Our Research Center
Our work is driven by a passion for improving the lives of those affected by different genetic diseases. We believe that by combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of chemistry and the underlying biology, we can develop effective treatments and diagnostic tools for these conditions. Our team includes some of the most talented and dedicated researchers in the field, who work tirelessly to advance our understanding of genetic diseases and develop new therapies.
The Team
Principal Investigator
Parikshit Moitra, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Berhampur
Dr. Moitra received his undergraduate degree (B.Sc.) in Chemistry Honours from Rahara Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College affiliated with University of Calcutta. He then enrolled in the Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. program and obtained master's degree (M.Sc.) in Chemical Sciences from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Dr. Moitra earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, under the supervision of Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya. Thereafter he joined Scientist D position affiliated to the Technical Research Centre, School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata. He then joined as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Maryland, USA. Subsequently he was promoted to research associate (junior faculty) while working under the supervision of Prof. Dipanjan Pan. He then joined as an Assistant Research Professor in the Dipanjan Pan laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. Subsequently in the year 2024, Dr. Moitra joined the Department of Chemical Sciences at IISER Berhampur as an Assistant Professor.
His research interest lies in several areas of chemical biology, supramolecular chemistry, bio-analyte sensors, molecular imaging and theranostics with a special emphasis on translational interdisciplinary sciences. Dr. Moitra was awarded with four different best poster awards including one from Bioconjugate Chemistry in 2014. He also received the prestigious Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) award at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, 2017. He has also received 2020 Postdoctoral Fellow Excellence in Research Award from University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate Program in Life Sciences.
Dr. Neethu K M
Post Doctoral Research Fellow
Neethu hails from Thrissur, Kerala, where she spent her childhood and received early education. After completing Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Vimala College, Thrissur, affiliated with Calicut University, Kerala, She pursued higher education and obtained Masters in Applied Chemistry and M.Tech in Industrial Catalysis from the Department of Applied Chemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala. She obtained her PhD degree in 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Jayamurugan Govindasamy from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab. Her research centred on synthesizing small functional organic molecules and exploring their luminescence and self-assembly for diverse applications in biology and optoelectronics.
Dr. Souryadip Roy
Project Research Scientist - I Non-Medical
Sourya has completed his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from IISER Kolkata. His doctoral research focused on the rational design and synthesis of metal complexes with bioactive small molecules, where he developed and optimized bioconjugation strategies.
His background includes working with cell culture models, particularly in the context of nanoparticle–cell interactions, cytocompatibility assessment, and functional assays. He has gained proficiency in using tools such as plate readers, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and human cell culture techniques. He was also responsible for managing our BSL-2 cell culture facility and confident in his ability to undertake new and challenging biological experiments. He has expertise in biological assays like cell cycle, apoptosis, ROS assay, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization through flow cytometry. He is also experienced in different subcellular colocalization assays in epifluorescence and confocal microscopy.
PhD Students
Neelam Kumari
Master's in Biotechnology from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan.
Paresh Mohanty
Master of Science in Chemistry from Berhampur University, Orissa.
Satyabrata Senapati
Master of Science in Life Science (Zoology) from Govt Autonomous College Phulbani affiliated to Berhampur University.
Yamini Prashanti Patnaik
Master of Science in Biotechnology from Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidhyalay Durg Chhattisgarh.
Parantap Sarkar
Master of Science in Chemistry from Rahara Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College.
Madhusudan Patro
Master of Science in Chemistry from Khallikote Unitary University.
Project Students
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Saptaparna Roy
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (5th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Debapriya chatterjee
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (5th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Ankan Chakrabarty
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (5th year) - Department of Biological Sciences.
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Rourim Bhunia
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (5th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Gayathri J
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (5th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
Intern Student
Tias Das
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (4th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
Intern Student
Arnav Ashish Tagare
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (4th year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
Intern Student
Sayan Sen
Currently pursuing BS-MS dual degree program at IISER Berhampur (3rd year) - Department of Chemical Sciences.
Lab Alumni
Baishakhi Sahoo
Summer Intern Student
Swatantra Das
Summer Intern Student
Tanmoy Giri
Summer Intern Student
Navniet Mishrra
Intern Student
Shefali Mallik
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Shyamal Karmakar
BSMS 1-year Project Student
Rijo Rajeev
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Currently at Dr. Haesik Yang laboratory at Pusan National University