People
Vidita Vaidya
Vidita Vaidya
Senior Professor
Senior Professor
Vidita Vaidya received her undergraduate degree from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai in Life-Science and Biochemistry. She obtained her PhD in Neuroscience at Yale University in the lab of Prof. Ronald Duman. Her postdoctoral work was done at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden with Prof. Ernest Arenas and at the University of Oxford in the UK with Prof. David Grahame-Smith. She joined the Department of Biological Sciences, TIFR, as a faculty member in March 2000. Her research group's work has been recognized by the National Bioscientist Award in 2012, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Medical Sciences in 2015, and the Infosys Prize in Life Sciences in 2022. In 2019, Vidita received the Nature Award for Mentoring in Science in the mid-career category and in 2021 the JC Bose National Fellowship from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Vidita is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) and the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), as well as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay. When not in the lab, Vidita moonlights as an avid storyteller, frequent traveler, and a scientific outreach enthusiast. Vidita is committed to enhancing equity and diversity in academia, and working to break down the barriers that prevent academic working environments from being inclusive spaces.
Pratik Chaudhari
Pratik Chaudhari
India Alliance DBT WT Early Career Fellow
India Alliance DBT WT Early Career Fellow
Pratik did his Masters in Medical Biotechnology from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar. He did his Ph.D. project in Dr. Milind Vaidya’s lab, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai where he studied the role of hemidesmosomal linker proteins in progression of oral cancer. He joined Vidita's lab in December 2017. His primary research question is to address the influence of a history of early adversity on mitochondrial function, as well as the consequences on both peripheral and central inflammation across the lifespan. He is motivated to assess the influence of interventional strategies that may reverse early adversity induced accelerated aging and altered mitostatic balance. He is highly passionate about sports and gardening.
Pratik did his Masters in Medical Biotechnology from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar. He did his Ph.D. project in Dr. Milind Vaidya’s lab, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai where he studied the role of hemidesmosomal linker proteins in progression of oral cancer. He joined Vidita's lab in December 2017. His primary research question is to address the influence of a history of early adversity on mitochondrial function, as well as the consequences on both peripheral and central inflammation across the lifespan. He is motivated to assess the influence of interventional strategies that may reverse early adversity induced accelerated aging and altered mitostatic balance. He is highly passionate about sports and gardening.
Balaganesh Janakiraman
Balaganesh Janakiraman
India Alliance DBT WT Early Career Fellow
India Alliance DBT WT Early Career Fellow
Balaganesh obtained his PhD in molecular mechanisms of asymmetric cell division in bacteria from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-TVM), Thiruvananthapuram (2018). He is primarily interested in Philosophy of Science, History of Everything, Role of information storage and dissemination in biological systems and enjoys problem solving. His work in the Vaidya lab is focussed on uncovering the cell type-specific translational signatures evoked by serotonergic psychedelics. During breaks, he can be seen doing trekking, weekend cycling trips to random locations and enjoying local culture and cuisine and appreciating art.
Balaganesh obtained his PhD in molecular mechanisms of asymmetric cell division in bacteria from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-TVM), Thiruvananthapuram (2018). He is primarily interested in Philosophy of Science, History of Everything, Role of information storage and dissemination in biological systems and enjoys problem solving. His work in the Vaidya lab is focussed on uncovering the cell type-specific translational signatures evoked by serotonergic psychedelics. During breaks, he can be seen doing trekking, weekend cycling trips to random locations and enjoying local culture and cuisine and appreciating art.
Dievya Gohil
Dievya Gohil
Post-doctoral fellow
Post-doctoral fellow
Dievya did her Masters in Medical Biotechnology from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara. She did her Ph.D. with Dr. Vikram Gota, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai where she evaluated phytochemicals for their immunomodulatory properties and developed prophylactic agents for Graft-versus-host disease. In the lab, she is interested to study the effects of psychedelics on neuroimmune crosstalk. She enjoys reading and being in nature.
Dievya did her Masters in Medical Biotechnology from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara. She did her Ph.D. with Dr. Vikram Gota, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai where she evaluated phytochemicals for their immunomodulatory properties and developed prophylactic agents for Graft-versus-host disease. In the lab, she is interested to study the effects of psychedelics on neuroimmune crosstalk. She enjoys reading and being in nature.
