Princia Dsouza 2023 -
I have been fascinated by reptiles from a very young age. I am currently doing my Masters in Zoology and my research interests lie in the fields of molecular biology and evolution. I have been interning in lab since 2018 and my work has mainly been in providing molecular genetic data for various projects in lab, particularly on herpetofauna. At present, I am involved with a project on revising the taxonomy of Cnemaspis geckos from the Western Ghats.
Apart from work, I love reading, sketching and journaling. I also spend a lot of my time reading comics, particularly DC, my favourites being Joker and Batman.
Apart from work, I love reading, sketching and journaling. I also spend a lot of my time reading comics, particularly DC, my favourites being Joker and Batman.
Vidisha Kulkarni Lab manager, 2020 - 2023
I enjoy being amidst nature and have always wanted to study and conserve it. Over the years, I have studied amphibians and birds in the Western Ghats as well as slender lorises in Bangalore. A masters in Biotechnology added a new tool to my belt, drawing me into studying evolutionary biology. My time in the lab is devoted to unravelling the biogeography of geckos and other allied taxa. This includes processing an endless supply of tissue samples; anticipating problems and troubleshooting experiments; mentoring interns, and ensuring the wet lab is functional.
I am a trained Bharatanatyam dancer who loves to pamper and play with dogs. When I have time to spare, I upcycle things or explore little known hillocks and forts where I watch birds or sketch the landscapes.
I am a trained Bharatanatyam dancer who loves to pamper and play with dogs. When I have time to spare, I upcycle things or explore little known hillocks and forts where I watch birds or sketch the landscapes.
Shree Varsha V Kumar Lab manager, 2019 - 2021
My fantasy of exploring the depths of the unknown brought me here and I plan to soon specialise in marine biology. In the lab, I have primarily been involved with an ongoing study on the distribution and dispersal patterns of marine snails (Littorinids and Conids) where my work has mainly been in molecular biology. I have also produced molecular genetic data for various projects on terrestrial reptile phylogenetics in the lab. As part of my duties as lab manager, I assist researchers in standardising protocol for their projects and ensure that no one sets the lab on fire.
Besides setting up PCRs and troubleshooting failed experiments, I spend my time hanging out with my dogs, tend to my garden that they so gleefully tear apart and fuel my obsession with Pokémon. I also like to indulge in sustainable fashion and enjoy upcycling to make trendy clothes for myself and for friends.
Besides setting up PCRs and troubleshooting failed experiments, I spend my time hanging out with my dogs, tend to my garden that they so gleefully tear apart and fuel my obsession with Pokémon. I also like to indulge in sustainable fashion and enjoy upcycling to make trendy clothes for myself and for friends.
Priyanka Swamy Lab manager, 2016 - 2019
I have been using molecular tools such as DNA sequence data to investigate processes that generate and maintain biological diversity. I am curious to answer fundamental questions related to population divergence, adaptation and patterns of phylogenetic genetic relationships, biogeography and conservation. Apart from being a lab rat, I am always excited to work in the field and enjoy exploring new places.
I am currently actively involved in the study to examine phylogeography and contemporary population genetic structure of the king cobra within India and reconstruct the biogeographic history of O. hannah in Southeast Asia. Within the molecular phylogeography framework, we are using mtDNA and nuclear markers to test for the presence of evolutionary distinct units (ESU’s) and underlying drivers of diversification, for the long-term conservation of king cobras. I also work on other taxa (frogs, lizards and snakes) to understand their systematics and phylogeny.
I am currently actively involved in the study to examine phylogeography and contemporary population genetic structure of the king cobra within India and reconstruct the biogeographic history of O. hannah in Southeast Asia. Within the molecular phylogeography framework, we are using mtDNA and nuclear markers to test for the presence of evolutionary distinct units (ESU’s) and underlying drivers of diversification, for the long-term conservation of king cobras. I also work on other taxa (frogs, lizards and snakes) to understand their systematics and phylogeny.
Aditi Jayarajan Lab big boss, 2011 - 2016
From 2011 to 2016, I was part of a team that has worked on amphibians and reptiles across the Western Ghats in India. We generated morphological and genetic data for the Rhacophoridae family of frogs and used it to identify the patterns and processes involved in lineage and clade diversification in bush frogs across the Western Ghats. I worked with many researchers who have used frogs, lizards and snakes as model systems in order to answer questions related to distribution and diversity. I was also involved with developing and standardising lab protocols and I have also trained research personnel and summer interns.
I am currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida in the Florida Museum of Natural History. I am interested in fossils of bats and their morphometrics. I use the museum collections in order to get a snapshot into the past. I like to communicate my science with the public through outreach and K-12 lesson plans.
I am currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida in the Florida Museum of Natural History. I am interested in fossils of bats and their morphometrics. I use the museum collections in order to get a snapshot into the past. I like to communicate my science with the public through outreach and K-12 lesson plans.
Riya Menezes Lab Manager, 2009 - 2010
I happened to attend lectures by M.S Chaitra and S.P Vijayakumar on their research on frogs at a lecture series at the Planetarium in Bangalore around 2006 which led me to intern in Kartik’s lab during every college break. After my Masters, I joined the Lab as a junior research fellow where while keeping the lab shipshape, I standardized protocols for DNA extraction and PCR for a number of taxonomic groups including frogs, lizards, snakes, turtles and small mammals, and trained interns and PhD students. I also assisted Vijay on addressing questions on the systematics of newly discovered species of Western Ghats bush frogs using molecular markers.
I went on to do a Ph.D. in Microbiology at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany, as well as a post doc at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology where I managed the LC-MS facility and studied chemical communication between plants and microorganisms. I’ve just gone corporate - working as a scientist in Plasma Product Development at CSL Behring in Marburg, Germany. My current past-time is bird and salamander watching.
I went on to do a Ph.D. in Microbiology at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany, as well as a post doc at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology where I managed the LC-MS facility and studied chemical communication between plants and microorganisms. I’ve just gone corporate - working as a scientist in Plasma Product Development at CSL Behring in Marburg, Germany. My current past-time is bird and salamander watching.
Deepa T. Office manager, 2009 -
I have been the lab administrator since 2009 and have managed the paperwork for various projects. I worked part-time at Dakshin Foundation from 2016 - 2019. I currently manage accounts and administration for this lab and Dr. Maria Thaker's lab.
