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Alumni

S Disha Ramachandran

S Disha Ramachandran

BS-MS Student

I am a fifth-year BS-MS student majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. My work in the TME Lab involves analysing clinical data to see how MUC-1 expression in the tumour microenvironment correlates with the survival outcome of breast cancer patients. Beyond the lab hours, I enjoy reading and painting, which help me stay curious and creative.

Rishabh Kulkarni

Rishabh Kulkarni

BS-MS Student

I am a fifth-year BS-MS student at IISER Pune working as a Bioinformatics intern in the lab. My interests lie in Cancer Bioinformatics and Precision Oncology. I use creative thinking and coding as tools to generate insights out of real-world data. Besides work, trekking, playing almost any sport and listening to music keep me busy!

Sampada Deepak Ghute

Sampada Deepak Ghute

Research Assistant

I'm a 4th-year BSMS student at IISER Pune, majoring in Biology with a Chemistry minor. Currently, a Semester Project participant in this lab, I find solace in dance, enjoy sports, and love spontaneous adventures with friends. The mere sight of a cat or dog fills my heart with pure, heartwarming magic.

Sumaiya Shaikh

Sumaiya Shaikh

Research Intern

Hello!
During my internship, I worked mainly on patient data curation and research documentation. I worked with patient files to collect, organize and update different clinical and pathological details and helped maintain the data in a clear and structured way. I also worked on different categories of breast cancer data, including NACT status and DCIS cases, along with checking the availability and number of tissue blocks. Apart from the data work, I prepared presentations, posters, graphs, diagrams and research workflows to present the information clearly. On a personal note, I enjoy reading novels, gardening and baking.

Kuhuk Saran

Kuhuk Saran

Research Assistant

I hold a B.Tech in Biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology. In the lab, I work with patient data & samples, curating crucial information that supports ongoing studies. My current project focuses on the differential expression of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes across different breast cancer subtypes with respect to BRCA mutation status. What keeps me going is the thrill of discovering small pieces of a much bigger puzzle, one that might help someone, somewhere.
Outside the lab, I’m the kind of person you’ll probably hear before you see, usually singing, obsessing over food, and painting. I’m basically a walking playlist with a paintbrush in one hand and snacks in the other.

Dimple Adiwal

Dimple Adiwal

PhD student at IGDR Rennes, France

I delved into clinical tumor biology for my Master's thesis, guided by Dr. Kulkarni. The focus was on investigating Yes-associated protein (YAP) as a prognostic marker for TNBC in the Indian Cohort. This marked my first independent project leadership, involving experiment design, data analysis, and active discussions for feedback. Subsequently, we explored TCGA data, evaluating YAP expression across breast cancer subtypes. Presenting my work at the TCGA international conference in India earned me the best poster award.

Shruti Nitin Bhardiya

Shruti Nitin Bhardiya

PhD student, Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku, Finland

In my research, I delved into the intricate interplay between YAP and growth factor receptor signaling to unravel their contributions to breast cancer advancement. Utilizing a diverse array of investigative tools, including cell culture assays, molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and mouse xenograft models, I aimed to gain comprehensive insights. Beyond the experimental realm, I actively contributed to maintaining the laboratory environment and provided mentorship to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and productive research atmosphere.

Anugraha S Chandran

Anugraha S Chandran

BS-MS Student

I'm a BSMS graduate at IISER Pune, specializing in Biology. Immersing myself in Dr. Madhura Kulkarni's lab for my Summer Project has been intellectually enriching. Beyond academics, my unmatched passion for dancing adds vibrancy to my journey. Table tennis, trekking, and music further diversify my multifaceted interests.

Khushi Rahul Salvi

Khushi Rahul Salvi

Research Assistant

I pursued my Master's degree at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, and earned my Bachelor's degree from St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad. My research in the lab focused on investigating the synergistic interplay between HER2 and YAP in HER2-positive breast cancer. Beyond the lab, my creative pursuits include painting, doodling, and practicing origami.