Suchith Mendon
Suchith Mendon
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Suchith obtained his bachelor's in microbiology, biotechnology and chemistry from Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master's degree in Human Disease Genetics from the Centre for Human Genetics, Bengaluru. He is interested in exploring the role of life history in regulating psychedelic-mediated effects on emotional states. His hobbies include singing, playing musical instruments like the keyboard, and exploring various cuisines.
Suchith obtained his bachelor's in microbiology, biotechnology and chemistry from Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master's degree in Human Disease Genetics from the Centre for Human Genetics, Bengaluru. He is interested in exploring the role of life history in regulating psychedelic-mediated effects on emotional states. His hobbies include singing, playing musical instruments like the keyboard, and exploring various cuisines.
Ratna Mahathi Vuruputuri
Ratna Mahathi Vuruputuri
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Mahathi has completed her Bachelor's degree in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University College for Women, Koti, Hyderabad, and her Master's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad. She is interested in studying the neurocircuitry and cellular triggers for psychedelic-mediated behaviors. Apart from science, she is very passionate about classical music and is a trained Carnatic singer. Outside of the lab, you can find her singing, listening to music, exploring food joints, or hanging out with friends.
Mahathi has completed her Bachelor's degree in Genetics and Biotechnology from the University College for Women, Koti, Hyderabad, and her Master's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Hyderabad. She is interested in studying the neurocircuitry and cellular triggers for psychedelic-mediated behaviors. Apart from science, she is very passionate about classical music and is a trained Carnatic singer. Outside of the lab, you can find her singing, listening to music, exploring food joints, or hanging out with friends.
Ishanee Mazumder
Ishanee Mazumder
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Ishanee has completed her Integrated B.Tech & M.Tech in Biotechnology from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar. Her interest lies in Neuropsychopharmacology and is currently studying the effects of serotonergic psychedelics on neuronal bioenergetics and plasticity. In addition to her interest in science, she enjoys painting, dancing, and traveling.
Ishanee has completed her Integrated B.Tech & M.Tech in Biotechnology from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar. Her interest lies in Neuropsychopharmacology and is currently studying the effects of serotonergic psychedelics on neuronal bioenergetics and plasticity. In addition to her interest in science, she enjoys painting, dancing, and traveling.
Email: ishanee.mazumder@tifr.res.in
Email: ishanee.mazumder@tifr.res.in
Gopesh Bajre
Gopesh Bajre
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Gopesh completed his BS-MS in Biological Sciences from IIT Madras. He is broadly interested in studying the effects of psychedelics on perception and emotion, and the underlying mechanisms. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing football and the guitar.
Gopesh completed his BS-MS in Biological Sciences from IIT Madras. He is broadly interested in studying the effects of psychedelics on perception and emotion, and the underlying mechanisms. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing football and the guitar.
Email: gopesh.bajre@tifr.res.in
Email: gopesh.bajre@tifr.res.in
Archisha Banerjee
Archisha Banerjee
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Archisha completed her Masters in Biotechnology from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. She's interested in studying the effects of Early Life Stress on Accelerated Aging. She's a French Fry enthusiast, writes, sketches, and sings with incorrect lyrics.
Archisha completed her Masters in Biotechnology from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. She's interested in studying the effects of Early Life Stress on Accelerated Aging. She's a French Fry enthusiast, writes, sketches, and sings with incorrect lyrics.
Email: archisha.banerjee@tifr.res.in
Email: archisha.banerjee@tifr.res.in
Anoushka Chatterji
Anoushka Chatterji
Graduate Student (i.PhD)
Graduate Student (i.PhD)
Anoushka completed her Bachelors in Life Sciences from Presidency University, Kolkata. She is interested in understanding molecular and signaling features that give rise to emergent properties of the brain under psychedelics. Besides science, she loves sketching, chatting and roller skating. Anoushka is also an environmental enthusiast.
Anoushka completed her Bachelors in Life Sciences from Presidency University, Kolkata. She is interested in understanding molecular and signaling features that give rise to emergent properties of the brain under psychedelics. Besides science, she loves sketching, chatting and roller skating. Anoushka is also an environmental enthusiast.
