MOLECULAR GENETICS LABORATORY
Alumini
Ph.D. Students
Gargi Gouranga Nanda
Email: gargi.nanda@niser.ac.in
My city of origin is Mumbai. I've done my MSc in Biotechnology from Sardar Patel University and joined NISER in 2011 to pursue my doctoral work with Dr. Debasmita. My thesis specialization is in the genetic and physiological analysis of Fuchs Dystrophy. There is an immense scope in the area of corneal dystrophies and it therefore has peaked my interest in it. Elaborate discussions in lab with my thesis advisor and peers have improved my professional and personal development.
​
I hail from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. I completed my M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Madurai Kamaraj University in April 2016 and joined this lab in August 2016. Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma is a multifactorial age-related eye disorder with both genetic as well as epigenetic factors implicated in its causation and progression. I work on understanding the epigenetic role of candidate genes associated with this disorder.
After graduating in Zoology from Patna University, I have been a member of this lab since 2014. I'm currently working on the role proteostasis components in the progression of Pseudoexfoliation (PEX). The plethora of unexplored niches in PEX has bestowed the liberty to test various ideas which are seeded during our weekly group meetings. Apart from these intense project discussions, we also have our candid moments.
I belong to West Bengal and after passing my M.Sc. from Calcutta University, I have joined the lab in 2015. My thesis work is focused on the role and regulation of endothelial to mesenchymal transition inducing protein ZEB1, responsible for the progression of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. We try to understand the molecular mechanisms of ZEB1 induced EndoMT and want to validate new drugs, which might recover the pathogenesis of the disease.
I am from Behrampur, Odisha and have done my Masters in Biotechnology from Ravenshaw University. I've been working with Dr. Debasmita since 2012. My thesis work is focused on an age related neurodegenerative disorder called Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, which is a leading cause of secondary glaucoma. I intend to find the role of chaperones in the development of this disease.
​
Dissertation Students: NISER (Period: 2 years)
Dibya Ranjan Jalli
Email: dibya.jalli@niser.ac.in
I am from Koraput, Odisha. I did my intermediate from Khallikote Junior College, Berhampur, Odisha. Currently, I am pursuing Integrated M.Sc and I have been doing my Major’s thesis in this lab since July 2016. My M.Sc. project includes screening of anticancer drugs in Drosophila as well as in rat brain tumour models and to decipher the mode of action of these drugs.
Rajesh Kumar Das
Email: rajesh.das@niser.ac.in
I am from Balasore, Odisha and have done my higher secondary education from St. Vincents Convent Sr. Sec. School, Balasore. I am currently doing my Integrated Msc. in school of biological science, NISER, Odisha. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells, thickening of Descement’s membrane and deposition of extracellular matrix in the form of guttae. My Integrated MSc. thesis focuses on genetic association of candidate genes (KANK4, LAMC1 and ATP1B1) for the pathophysiology of the disease.
I originally belong from Puri district in Odisha am living in Rayagada a small town in south Odisha for the last 10 years where I finished my 12th. I joined NISER in 2007 and worked with Dr. Debasmita as a dissertation student since 2011 to pursue the project aimed at understanding the role of various anti-cancer drugs on Drosophila brain tumour lines. This gave me a good handle on microscopy, dissection, staining techniques and fly pushing as well as designing experimental set up along with routine lab techniques.
​
I was assigned a pilot project on deciphering the genetic risk factors of Recurrent Spontatnious Abortion (RSA). During this project I had the scope to learn various human genetics and molecular techniques like genotyping, karyotyping, protein analysis, etc. This motivated me to pursue my career as a researcher. I'm currently pursuing my doctoral education at NISER in Biophysical and Structural group.
I am from Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh. I've done my higher secondary from C. V. Raman Junior College, AP. I'm currently pursuing my Masters from NISER in Biological Sciences and have been working with Dr. Debamita since 2013. My Masters thesis work is focused on deciphering the different polymorphisms and mutations associated with Fuchs Dystrophy in Indian population.
I achieved my higher secondary education from JNV, Sambalpur, Odisha and Joined NISER in 2011. I am currently studying the various genetic players in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma. My project involves various genetic and proteomic analysis.
Bhavishya Vashisht
Email: bhavishya.v@niser.ac.in
I am from Delhi and I joined Dr. Debasmita Alone to pursue my two-year dissertation course. There, I worked on the project which aims to harness the properties of anti-cancer drugs under in vivo system in Drosophila larval malignant brain tumor. The objective was to broadly define the effects of drugs on four categories in relation to l(2)gl : morphological, anatomical, behavioral and health span. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling, reading history books, and playing sports.