Lab Members

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Sushil Kumar

Dr. Sushil Kumar, a researcher from Khothanwali, a village in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bikaner. Subsequently, he moved to Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore to complete his Master’s degree in Life Sciences. In 2016, he earned his Doctoral degree under the mentorship of Prof. Himanshu Kumar at IISER Bhopal. His doctoral research delved into the exciting field of innate immunity and cancer biology.

Dr. Kumar gained valuable postdoctoral experience at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, under the guidance of Prof. Rumela Chakrabarti. He explored the fascinating biology of mammary gland development and breast cancer. In 2019, Sushil moved to Prof. Fiona Simpkins’s lab, where he worked with patient tumor-derived models and industry partners to overcome disease resistance. After postdoctoral training, he stayed at IIT Roorkee for about six months as a faculty.

In May 2022, Dr. Sushil Kumar joined IIT Bombay as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, where he currently mentors brilliant young researchers in the precision oncology lab.

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Umesh Singh

2023 – Present

I’m Umesh, born and brought up in Punjab—the land of Bhangra, vibrant spirit, and boundless energy. My science journey began with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Panjab University, Chandigarh, followed by a Master’s degree from BHU, Varanasi. In July 2023, I joined IIT Bombay as a Research Scholar, where I’m exploring how post-translational modifications (PTMs) and extracellular matrix remodeling signaling contribute to the progression of aggressive breast cancer. But I’m not all lab coats and experiments—off duty, you’ll catch me on the ramp as a model, curating fashion shows, pedaling around on my cycle, and yes, low-key judging people like it’s my side hustle.

Contact: 23d0062[at]iitb.ac.in

Jennifer Darrimawi

2024 – Present

I hold a master’s degree in Biotechnology from JNU, New Delhi. I joined IIT Bombay in January 2024 as a Ph.D. scholar where my research focuses on studying the molecular interactions involved in breast cancer metastasis.

Contact: 23d0074[at]iitb.ac.in

Vaishnav M

2025 – Present

I have joined the lab after completing my undergraduate degree in B. Tech. Biotechnology, from College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. My interests include areas of data-driven and computational approaches in biology. My research will focus on leveraging computational approaches to investigate cancer biology — integrating multi-omics data, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, and molecular simulations to uncover mechanisms of tumor progression, heterogeneity, and potential therapeutic opportunities. I usually spend my free time lost in thoughts and tuned into Carnatic music.

Contact: 24d0091[at]iitb.ac.in

Ansh Singh

2025 – Present

I am Ansh Singh, and I hold a B.Tech. in Food Technology from NIFTEM, Sonipat. My research is centered on the development of novel liquid biopsy assays for the early diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and treatment stratification of breast cancer. My academic interests lie at the intersection of oncology, multi-omics, and the application of deep learning methodologies for biomarker discovery. For recreation, I enjoy reading and playing the bamboo flute.

Contact: 25d0063[at]iitb.ac.in

Aditi Sharma

August 2025 – Present

I am Aditti Sharma, a second year M.Tech student working on developing deep neural network based model for drug response prediction in breast cancer. I’ve done B.Sc in Microbiology from Fergusson College, Pune and M.Sc in Medical Biotechnology from PGIMER, Chandigarh. Outside academics, I enjoy swimming and baking.

Contact: aditti.sharma[at]iitb.ac.in

Nishtha Barnwal

August 2025 – Present

I am Nishtha Barnwal, a master’s student currently working in the field of cancer biology. I am originally from Parsa, Nepal, and completed my Bachelor’s in Microbiology from Tribhuvan University.
For my thesis project, I am investigating a novel suppressor protein that interacts with an adaptor protein to understand its role in ubiquitination and cancer progression. Through this work, I am gaining experience in molecular biology and protein interaction studies. In my free time I watch movies or go for a walk.

Contact: 24N0126[at]iitb.ac.in

Jay Lakhara

August 2025 – Present

I’m Jay Lakhara from Mt. Abu, Rajasthan, and I completed my Bachelor’s in Microbiology from NIMS University, Jaipur. My project work focuses on analyzing single-cell RNA-seq and proteomics datasets from breast cancer samples to understand tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing any sport.

