Faculty
Anubhab Khan
anubhabkhan@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @Anubhab_Khan
I am interested in understanding trait evolution, extinction and survival of populations. I like developing and optimizing methods for making wildlife genomics accessible to all. I have been conducting and teaching in various workshops to train academicians, managers and conservationists in wildlife genetics. Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, sampling beers, cooking and watching movies. I enjoy poetry and philosophy.
CV
anubhabkhan@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @Anubhab_Khan
I am interested in understanding trait evolution, extinction and survival of populations. I like developing and optimizing methods for making wildlife genomics accessible to all. I have been conducting and teaching in various workshops to train academicians, managers and conservationists in wildlife genetics. Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, sampling beers, cooking and watching movies. I enjoy poetry and philosophy.
CV
PhD students
Haradhan Ruidas
rharadhan@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @ruidas_haradhan
I study the genomics of Indian cetaceans My research focuses on developing a genome assembly, analysing population structure, and exploring genetic factors to inform conservation strategies for endangered dolphins in Indian waters. Before this, I looked into microplastic accumulation in the tissues of the spadenose shark for my master's thesis. This research focused on understanding the potential impacts on reproductive organs of sharks collected from Malvan, Maharashtra. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, painting, swimming, and crafting.
Research Interests: Population genomics, aquatic ecology, and conservation biology.
Education: BS-MS dual degree in Biological Sciences, IISER, Berhampur (2023)
rharadhan@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @ruidas_haradhan
I study the genomics of Indian cetaceans My research focuses on developing a genome assembly, analysing population structure, and exploring genetic factors to inform conservation strategies for endangered dolphins in Indian waters. Before this, I looked into microplastic accumulation in the tissues of the spadenose shark for my master's thesis. This research focused on understanding the potential impacts on reproductive organs of sharks collected from Malvan, Maharashtra. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, painting, swimming, and crafting.
Research Interests: Population genomics, aquatic ecology, and conservation biology.
Education: BS-MS dual degree in Biological Sciences, IISER, Berhampur (2023)
Pranav Datar
pranavdatar@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @pranavdatar3
My fascination with wildlife started back in high school, where I spent a lot of time birdwatching and chasing butterflies. What began as a casual interest gradually grew into a deeper passion, eventually leading me to the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc. I’m currently exploring evolutionary ecology, with a focus on understanding the evolution of size disparity in Monitor lizards. Outside of research, I enjoy wildlife photography and have a strong interest in humanity’s prehistoric past.
Research Interests: Evolutionary biology, ecology, and population genomics.
Education: MSc, IISc, Bangalore (2024) | BSc, Vivekanand College, Kolhapur (2022)
pranavdatar@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @pranavdatar3
My fascination with wildlife started back in high school, where I spent a lot of time birdwatching and chasing butterflies. What began as a casual interest gradually grew into a deeper passion, eventually leading me to the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at IISc. I’m currently exploring evolutionary ecology, with a focus on understanding the evolution of size disparity in Monitor lizards. Outside of research, I enjoy wildlife photography and have a strong interest in humanity’s prehistoric past.
Research Interests: Evolutionary biology, ecology, and population genomics.
Education: MSc, IISc, Bangalore (2024) | BSc, Vivekanand College, Kolhapur (2022)
Int. PhD students
Aayushi Gupta
aayushigupta@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @aayushigupta901
I am currently pursuing MS under the Integrated PhD (MS PhD) programme in Biological Sciences in the Division of Biological Sciences. I am fascinated by how nature has shaped biodiversity over time, which drives my interest in population genomics and conservation biology. I am exploring the genomics of the cat family, focusing on studying hybridisation in the cat family to develop effective conservation strategies for endangered wild cats. In my free time, I love exploring new things and engaging in activities such as trekking, swimming, playing foosball, table tennis, travelling, and cooking.
Research Interests: Population genomics and conservation biology.
Education: BSc in Biosciences, University of Maharani College, Jaipur, Rajasthan (2021)
aayushigupta@iisc.ac.in | twitter: @aayushigupta901
I am currently pursuing MS under the Integrated PhD (MS PhD) programme in Biological Sciences in the Division of Biological Sciences. I am fascinated by how nature has shaped biodiversity over time, which drives my interest in population genomics and conservation biology. I am exploring the genomics of the cat family, focusing on studying hybridisation in the cat family to develop effective conservation strategies for endangered wild cats. In my free time, I love exploring new things and engaging in activities such as trekking, swimming, playing foosball, table tennis, travelling, and cooking.
Research Interests: Population genomics and conservation biology.