Malavika S

Malavika S

BS-MS Student

I am a fifth-year BS-MS student at IISER Pune, majoring in Life Sciences. I enjoy engaging with knowledge and find great excitement in the novelty that research brings. Outside the lab, you can find me watching a new movie or the 1000th movie analysis video, savouring a meal I’ve spent weeks planning, or deep in conversations about anything under (and over) the sun. Oh, and you’ve probably heard it because I am the loudest voice in the corridor.

Bhavesh Sudhakar Vasave

Bhavesh Sudhakar Vasave

BS-MS Student

I'm Bhavesh Vasave, a 4th-year BSMS student at IISER Pune, currently a research intern. Lab work takes me away from things yet yields joy with positive results. No results sometimes leave me conflicted, but I embrace it all. Life is a celebration—HUZZAH :)) I cherish dancing, painting, gardening, cats, and sleep.

V. Gomathi

V. Gomathi

Research Assistant

I earned a master's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. My research journey began with a compelling master’s thesis in Dr. Madhura’s lab, where I delved into cancer biology and immunology. Subsequently, I furthered my exploration as a project assistant, passionately pursuing these scientific realms.

Rutvi Amar Shah

Rutvi Amar Shah

PhD student at UT MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, USA

As a student at Ahmedabad University, I dedicated August 2018 to June 2019 to a crucial research project for my master's thesis. Teaming up with Madhura at IISER Pune, we delved into YAP's significance as a prognostic marker in HER2 positive breast cancer. This academic pursuit deepened my understanding of cancer markers and their clinical implications, offering a meaningful contribution to the field.

Renu Raveendran

Renu Raveendran

Havells India Limited, MT-HR

Conducted in-depth research on resistance mechanisms to anti-HER2 drugs in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Analyzed complex data sets, conducted literature reviews, and collaborated with a multidisciplinary research team. This enhanced my proficiency in molecular biology, oncology, and data interpretation. Our findings contribute to advancing personalized medicine and optimizing treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, fostering progress in cancer research.

Aditi Singh

Aditi Singh

Research Assistant

Hello!
My primary work in the lab includes being a sassy party influencer. Apart from this, I work on multiplex IHC image analysis using Visiopharm to compare immune-cell infilteration in the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) therapy response in TNBC patients. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading fantasy books (hard recommend Brandon Sanderson), painting, dancing, karting and playing a lot of sports. I love cats and long talking sessions with my friends.

Bhavesh Ohal

Bhavesh Ohal

Research Assistant

I hold a BS-MS degree in Biology from IISER Pune and am currently working as a research assistant in Dr Kulkarni's lab. I am investigating the differential roles of YAP and TAZ proteins in triple-negative breast cancer progression. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music and watching cricket.

Irene Biju

Irene Biju

BS-MS Student

During the January to April 2023 semester, I actively contributed to the 'Immune cell subtyping in TNBC in an Indian cohort' project. My role involved significant participation in immune cell characterization and quantification, utilizing QuPath software to analyze multiplexed immunofluorescence images, enhancing our understanding of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Pooja Manmohan Vaid

Pooja Manmohan Vaid

Graduate Student

I was a PhD student registered at Ashoka University, while being affiliated to CTCR, Pune for the past four years. Trained as Masters in Biotechnology and Developmental biologist, I switched to Translational Cancer study when I joined TME lab. Outside lab, I indulge in baking desserts with elaborate recipes, recreational badminton and swimming and travelling to serene mountains.

Aditi Sanjay Khatpe

Aditi Sanjay Khatpe

Indiana University-School of Medicine, Ph.D. Student

In my research, I delved into the comprehensive characterization of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression within a specific cohort of Indian Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients. This investigation aimed to elucidate the molecular nuances and variations in EGFR expression patterns, contributing valuable insights into the unique aspects of TNBC within the Indian population. The findings have potential implications for personalized treatment strategies and advancements in our understanding of the molecular landscape of breast cancer in this demographic.

Sigma Pradhan

Sigma Pradhan

Ph.D. researcher, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland

For my master's project, I delved into comprehending the pivotal role played by YAP in the oncogenicity induced by HER2. Additionally, my research encompassed a thorough exploration of HER3 expression within breast epithelial cell lines. This multifaceted investigation allowed me to unravel intricate molecular interactions and gain deeper insights into the complex mechanisms governing oncogenic processes, particularly in the context of HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways in breast cancer.

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