People

Manish
(Principal investigator)

I did PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India and Postdoctoral studies at Baylor College of Medicine, USA. I am interested in studying cell & developmental biology. Besides scientific research, I like to teach, travel and explore the world.

Deepa
(Scientific officer)

After finishing my MSc from Mumbai University, I worked in Himedia Laboratories PVT LTD as a Molecular Biologist and then moved to MJ lab in 2018. I like to develop new fly fly strains and help with various lab activities.

Rajit
(Integrated MSc-PhD student)

I finished my undergraduate degree in Biology from IISc, Bangalore. My interest in neurodegeneration and genetics lead to my current work in the MJ lab. I am working on understanding how mitochondrial size is regulated under metabolic stress. Books and movies keep me engaged when I am not busy in the lab.

Aravind
(PhD student)

I completed my post-graduation from the University of Hyderabad. I joined MJ Lab in 2019 as a graduate student. My work focuses on understanding inter-organelle signaling mechanisms that regulate the production and dynamics of mitochondria during development and disease. Other than science, my interests are cricket, books, movies, and dad jokes.

Tarana
(Integrated MSc-PhD student)

Sunayana
(Integrated MSc-PhD student)

I completed my undergrad degree from the Dept. of Microbiology, Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata. I joined MJ Lab in 2019 to explore the biological function of inorganic polyphosphates. Apart from science, I am into art and crafts, which keeps me motivated.

Harsha
(PhD student)

I completed my post-graduation from MDU (Rohtak) and joined the MJ lab in 2021. I am interested in exploring the biological function of polyphosphate.. Apart from science, I love singing and dancing.

Yasir
(PhD student)

I completed my post-graduation in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, in 2021. I joined TIFRH in 2021 as a graduate student. Both my life and work “Flies” around age, stress, and an imbalanced diet concerning polyphosphate. In my free time, I humbly annoy my colleagues :’)

Pratishtha
(PhD student)

I completed my bachelor’s in life sciences from Ramjas College, University of Delhi and my post-graduation in Biotechnology from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. I joined the fly lab in 2023. I am excited about understanding the decisions a cell, tissue and eventually an organism makes to adapt to different stress conditions. When not science-ing, I love to read, write, and listen to songs.

Ritwija
(PhD student)

After finishing my post-graduation from Banaras Hindu University in Zoology, I joined TIFRH as a graduate student in 2022. I am interested in elucidating different aspects of mitochondrial dynamics and mito-nuclear communication using the beautiful “dew-lover” as a model system and will try to add some new “fly”ing colors to these aspects. Mostly my leisure remains occupied with books, movies, anime, music, contemplation and friends.

Tanya
(Research Fellow)

I completed my post-graduation from PGI, Chandigarh. I joined the MJ lab as a Project Associate in the year 2022. I love working with flies in the lab. Outside the lab, I am a nature-loving person and love to create garden landscapes.

Neelima
(Research fellow)

I did my bachelor’s from Miranda House, University of Delhi, in Zoology and my post-graduation in Biotechnology from IIT Bombay. I joined MJ Lab in 2021 as a JRF. I have conducted a genetic screen that resulted in novel genes regulating developmental autophagy. Currently, I am engaged in characterising them. I like to play badminton, read, dance and explore the city’s culture and history.

Deepti
(Research fellow)

I graduated from IISER Berhampur, Odisha, with a BS-MS dual degree in biological sciences in 2021. I joined the MJ lab in June 2022. I am developing tools for in vivo detection of polyphosphate. Besides science, I like playing badminton, table tennis and volleyball.

Shruti
(Research fellow)

I completed my B.Sc in Life Sciences from Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumbai and M.Sc under specialisation in Stem cell technology from Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), Bangalore. I joined MJ lab in December 2022 with an interest in learning about fly genetics. Currently, I am conducting genetic screens to identify the regulators of the mitochondrial dynamics during development. Apart from lab work, I like to keep myself busy with dance, cooking, shopping and exploring new places and meeting new people.