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Team

Tumor Microenvironment Lab - Madhura Kulkarni
Madhura Kulkarni, PhD
Senior Scientist and 
DBT-Ramalingaswami Fellow

Madhura Kulkarni

Senior Scientist and DBT - Ramalingaswami Fellow

Dr. Madhura Kulkarni earned her Molecular Genetics PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA. In her postdoctoral roles at MGH-Harvard Medical School, USA, and the Cancer Science Institute, Singapore, she focused on breast cancer, contributing to impactful publications. Notably, she secured the esteemed 're-entry' Ramalingaswami fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, India.

Sanika Deshmukh

Sanika Deshmukh

Research Assistant

Research Assistant at PCCM-CTCR, I hold a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from IAR University, Gandhinagar. Currently, in Dr. Madhura’s lab, I’m working on transcriptomic analysis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. What excites me most about working here is the opportunity to work directly with patient samples, turning data into insights that could impact real lives. I’m passionate about translational research and outside the lab, I enjoy exploring nature, going on treks, watching series, and spending time with friends and family to unwind.

Sharvari Choudhari

Sharvari Choudhari

BS-MS Student

Hello, I am a third-year student at IISER Pune. I joined the lab over the summer of 2025 to assist in the analysis of available clinic data and possibly draw relevant correlations for the same. Other than my biology-rich courses, I love to spend time creating art, especially music.

Parth Deshpande

Parth Deshpande

Research Intern

Hello, I am Parth D. I have completed my Master's degree in Biological Sciences from Yenepoya University. I joined the lab to work on understanding the expression and compartment-specific activity of YAP and TAZ in benign breast tissue using multiplex immunofluorescence whole-slide images. My work involves single-cell image analysis and quantitative tissue profiling using Visiopharm. Other than my interest in biology and research, I enjoy exploring and learning about new technologies and scientific tools.

Vedant Ingawale

Vedant Ingawale

Research Assistant

Analyzing 100 triple-negative breast cancer cases, our study focuses on trichrome staining to assess tissue collagen. The aim is to unveil connections between collagen distribution and tumor features, treatment response, and survival. Merging patient-derived tissue insights with clinical data, we strive to reveal genuine prognostic potential in ECM alterations.

Abhinandan Gaikwad

Abhinandan Gaikwad

IDD Student

Hi, I’m an Integrated Dual Degree student in Pharmaceutical Engineering at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, with a growing interest in Machine Learning and Data Analysis. Currently, as a Summer Intern, I’m working on an Independent Component Analysis (ICA)-based project, where I’m exploring data, finding patterns, and trying to understand the hidden information within it.
I’ve always been curious about how data can be used to make sense of complex problems. My interests are gradually taking shape around machine learning, data analysis, and their applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare space. I enjoy learning by doing, trying out different approaches, and figuring things out along the way.
Beyond academics and research, I’m someone who enjoys learning random things, exploring new ideas, and travelling and discovering new places. I also have a soft spot for poems, poetry, and cinematography the little things that make me pause, observe, and see the world a little differently.

Yashodhara Jachak

Yashodhara Jachak

Research Intern

Hi, I'm Yashodhara. I work as a research intern in TMEM lab, where my work primarily involves tissue sectioning, Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the analysis of tumor tissue morphology and protein expression.
I hold a master's degree in biotechnology from Modern College, Shivajinagar, Pune. My interest in cancer research took root during my postgraduate thesis, which focused on virtual screening and molecular docking-based identification of potential EGFR inhibitors as anticancer drugs, an experience that left a lasting impression on me and inspired my transition toward translational cancer research.

Mousumi Kandangkel

Mousumi Kandangkel

BS-MS Student

Hi, I’m a 3rd-year BS-MS student at IISER Pune, majoring in biology with a keen interest in cancer research and neuroscience. Currently, in the TME lab, I am working on Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) — focusing on Digital Path concordance with pathologists’ scores to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of immune cell quantification in breast cancer tissues. My academic interests focus on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying diseases, with the goal of uncovering new insights that can lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and help pave the way for improved patient outcomes.
Beyond academics and research, I have a soft spot for learning trivial things—those little bits of knowledge that often surprise and delight, making the world of science even more fascinating. Outside the lab, I love going on trips and dancing to my heart’s content

Chaitanya Aglave

Chaitanya Aglave

Research Assistant

Hey, I am Chaitanya. I have completed my Master's degree in Bioinformatics from DAVV, Indore. I joined the lab to work on developing machine learning-based approaches for the identification and quantitative analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures in multiplex immunofluorescence whole-slide images of breast cancer. My work involves digital pathology, image analysis, machine learning, and spatial characterization of the tumor microenvironment using Visiopharm. I am also working on spatial transcriptomics and exploring computational approaches to understand spatial organization and cellular interactions within tissues.

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