Education: BSc in Biosciences, University of Maharani College, Jaipur, Rajasthan (2021)
Interns
Akancha Sinha
sinhaakancha3@gmail.com | twitter:
Growing up, I was always the curious child in the family and my fascination with Biology and the natural world was fueled by watching Nat Geo channel. Animals, nature, and the intricacies of how life adapts and evolves captivated me early on. Inspired by Darwin’s principle of "Survival of the Fittest," I chose this dynamic lab as the ideal place to kickstart my journey as a researcher. My work here allows me to dive deep into Evolutionary Biology and Genetics. Outside the lab, you'll find me in my kitchen, singing while cooking food that I like. I spend my weekends doing cafe hopping with my sister.
Research interests: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics.
Education: MSc. Biotechnology, Dr. D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (2024) | BSc. Hons. Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Science, Bangalore (2022)
sinhaakancha3@gmail.com | twitter:
Growing up, I was always the curious child in the family and my fascination with Biology and the natural world was fueled by watching Nat Geo channel. Animals, nature, and the intricacies of how life adapts and evolves captivated me early on. Inspired by Darwin’s principle of "Survival of the Fittest," I chose this dynamic lab as the ideal place to kickstart my journey as a researcher. My work here allows me to dive deep into Evolutionary Biology and Genetics. Outside the lab, you'll find me in my kitchen, singing while cooking food that I like. I spend my weekends doing cafe hopping with my sister.
Research interests: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics.
Education: MSc. Biotechnology, Dr. D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune (2024) | BSc. Hons. Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Science, Bangalore (2022)
Nithin KA
nithinka25@gmail.com | twitter: @nn_nithin
I developed a strong interest in ecology and evolution through my undergraduate and masters coursework. My fascination with this subject led me to Anubhab’s group at IISc where I hope to learn more about the topic while working as a Junior Research Fellow. I will be running population genetics simulations to investigate how small populations adapt and survive. Additionally, I will be working on developing a machine learning algorithm to identify big cats in the wild, contributing to conservation efforts. Outside the lab, I enjoy long walks, hiking, savoring a good cup of tea, and spending my weekends watching football and Formula 1.
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Population Genetics, Machine Learning
Education: BS-MS Dual Degree (Biology) , IISER Thiruvananthapuram (2024)
nithinka25@gmail.com | twitter: @nn_nithin
I developed a strong interest in ecology and evolution through my undergraduate and masters coursework. My fascination with this subject led me to Anubhab’s group at IISc where I hope to learn more about the topic while working as a Junior Research Fellow. I will be running population genetics simulations to investigate how small populations adapt and survive. Additionally, I will be working on developing a machine learning algorithm to identify big cats in the wild, contributing to conservation efforts. Outside the lab, I enjoy long walks, hiking, savoring a good cup of tea, and spending my weekends watching football and Formula 1.
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Population Genetics, Machine Learning
Education: BS-MS Dual Degree (Biology) , IISER Thiruvananthapuram (2024)
Students from collaborations
Bramhi Chougule
chougulebramhi@gmail.com | twitter:
Understanding the genetic makeup and population dynamics of endangered species is crucial for their conservation. My research focuses on the population genetics of the endangered Kondana Soft-furred Rat. By studying its population size, gene flow, genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, and inbreeding, I aim to gather insights that will aid in the protection and management of this species. Environmental pressures and human activities pose significant threats to its survival, making this research vital for developing effective conservation strategies.
Research interests: Population genetics, Conservation genetics, Phylogenetics, Ecology and Evolution.
Education: MSc in Biotechnology, Jain University, Bangalore (2022)
chougulebramhi@gmail.com | twitter:
Understanding the genetic makeup and population dynamics of endangered species is crucial for their conservation. My research focuses on the population genetics of the endangered Kondana Soft-furred Rat. By studying its population size, gene flow, genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, and inbreeding, I aim to gather insights that will aid in the protection and management of this species. Environmental pressures and human activities pose significant threats to its survival, making this research vital for developing effective conservation strategies.
Research interests: Population genetics, Conservation genetics, Phylogenetics, Ecology and Evolution.
Education: MSc in Biotechnology, Jain University, Bangalore (2022)
Personnel liaison
Deborah Davy
debbie.exmoors@yahoo.com | twitter: @deborahdavy5
The majestic horse is Killbride. Deborah will introduce herself soon
Education: PhD, University of Glasgow (2024)
debbie.exmoors@yahoo.com | twitter: @deborahdavy5
The majestic horse is Killbride. Deborah will introduce herself soon
Education: PhD, University of Glasgow (2024)