{"id":18,"date":"2022-11-11T10:06:45","date_gmt":"2022-11-11T10:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/?page_id=18"},"modified":"2025-11-17T11:55:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T11:55:42","slug":"lab-members","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/lab-members\/","title":{"rendered":"Lab Members"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Sushil Kumar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profile:<\/strong> Google Scholar<\/a> LinkedIn<\/a> Publons<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWS<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Naveen Kumar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2024 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am from New Delhi. I hold a doctorate from University of Delhi in Anthropology, focusing on developing biomarkers for graft health monitoring and diagnosing rejection in kidney transplant recipients. My current research aim is to discover breast cancer biomarkers from cell-free DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 20003764[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ph.D.<\/mark><\/strong> STUDENTS<\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Sumana Paul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2022 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am Sumana Paul, a Research Scholar at IIT Bombay, originally from Kolkata. My research focuses on how oncogenes rewire molecular signaling in triple-negative breast cancer, and how ubiquitination subtly drives tumor proliferation, cell-cycle dysregulation, and aggressiveness.
When I\u2019m not thinking about signaling networks or ubiquitin tags, you\u2019ll find me exploring new places, vibing to music, dancing, or chasing my next adventure.
Science inspires me, curiosity fuels me \u2014 and TNBC keeps me asking the questions that matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 22d0075[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Himanshu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2023 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am from Sonipat and I did my master’s in Genetics, 1 year JRF at IISc, Bangalore and joined IIT Bombay in 2023 as a research scholar. I have a keen interest in the study of breast cancer-related signaling pathways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 22d0078[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Umesh Singh<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2023 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m Umesh, born and brought up in Punjab\u2014the 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\u2019s degree from BHU, Varanasi. In July 2023, I joined IIT Bombay as a Research Scholar, where I\u2019m exploring how post-translational modifications (PTMs) and extracellular matrix remodeling signaling contribute to the progression of aggressive breast cancer. But I\u2019m not all lab coats and experiments\u2014off duty, you\u2019ll catch me on the ramp as a model, curating fashion shows, pedaling around on my cycle, and yes, low-key judging people like it\u2019s my side hustle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 23d0062[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jennifer Darrimawi <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2024 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 23d0074[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Susmita Sah<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2024 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am from Kathmandu, Nepal. I did my Master’s in Biotechnology from South Asian University, New Delhi. In August 2024, I embarked on my journey as a research scholar at IIT Bombay. My research focuses on elucidating the molecular signaling pathways involved in breast cancer, with the ultimate goal of advancing therapeutic strategies in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 24d0083[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Vaishnav M<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 24d0091[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ansh Singh<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 25d0063[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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MASTER’S STUDENTS<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Aditi<\/strong> Sharma<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: aditti.sharma[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nishtha<\/strong> Barnwal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 24N0126[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jay Lakhara<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 24N0098[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Manojit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014both 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: 24N0118[at]iitb.ac.in<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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DISSERTATION STUDENTS<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Prerna Dubey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

May 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: prernadubey161@gmail.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shraddha Dubey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

May 2025 – Present<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact: dubeyshraddha454@gmail.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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SUMMER INTERNS <\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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2025: <\/strong>Bhanvi Kumar, Varsha, Aashish, Lizanne, <\/strong>Khushi Walia, Ashna Kaushik, Saumya Sharma, Durga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

2024:<\/strong> Dhruv Sharma, Aayushi Shah, BN Priyanjali, Tanuja Sharma, Maya Pooniya, Shreya Verma, Riya Pareek, Priyanshu Sharma, Rishi S. Bhadresvara, Jas Chaudhary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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ALUMNI<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Akhilesh Maurya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

March 2023 – June 2025 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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K. Chandu Sai<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

January 2025 – May 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sushmita Negi<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2024 – May 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sayan Haldar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2024 – May 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Azadeh Nahavandi Araghi<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

April 2024 – August 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m an Iranian student doing PhD in Molecular Biosciences at Aut\u00f3noma 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Komal Waghmare<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

January 2024 – July 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sayak Dhar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2023 – May 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rakesh G.R<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

August 2023 – May 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Aswathi C.B<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

June 2023 – April 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Samyukta Sundaram<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

October 2022 – June 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her project focused on studying the role of genes in cancer signaling pathways. Currently she is doing her MS from University of Arizona, USA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mayank Ghogale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

October 2022 – June 2023 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His project focused on the analysis of Single Cell Sequencing Data. Currently he is doing his MS from Boston University, USA. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shwetha S<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

January 2023 – July 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her project focused on identification of the novel genes involved in cancer signaling using computational methods. Currently she is pursuing her Ph.D from IIT Madras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":410,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"normal","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18"}],"version-history":[{"count":149,"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":712,"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions\/712"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bio.iitb.ac.in\/sushilkumar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}