Mukund Sharma
Mukund Sharma
Masters Student
Masters Student
Mukund completed his Bachelors in Mathematics and Chemistry from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. He loves to describe himself as a chemist-turned-biologist. He is an avid reader with his interests spanning spy thrillers, war history. His hobbies include playing basketball and collecting coins.
Mukund completed his Bachelors in Mathematics and Chemistry from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. He loves to describe himself as a chemist-turned-biologist. He is an avid reader with his interests spanning spy thrillers, war history. His hobbies include playing basketball and collecting coins.
Nishtha Pange
Nishtha Pange
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
Nishtha has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, MU, and her Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS. In the lab, she is assessing the role of neuroinflammation in accelerated aging caused by early life adversity. Barring science, she is a trained Kathak dancer and enjoys all dance forms. Outside the lab, you would find her watching birds, talking about food, travel & J.K. Rowling.
Nishtha has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, MU, and her Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS. In the lab, she is assessing the role of neuroinflammation in accelerated aging caused by early life adversity. Barring science, she is a trained Kathak dancer and enjoys all dance forms. Outside the lab, you would find her watching birds, talking about food, travel & J.K. Rowling.
Email: nishtha.pange@tifr.res.in
Email: nishtha.pange@tifr.res.in
Shreyasi Mukherjee
Shreyasi Mukherjee
Project Intern
Project Intern
Shreyasi is currently doing her BS-MS in IISER Berhampur. In the Vaidya lab, she is looking at the cell type-specific role of the serotonin 2A receptor at the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels. When not in the lab, she loves listening to retro music and reading new stuff about a wide spectrum of topics ranging from linguistics to mythology. She has sudden creative bursts followed by long periods of being a couch potato!
Shreyasi is currently doing her BS-MS in IISER Berhampur. In the Vaidya lab, she is looking at the cell type-specific role of the serotonin 2A receptor at the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels. When not in the lab, she loves listening to retro music and reading new stuff about a wide spectrum of topics ranging from linguistics to mythology. She has sudden creative bursts followed by long periods of being a couch potato!
Aakanksha Upadhyay
Aakanksha Upadhyay
Project Intern
Project Intern
Aakanksha Upadhyay, a Masters student from NMIMS, is currently exploring the effects of psychedelics on glial cells in the lab. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Mithibai college, Mumbai. One can quite easily get her attention by showing her pictures of their cats. She’s always up for an adventure and a nice cup of tea.
Aakanksha Upadhyay, a Masters student from NMIMS, is currently exploring the effects of psychedelics on glial cells in the lab. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Mithibai college, Mumbai. One can quite easily get her attention by showing her pictures of their cats. She’s always up for an adventure and a nice cup of tea.
Shreya Joe
Shreya Joe
Project Intern
Project Intern
Shreya is currently doing her Bachelors in Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR. In the lab, she is currently Investigating the role of epigenetic markers in the acute effects of serotonergic psychedelics . Outside of lab, she loves reading books, listening to music and dancing.
Shreya is currently doing her Bachelors in Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi NCR. In the lab, she is currently Investigating the role of epigenetic markers in the acute effects of serotonergic psychedelics . Outside of lab, she loves reading books, listening to music and dancing.
Sashaina Fanibunda
Sashaina Fanibunda
Assistant Professor, Kasturba Health Society-MRC and Vaidya Lab-TIFR Alliance
Assistant Professor, Kasturba Health Society-MRC and Vaidya Lab-TIFR Alliance
Sashaina received her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, her Ph.D in Biochemistry from ICMR-NIRRH and completed her postdoctoral training in neuroscience at the Vaidya lab at TIFR, Mumbai. Currently Sashaina’s research focusses on mitochondrial psychobiology, elucidating the role of serotonin in programming emotional behaviors, and exploring mood modulatory roles of plant-derived indole-alkaloid psychoactives. In her spare time, she likes to participate in social service activities, play table tennis and do random stuff with her twin!
Sashaina received her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from St. Xavier’s College, her Ph.D in Biochemistry from ICMR-NIRRH and completed her postdoctoral training in neuroscience at the Vaidya lab at TIFR, Mumbai. Currently Sashaina’s research focusses on mitochondrial psychobiology, elucidating the role of serotonin in programming emotional behaviors, and exploring mood modulatory roles of plant-derived indole-alkaloid psychoactives. In her spare time, she likes to participate in social service activities, play table tennis and do random stuff with her twin!