​Dr. Sriram Varahan, Scientist E & Principal Investigator
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​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.​

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.​

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.​

Sandra Rachel, Dissertation Trainee
I am currently in my final year of B.Sc. (Hons.) and pursuing my dissertation research at CSIR- CCMB in Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab, where I am exploring how metabolism influences signalling and morphogenesis in Candida albicans. I enjoy the process of research - the questioning, the troubleshooting, and especially the unexpected results that force you to look at a problem differently. Outside the lab, crafting and art have always been ways for me to slow down and be creative, while sports bring out a completely different side of me. ​

Akshaya Veerla, Dissertation Trainee
I am Akshaya Veerla, and I am currently pursuing B.Sc Medical Biotechnology from Malla Reddy University, Kompally Maisammaguda. I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's Lab in June 2026 as a Dissertation Student. I will be learning and exploring Fungal Morphogenesis. In addition to academics, I enjoy to listening to music.

Niranjana Vinod, Project Trainee
I am Niranjana V, and I  completed my 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore. I joined Dr. Sriram Varahan's lab in June 2026 as a Project-Based Student Trainee, where I am working to understand the metabolic regulation of fungal morphogenesis. I am keen on expanding my expertise in molecular biology and fungal genetics while contributing to the lab's research. Apart from science, I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and cooking. ​