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​​Anjana Badrinarayanan

Principal Investigator​

I am interested in understanding how microbial genomes are organized, replicated, maintained inside cells. I am particularly fascinated by genome plasticity - the capacity of a cell to change its genetic makeup via mutagenesis and gene transfer. I am excited by our recent ability to visualize these events occurring inside living cells via microscopy. I studied bacterial chromosome organization during my PhD with David Sherratt at the University of Oxford. I then investigated homologous recombination mechanisms in the lab of Michael Laub at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I started my own lab at NCBS in December 2016, where I work with a passionate group of scientists to solve some cool mysteries in the field. When not thinking about science, I read, birdwatch, trek and do pottery. 

​​Kalpshree Gogte

Postdoctoral Fellow

I completed my under graduation in Biotechnology from DPU, Pune. Following graduation I went to the UK for my Masters in molecular biology at University of Sussex, I continued working there as a research assistant in the field of Cancer drug discovery. This further motivated me to pursue a PhD. I completed my PhD in Biochemistry of neurodegenerative diseases from Ruhr University Bochum as a Max Planck Fellow in Germany. During my PhD I worked on understanding the possible pathogenic role of membrane anchor of prion protein. Currently, in the lab I am combining my expertise in protein biochemistry with the lab’s well established model system to study DNA repair, to resolve the organization of DNA repair proteins at break sites. In my free time you will find me reading books, trekking, running, swimming, cycling and learning to play a ukulele and making soaps.

My journey into microbiology began with a fascination for the unseen—the idea that complex biological systems operate seamlessly within organisms invisible to the naked eye. This curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in microbiology and later join an integrated PhD program. Currently, my research centres on the homology search mechanism performed by the recombinase protein RecA. I’m investigating how RecA accurately locates its target sequence amidst vast genomic information and exploring its potential roles in different contexts such as phage infection. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing football and table tennis, and I have a keen interest in music and theatre, which help me stay grounded and creatively engaged.

​​Sourav Bhattacharyya

Graduate Student​

I have always been fascinated about how prokaryotic cells do everything a multicellular organism can and much more. This interest drove me to a Master’s in Microbiology. I joined the lab as a Master’s dissertation student in 2022. During this time, I used quantitative microscopic techniques to understand the impact of nutrient availability on replication as Caulobacter cells transition from exponential to stationary phase. I have been intrigued by the use of microscopic techniques to study genome associated pathways ever since. I am currently working on understanding the mechanistic details of a motor driven homology search by recombinase under double strand break in Caulobacter. I also enjoy reading, writing, watching plays and trekking.

​​Inchara Adhikashreni

Graduate Student

I enjoy learning about how fundamental processes like genome organisation, replication and repair occur in living organisms. Along those lines, I study the recombinase-driven homology search in bacteria under DNA damage. I am interested in understanding the mechanism of an SMC-like protein that drives homology search by trying to uncover its interactome using mass spectrometry. Using Caulobacter crescentus as the model organism, I will be using a combination of genetics, microscopy and biochemistry to understand how these interactors are involved in homology search. Before joining the lab as an integrated Ph.D. student, I did my bachelors in biochemistry from Sri Venkateshwara College. In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching movies.

​​Hadiya Shamim

Graduate Student

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Helma David

Postdoctoral Fellow

I am fascinated by how microorganisms adapt to dynamic environments and how these adaptations influence infection outcomes. My research interests include host-microbe interactions and phage biology, with a strong drive to translate fundamental biological insights into solutions for real-world health challenges. I completed my PhD at SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, where my doctoral research focused on developing and evaluating a dual-drug, mucoadhesive gel formulation as a potential therapeutic strategy vaginal candidiasis. Currently in our lab, I study bacteriophage infection in structured microbial communities using the lab’s well-established model system. My work focuses on how host stress responses, particularly the SOS response, shape infection outcomes. Outside the microbial world, I enjoy singing, painting, working on DIY art projects, reading, and watching movies.

Sneha Phadke 

Graduate Student

Poorna Tharikka

Graduate Student

Sampark Behera 

MSc Thesis student

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