PEOPLE
Current Members
Aabeer Basu (Postdoctoral Researcher)
I did my PhD at IISER Mohali (Punjab) where I worked on the eco-immunology of lab adapted fly populations. My work focused on the physiological and evolutionary responses of Drosophila melanogaster flies when infected with various bacterial pathogens, and what factors – intrinsic and extrinsic – influence these responses. Before this, I completed my Masters in Human Disease Genetics from Centre for Human Genetics (Bangalore, Karnataka) and my Bachelors (Honours) in Microbiology from University of Calcutta (Kolkata, West Bengal). During my time at the MIRA Lab, I intend to explore co-evolutionary dynamics between bacteria and phages, and test if non-genetic phenotypic variability with in the host population, stemming from errors in the translation process, has any influence on how the host adapts to pathogens.
Fariha Hamdani (Junior Research Fellow)
I hold a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Jamia Millia Islamia and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kashmir, Srinagar. Following my Master’s, I gained valuable experience at CSIR-IGIB, where I researched the transformation of human embryonic stem cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal state, focusing on epigenetic modifications. At MIRA Lab, I hope to explore the fascinating dynamics of bacterial resistance to both bacteriophages and antibiotics. I would like to investigate the trade-offs bacteria face, particularly how resistance to one type of threat can increase vulnerability to another. Outside the lab, I indulge my passions for reading and binge-watching series. Additionally, I express my creativity through painting, finding it a therapeutic outlet.
Kushal Banerjee (Doctoral Researcher)
I have done my Bachelors and Masters in Biotechnology from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. I look forward to trying to decipher the effects of non-genetic changes and mistakes occurring during translation on evolutionarily critical cellular functions such as the expression of genes, kinds of mutations, and the development of stress resistance in bacterial systems. In my free time, I love to indulge in stories in all formats.
Harshit Arya (Doctoral researcher)
I received my bachelor’s degree in Botany from Hansraj College, Delhi university, and my Master’s degree in research from JNCASR, Bangalore. My major research interests revolve around microbial genome maintenance and adaptation in various niches. Currently, my work focuses on understanding environmental AMR patterns and evolution in the Delhi NCR using molecular biology, microbiology and genomics-based approaches. I receive a substantial amount of joy from talking to people about science or teaching and training. Outside the lab, I can be found appreciating nature in various forms like rain, storms, and plants. If not gazing at a site, I am either cooking or playing mobile games.
Minnu Mariya (Junior Research Fellow)
I received my Master’s degree in Microbiology and Immunology from Hyderabad Central University and my Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from St. Mary’s College, Thrissur, Kerala. I have always been fascinated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and at MIRA lab, I work with aspects of environmental AMR evolution and transmission. When not doing science, I love doing crafts, sketching, painting, singing, reading novels, or writing.
Akshat Arora (Undergraduate ASP student)
I am a fourth year student at Ashoka University, pursuing my ASP thesis in Mira Lab. My interests lie in bioinformatics analysis and leveraging data to solve problems. Outside of the lab, you can find me cooking, playing FIFA, or sleeping.
Past Members