Contact: 24N0098[at]iitb.ac.in

Manojit

August 2025 – Present

I’m Manojit, a second-year M.Sc. student at IIT Bombay. My current research is focused on discovering biomarkers for breast cancer using cell-free DNA, aiming to contribute to early and non-invasive diagnostic methods. Beyond academics, I’m highly enthusiastic about cricket—both playing and following the game closely. I also have a strong interest in stock market analysis, where I enjoy studying market trends and financial strategies.

Contact: 24N0118[at]iitb.ac.in

Prerna Dubey

May 2025 – Present

I am Prerna Dubey, a second-year M.Sc. Biotechnology student at the University of Mumbai. Currently, I am working with breast cancer tissue samples to determine the expression of oncogenes using immunohistochemistry (IHC) as my dissertation project. In my free time, I love watching movies while enjoying a warm bowl of ramen; it’s my perfect way to unwind.

Contact: prernadubey161@gmail.com

Shraddha Dubey

May 2025 – Present

I am Shraddha Dubey, a postgraduate student pursuing MSc in Biotechnology from Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala, Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Currently, I am working on understanding the binding interactions between a drug and an oncogene, with the goal of contributing to targeted cancer therapy research. I enjoy reading books related to murder mysteries and singing in my free time.

Contact: dubeyshraddha454@gmail.com

2025: Bhanvi Kumar, Varsha, Aashish, Lizanne, Khushi Walia, Ashna Kaushik, Saumya Sharma, Durga

2024: Dhruv Sharma, Aayushi Shah, BN Priyanjali, Tanuja Sharma, Maya Pooniya, Shreya Verma, Riya Pareek, Priyanshu Sharma, Rishi S. Bhadresvara, Jas Chaudhary

Dr. Akhilesh Maurya

March 2023 – June 2025

I am from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. I did my doctorate from IIIT – Allahabad in computer-aided drug design. My research expertise is in the field of drug design and development against cancer.

K. Chandu Sai

January 2025 – May 2025

He joined as an IRCC intern at IIT Bombay in 2024. He was working on molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and gene expression analysis for drug discovery. Currently, he is pursuing his M. Tech in Biotechnology at Vignan University with a scholarship from Virchow Biotech Pvt. Limited.

Sushmita Negi

August 2024 – May 2025

I am Sushmita Negi, 2nd year MSc student. Currently, I’m working on Understanding the role and molecular mechanisms of protein glycosylation in breast cancer. I have done my BSc from Neta ji Subhash Chandra Bose college in Zoology.

Sayan Haldar

August 2024 – May 2025

I’m Sayan Haldar from West Bengal. I have completed my Bachelor’s in science from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira in Zoology. Presently, I’m a M.Sc. 2nd year student working on understanding the role of RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs) on c-Myc in Breast cancer.

Azadeh Nahavandi Araghi

April 2024 – August 2024

I’m an Iranian student doing PhD in Molecular Biosciences at Autónoma University of Madrid in Spain. Since, I deal with RNA Binding Proteins in my ongoing thesis in Madrid, I am fascinated in learning how these proteins affect the oncogenes in breast cancer.

Komal Waghmare

January 2024 – July 2024

She joined as an IRCC intern and successfully defended her thesis by investigating the role of glycosylation-related genes in breast cancer progression. Presently, she is working as a Project Staff at Stem Cell Facility, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Sayak Dhar

August 2023 – May 2024

Extensive experience with single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data, having established end-to-end pipelines for two labs. Currently, he is working as an Associate Bioinformatics Engineer at Strand Life Sciences, Bangalore, helping in developing neural network-based prediction models tailored for biological big data.

Rakesh G.R

August 2023 – May 2024

His M.Sc. project was focused on understanding the role of a novel gene in cancer metabolism. With expertise in experimental work, he is currently a Research Associate at Aurigene Oncology Ltd. in Bangalore.

Aswathi C.B

June 2023 – April 2024

She defended her master’s thesis by analyzing Bulk RNA sequencing and identifying the signaling pathways associated with genes involved in TNBC. Currently, she is working as a JRF in Cellogen Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd in Noida.