Team Members
Krishanpal Karmodiya
Principal Investigator
Dr. Karmodiya is an Associate Professor at IISER, Pune. He obtained his PhD in Molecular Biology from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore in 2008. As a postdoctoral fellow he joined the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Strasbourg, France to study the role of epigenetics during stem cell differentiation. He joined IISER, Pune in 2012. Dr. Karmodiya is using functional genomic approaches including high-throughput sequencing technologies to elucidate the mechanisms of drug-resistance and virulence in Plasmodium falciparum.
Devatrisha Purkayastha
Integrated PhD student
I did my graduation in Biotechnology(B.Sc) from St. Edmund's College, Shillong and then joined IISER in 2019 as an Integrated PhD student. I am interested in studying the transcriptional machinery in P. falciparum especially with respect to RNA polymerase II and its transcriptional fidelity. I love to draw, animate and write during my leisure time and I am interested in travelling to new places.
Disha Shah
PhD student
After completing Masters in Biotechnology from Calicut University, I joined IISER Pune as a PhD student in August 2020. My work involves understanding epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in Plasmodium falciparum, with a focus on how the parasite mediates gene repression. In my spare time, I often like playing badminton and reading fiction.
Saptarshi Mridha
PhD student
I am a Ph.D. student in the Plasmodium Epigenetics Laboratory, having joined in August 2021 after completing my integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. My primary research focuses on deciphering the lipid signatures associated with artemisinin-tolerant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Additionally, I am investigating the role of insulator proteins in maintaining chromatin boundaries and regulating var gene expression. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, reading, and traveling.
Kushankur Pandit
Integrated PhD student
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Hansraj College, University of Delhi and joined the Plasmodium Epigenetics Laboratory in August 2022, as an Integrated PhD student. My interest lies in investigating epigenetic mechanisms of nutrient sensing and drug resistance in the malaria parasite. Outside the lab, I try to keep active with outdoor sports and enjoy exploring new places.
Sarthak Ghosh
Integrated PhD student
I completed my graduation in Microbiology from RKM Vivekananda Centenary College, Kolkata and joined the Plasmodium Epigenetics Laboratory in August 2024, as an Integrated PhD student. I am interested in understanding the phenotype of tissue tropism and characterizing the interaction of Plasmodium falciparum with host endothelial cells. Apart from research, I am a football fanatic and enjoy participating in theatrics.
Aryabrata Singharoy
PhD student
I did my BSc and MSc in Microbiology from Calcutta University, India and joined the Plasmodium Epigenetics lab at IISER Pune in August 2024 as a PhD student. I am interested in understanding the regulation of var genes expression in Plasmodium falciparum. Apart from research, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching sports.
Medha Iyer
Integrated PhD student
I graduated in Biotechnology from SIES College, University of Mumbai, and joined the Plasmodium Epigenetics Laboratory in August 2025, as an Integrated PhD student. I am interested in exploring inter-parasite communication and the mechanistic consequences of such information transfer. Besides academia, I am a cricket enthusiast, and I love reading and exploring new cuisines.