really intriguing subject, and the more I study circadian rhythms, the more it fascinates me. I joined the chronobiology lab in August 2020. I will be working with chrono precise population of Drosophila melanogaster focusing on deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock precision in these populations.

 

Apart from lab and science, I am a bibliophile and enjoy reading books. I also enjoy music, painting, and art and crafts in general.

Akash Ranjan Mishra

PhD Student, 2023 - Present

akashranjan23@iisertvm.ac.in 

I have completed my MSc in zoology from BHU. I am interested in the molecular mechanisms behind the generation and maintenance of circadian clockwork. My other interests include star gazing, reading books about world myths and legends, and sometimes drawing.

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Vismaya Prakash

PhD Student, 2023 - Present

vismayaprakash23@iisertvm.ac.in 

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I completed my master's degree in Zoology from University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. I chose chronobiology for my PhD because I was genuinely intrigued by how our body's internal clocks affect our day-to-day experiences – it's like unravelling the secrets of our daily story! I joined the Chronobiology lab in August 2023, and here I'll be working on the interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolism in Drosophila. Besides my research, I'm all about music, dancing, movies, and even some calligraphy on the side.

Ashwati Krishnakumar

Project Associate, 2023 - Present

ashwati.kumar@iisertvm.ac.in

I completed my Master’s degree in Life Science with a specialization in biotechnology from Ruia College, Mumbai (under the University of Mumbai). I have always been deeply fascinated by the sensitive yet adaptable nature of life. I became interested in knowing how this delicate balance is brought about at a molecular level. After coming to this lab I was able to learn how simple environmental stimuli like night and day also have a profound effect on a wide range of processes that go on in a living organism. By using fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model organism, we try to learn about how an organism interacts and adapts to its environment and what effects these external cues have on various life processes. My other interests include painting and traveling. 

Samanwitha Rao

IPhD Student, 2023-2024

samanwitha.rao21@iisertvm.ac.in 

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I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at VIT Vellore.  My research interest lies in cognition and the factors affecting memory and behaviour. At CBL, I am currently exploring the neuronal circuit that utilizes the circadian gene Period to form courtship memory. You will find me playing gacha games or digital painting in my spare time.

Gorky Guha

MSc Student, 2023 - 2024

gorky22@iisertvm.ac.in

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from St.Xavier's College Kolkata. To get a more holistic perspective of Life Sciences, I decided to join the Master's Program in Biological Sciences at IISERTVM. But what really got my neurons firing was the idea of working Drosophila, the tiny winged wonders! So I decided to join CBL. My work involves trying to understand the effect of different light intensities on the light input pathways of drosophila in populations selected for narrow gate of adult emergence. When out of Lab,I love playing my Violin, reading thrillers, and writing poems and stories. It's my way of balancing the microscope with a dash of mischief!

Soyam Gupta

MSc Student, 2023-2024

soyam22@iisertvm.ac.in 

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I completed my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry (Hons) from Jamia Hamdard, with a keen interest in Neurobiology and Chronobiology. I have joined IISER-TVM for my Master's in Biological Sciences and joined the Chronobiology lab. My research focuses on miRNA's role in regulating circadian rhythms and locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster. In my upcoming research project, I aim to uncover the connections between locomotion, endurance and their impact on aging in Drosophila. Additionally, I'm dedicated to understanding the intricate pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically focusing on how altered locomotor activity may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly in Huntington's disease. My goal is to provide valuable insights into these fields and advance our understanding of these critical areas of study.

Ashna Anilkumar

BS-MS Student, 2023-2024

aashna19@iisertvm.ac.in 

 

I am currently pursuing my final year of the BSMS course. I have always wanted to work withbehavioural studies. I was introduced to chronobiology during my coursework, and it intersected with my interests. I joined the chronobiology lab to work on my major research as I was curious about circadian rhythms and how they are connected to other systems. I am currently working to understand the interplay between circadian clock and metabolism using Drosophila as a model system. Apart from science and research, I love reading books and watching movies. I also like doing crafts and doodling; above all, sleeping is something I enjoy the most.

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Christeena Charly

BS-MS Student, 2023-2024

christeena89019@iisertvm.ac.in

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I am a final year BS-MS student. I have been interested in behavioral sciences and its neurobiology since school. Once I took the course in chronobiology, my curiosity sharpened, so I joined the lab. I have been intrigued by using Drosophila melanogaster for studies related to memory, the circadian system and miRNA functions. My current project involves the evolution of robustness in chronobiological clocks as a response to selection on a narrow gate of adult emergence. I explore the effect evolution has on the developmental patterns of the recent generations of Drosophila. In the future, I would like to explore the circadian system further and also find its relation with cognitive dimensions of learning in humans. Apart from my research interests, I am a passionate dancer and a leisurely movie watcher.

Shrutika Sansaria

BS-MS Student, 2023-2024

shrutika19@iisertvm.ac.in

 

I am a final year BS-MS student. My profound interest sprouted from dedicated coursework in Chronobiology. My research interests lie at the intersection of neurobiology, genetics, and behaviour. Specifically, I am passionate about elucidating the intricate mechanisms governing memory formation, sleep regulation and their interplay in Drosophila melanogaster. My scientific passion is driven by the potential to uncover fundamental insights into the molecular and physiological underpinnings of these phenomena, thereby contributing to our broader understanding of neurobiology. Beyond the laboratory, I like to do photography and hiking.

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Anagha J

BS-MS Student, 2023-2024

anagha19@iisertvm.ac.in

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I am currently in my final year of the BS-MS program at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Trivandrum. My interest in neurobiology dates back to my school days and has remained a driving force in my academic journey. My fascination with chronobiology was ignited during my coursework, which led me to join this lab. Prior to this, I've explored the realm of molecular biology, gaining valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of various biological processes. Currently, my research is centered on the study of miRNAs within circadian tissues, with the ultimate goal of uncovering the molecular secrets behind circadian regulation. Beyond the lab, I have been a passionate dancer since childhood. To relax and unwind, I turn to the worlds of music, movies, and cricket.

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