PEOPLE
Current Members
Fariha Hamdani (Doctoral Researcher)
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.
Asha Kiran (Junior Research Fellow)
I completed my Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mysore. I am fascinated by the complexities that unfold during adaptation. Outside the lab, I can be found exploring new cuisines and playing badminton.
Fibion Mukwati (Master's Student)
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Science (Honors in Biology) from Ashoka University, where my thesis in immunology focused on heterogeneity in immune response between male and female vaccinees (one year after undergraduate studies). I am now doing my Master’s, where I am interested in antibiotic resistance in some of the critical pathogens in India. I am fascinated by computational biology and bioinformatics, which I use to explore my interest in pathogens. Outside academics, I am interested in knowing people from various backgrounds and playing football.
Madhurya Murthy (Junior Research Fellow)
I am a postgraduate in microbiology from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. My research interests lie in investigating the adaptive strategies microorganisms employ to survive in atypical environments. Currently, I am interested in unravelling the role of altered translation accuracy in the evolutionary arms race between bacteria and bacteriophage. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with food and solving sudokus.
Prateek Sibal (Undergraduate Thesis Student)
As a fourth-year undergraduate at Ashoka University, I am working on a thesis that investigates the effects of bottleneck size and prior antibiotic exposure on the evolution of carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli. My broader research interests lie in the field of infectious diseases, and I am driven by the goal of ultimately working at the intersection of basic science and public health policy. Outside of my academic interests, I am a pianist and singer, and I enjoy birdwatching.
Past Members
