People

Baskar Bakthavachalu

I started as a cell and molecular biologist with a Ph.D. from National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, and postdoctoral research at The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. Both during my Ph.D. and postdoc, I studied RNA regulation in cultured cells. As a campus fellow at National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, I studied RNA regulation processes in an in vivo Drosophila insect model. I started my research group as a Senior Scientist at Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Centre at inStem, Bangalore, before moving to IIT Mandi as an Assistant professor. 

Khushboo Agrawal

I did my B.Sc and M.Sc from RTM Nagpur University in Nagpur. I am an Inspire fellow and a graduate student in Baskar Lab since January 2019. I am studying Ataxin-2 protein domains in relation to RNP granule aggregation. 

Vanshika Saxena

I am a PMRF Ph.D. Scholar in Baskar Lab at Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, since August 2021. I obtained Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Invertis University and a Master of Engineering in Biotechnology from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. I am interested in studying how RNA virus overcomes cellular stress and how they utilize host cell machinery for their own benefit.



Omkar Koppaka

My B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology was awarded at Mumbai University. I worked as a JRF at IIT Bombay and as a Research Assistant at MGM IHS, Navi Mumbai. I joined Baskar Lab as a Ph.D. student at IIT Mandi in August 2021. Currently, I am working on the Ataxin-2 translation control mechanism. In my free time, I can be found singing, tinkering on my guitar, sketching.



Akash Kumaran

I completed my Bachelor’s in Biotechnology at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, and my Master’s in Bioprocess Technology at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. I joined Baskar's lab at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi as a PMRF Ph.D. student in August 2022. My areas of interest include Cell and Molecular biology. I work on understanding the genetics and molecular pathophysiology of ALS. And out of the course, I like singing and playing guitar and am currently in love with Biriyani.




Aparna Bharadwaj

I Completed my Bachelor's degree in zoology from Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab, then awarded with Master’s degree from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Computational biology and Bioinformatics. I joined Baskar lab as a PhD Scholar in February 2023. Here I am interested in studying protein domains in RNA binding proteins and cellular pathways that determine stress granule dynamics.




Richa Joshi

I did an Integrated M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Central University of Rajasthan. I joined Basker’s Lab as a Ph.D. scholar in February 2023. Here I am engaged in studying the structural-functional analysis of insecticide action and resistance. Outside of the lab and research, I enjoy hiking and creating illustrations. 




Shweta Tandon

I joined the lab in September 2023 as a postdoctoral fellow. I completed my Ph.D. from the University of Delhi South Campus. My areas of interest include genetics and neuroscience. For my Ph.D., I studied the role of insulin signaling pathways in human polyglutamine disorders. I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, especially the role of RNA-binding proteins in such pathogenesis. My hobbies include reading classics, fantasy fiction and popular science novels.




Shiva Kumar

I have completed my B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology from SHUATS, Allahabad. I joined Baskar's lab at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi as an M.tech Research scholar in August 2023. My area of interest is Molecular biology. 




Lab Alumini

Divij M Kinger

Divij worked as Research Assistant (2018-2020) in my lab at TIGS. He is currently a Lab Supervisor at Sankalp Molecular Labs, Bangalore.

Shweta Yadav

Shweta was a postdoctoral fellow in the lab from 2019-2021. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Mayo Clinic, USA. 

Shrigouri Patil

Shrigouri was a Research Assistant in the lab from 2019-2021. She is currently working as a Research Scientist at CrisprBits Private Ltd. 


Kandi Arvind Reddy

Arvind worked in the lab at different capacities (Intern, Research assistant and Research Associate) from 2019-2022. He has moved to Germany to pursue his Masters and Ph.D. 

Anjana Prasad

Anjana worked as an intern and Research Assistant in the lab from 2019-2022. She is moving to Germany for her Ph.D.