​Dr. Sriram Varahan, Senior Scientist & Project Leader
​
​Experience:  
Postdoc: Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (DBT-InStem)
DBT-Wellcome Trust IA Early Career Fellow - 2017 to 2021
DBT Research Associate - 2015 to 2017
Education:
Doctor of  Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Microbiology - University of Kansas, USA (2014)
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Biotechnology - Anna University (2010)​​​

Sudharsan M, DBT Research Associate
​I have done my Master's and Doctoral studies from the Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu. During my PhD, I investigated the survival mechanisms of the polyextremophilic microorganism, Deinococcus radiodurans. I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab in June 2023 and currently I am a DBT Research Associate-I and project is to elucidate the role of nutrient signalling pathways in regulating fungal morphogenesis. Apart from doing science, I like cooking.​

Uma Mahto, DBT Research Associate
​​I completed my Doctoral studies from the Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha. During my PhD, I developed strategies for improving biofilm formation in marine bacteria for application in bioremediation practices. I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab in May 2024 as a DBT Research Associate-I and currently I am interested in deciphering the role of amino acid homeostasis in fungal morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Apart from doing science, I like listening music and watching documentaries.

Yogita Martoliya, Project Research Scientist (ICMR)
I completed my Doctoral studies from School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. During my PhD, I characterized a phosphatase lock-in mutant of a hybrid Histidine Kinase III from Candida auris. I joined Dr Sriram Varahan’s lab in May 2025 as a ICMR-Project Research Scientist-I and I am interested in identifying and characterizing novel small molecules inhibitors of fungal morphogenesis in Candida albicans. Apart from doing science I like painting, watching movies and listening to music. 

Dhrumi Shah, Graduate Student
​I have done my Bachelor's and Master's from Gujarat University majoring in Microbiology. I started as a doctoral student in Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab in October 2022 and currently I am trying to elucidate the role of metabolic signaling pathways in orchestrating cell state transitions in response to nutrient limitation by using S. cerevisiae and C. albicans as model systems. Apart from doing science, I am deeply interested in writing poems and I am also an avid sports fan.

Pallavi Phatak, Graduate Student
​I have done my Bachelor's and Master's in Microbiology from Fergusson College, Pune. I started as a doctoral student in Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab in October 2023 and currently I am trying to understand the interrelationship between autophagy and fungal morphogenesis using S. cerevisiae and C. albicans as model systems. Apart from doing science, I am in reading and listening to music. 
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Siddhi Gupta, Graduate Student
​​I completed my Bachelor's degree at Ramjas College (Delhi University) majoring in Zoology and my Master's in Life Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University. My enduring interest in living organisms and their functionality led me to pursue research as my career. Currently, I have joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab as a PhD student where I will explore the role of metabolism in epigenetic regulation leading to fungal morphogenesis. Apart from my academic pursuits, I enjoy watching movies and series, and playing table tennis, which has become a newfound interest of mine these days.​

​Ishvarya Suresh, Project Associate
I am Ishvarya Suresh. I completed my B.Tech in Biotechnology from SASTRA University. Currently, I am a project associate in Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab and I am trying to identify metabolic drivers of fungal morphogenesis using Baker's yeast as a model system. I am extremely interested in Sci-Art and Sci-Comm and actively contribute towards the lab's Sci-Art and Sci-Comm initiatives. My hobbies including watching movies and cooking.​

Sayantani Biswas, Project Associate
I have completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Microbiology from the University of North Bengal, West Bengal. In May 2025, I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab as a Project-based Student Trainee, where I will be learning and  exploring the topic "Metabolic Regulation of Fungal Morphogenesis." In addition to science, I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and web series, and reading and reciting poetry.

Mary Shejo, Project Associate
I am Mary Shejo and I recently completed my 5-year integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology at VIT University, Vellore. Following my stint as a dissertation trainee in Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab, I am continuing as a project associate in his lab, working on understanding the metabolic regulation of fungal morphogenesis. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy doodling and photography.  

Sooraj Vasanthan, Project Associate
I have completed my BS-MS Dual Degree from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal and I have done my Masters' dissertation from National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) Bangalore in molecular neuroscience. I have joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab as a Project Associate in September 2025 and in my work  I'm trying to understand the host immune response to fungal infection. Apart from science, I love trying out different cuisines and experimenting in the kitchen.​

Chandhini Babu, Dissertation Trainee
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Industrial Biotechnology at Anna University, Chennai. My academic interests lie in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry, with a particular focus on how metabolic and signalling pathways regulate cell fate decisions in health and disease. As part of my full-time thesis in Dr. Sriram Varahan’s lab at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), I am exploring the links between metabolism, morphogenesis, and pathogenicity in fungal systems. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading books, listening to music and watching movies.

Shivalika Nayak, Dissertation Trainee
I am currently pursuing B.Tech in Biotechnology from Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, Karnataka. I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's Lab in January 2026 as a Dissertation Student. I will be learning and exploring Fungal Morphogenesis. In addition to academics, I am a self-taught pianist and yoga practitioner.