CHOUHAN LAB
Neurogenetics of behavior
Current members
Nitin Singh Chouhan
Principal Investigator
Nitin's interest in understanding how an organism modifies its behavior through experience led him to utilize the Drosophila model to study behavior. He first used Drosophila neurogenetics to examine the role of experience-dependent plasticity in aggression during his undergrad at IISER, Pune. He completed his Ph.D. with Prof. Martin Heisenberg in Germany, studying time-of-day memories, and then moved to the U.S. to work with Dr. Amita Sehgal on the role of sleep in learning and memory in flies. Nitin started his independent lab at TIFR, Mumbai in 2022 to study the adaptive role of sleep in cognitive functions.
nitin.chouhan@tifr.res.in
Akanksha Tomar
Post-doctoral fellow
Akanksha did her Ph.D. at Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she studied the role of mitochondrial chaperones in hypoxic cancer cells and developed polyhydroxyalkanoates-based 3D disease models. She finds brain influence on diseased states and brain plasticity intriguing. In the lab, Akanksha aims to understand the interplay between energy metabolism and sleep in memory consolidation.
Besides Science, she is an artist and draws inspiration from nature. She likes to read history, politics, and philosophy.
akanksha.tomar@tifr.res.in
Sonia Narwal
Post-doctoral fellow
Sonia did her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at BITS-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan. Her thesis focused on uncovering the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's Disease, utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Specifically, Sonia investigated the interactions between α-synuclein and parkin, and their effects on dopaminergic neurons and mitochondrial morphology. She is particularly fascinated by neurodegenerative diseases and aging and is eager to explore how the brain functions under various neurological conditions.
In addition to research, Sonia enjoys photographing nature, engaging in arts & crafts, and painting. She also has a keen interest in reading books on spirituality and neuroscience.
sonia_193@tifr.res.in
Amrita Kalathil
Doctoral student (Ph.D.)
Amrita completed her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences/Biochemistry from St.Xavier's College, Mumbai, and her M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. She has worked as a JRF at ICMR-NIRRCH on the use of multi-omics to elucidate host-pathogen interactions. She is fascinated by the reciprocal relationship between metabolic homeostasis and behavior and how deviations in one can affect change in the other. Her research in the lab focuses on understanding the metabolic and oxidative consequences of sleep disruption in Drosophila.
Apart from research, she is also passionate about learning different forms of dance and hopes to be a polyglot someday.
Devanshee Prakash
Doctoral student (Ph.D.)
Devanshee did her Master’s and Bachelor’s in Zoology from Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is intrigued by the complexities of the brain and how it shapes our perceptions of the world. She aims to unravel the neurogenetic underpinnings of aggression and examine its impact on sleep in Drosophila.
Devanshee seeks comfort in books, diverse cuisines, and spontaneity. She loves to dance and travel.
Diksha Gaur
Doctoral student (Ph.D.)
Diksha completed her B.S.-M.S. from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali. She has a keen interest in exploring the mysteries of the brain. Diksha is passionate about understanding the intricate workings of the brain that control complex processes, ultimately shaping a diverse range of behaviors and emotions.
Apart from academia, she has a keen interest in writing poetry, reading books, and painting. Music serves as Diksha’s cherished stress buster and a source of comfort.
Ishitv Vats
Doctoral student (Int. Ph.D.)
Ishitv completed his undergrad in Biochemistry-Zoology from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. The ingenuity of neural circuitry and the orchestrated chaos of memory and subsequent behaviors have always intrigued him. He is also interested in investigating biochemical signaling pathways that enable switching between different neural circuits, and communication between different parts of a brain. Outside the lab, he is also a talented poet and loves to write.
Kamakshi Singh
Doctoral student (Int. Ph.D.)
Kamakshi completed her undergrad at Miranda House, University of Delhi. The ubiquitous yet convoluted phenomenon of sleep deeply perplexes her. She seeks to further explore its relevance in an immunological and cognitive context to decipher the myriad complexities surrounding sleep. Philosophy and digital drawing are some other hobbies that she frequently indulges in. When not in the lab, she can be found roaming around looking for boxes and petting random cats.
kamakshi.singh@tifr.res.in
Sakshi Jha
Doctoral student (Int. Ph.D.)
Sakshi did her bachelor's at Gargi College, University of Delhi. She is fascinated by the intricate dynamics of emotions and mood disorders, driven by a desire to understand their underlying mechanisms. In the lab, she aims to study aggression in Drosophila.
Writing serves as a creative outlet, allowing her to articulate her thoughts. When not in the lab, she likes to unwind with a movie or engage in meaningful conversation with a friend.
sakshi.jha@tifr.res.in
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Varnika Bhardwaj
Doctoral student (Int. Ph.D.)
Varnika completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Delhi. With a strong passion for neuropsychology, she is profoundly fascinated by the neural processes governing sleep, as well as the physiological expressions of mental health disorders. Her research investigates the interplay between sleep-dependent and sleep-independent memory consolidation in Drosophila, aiming to elucidate the neurocircuitry involved.
When not in the lab, you'll find her curating playlists, pinboards, and watchlists, scribbling fervently in a notepad, updating her Letterbox, or walking around the city on a quest for hidden monuments or bookshops.
varnika.bhardwaj@tifr.res.in
Snehasish Samanta
Master's student
Snehasish completed his undergrad in microbiology at Calcutta University. With some knowledge about the prokaryotic world, he wants to expand his knowledge in the eukaryotic domain. He is interested in studying how animal behavior can be motivated by intrinsic neural pathways and exploring them through neurogenetics to understand why we do, what we do. In the lab, he wants to investigate how starvation recruits a sleep-independent mechanism for memory consolidation in flies.
Besides work, he is interested in amateur photography, music, and philosophy, and he loves traveling.
snehasish.samanta@tifr.res.in
Wriju Mitra
Master's student
Wriju did his undergrad at Presidency University, Kolkata. He believes that understanding the mechanism behind the functioning of the mind is the greatest philosophical and experimental quest of our time. The properties of the brain, especially the human brain, perplex him deeply. He is interested in probing the underlying neural circuitry and molecular pathways that give rise to behaviors using the fruit fly model system. His work in the lab would involve using genetic and molecular techniques to understand how behaviors like memory consolidation and aggression are linked to sleep.
Besides work, Wriju is passionate about amateur astronomy, bird watching, and DIY electronics.
wriju.mitra@tifr.res.in
Pranya N
Junior research fellow
Pranya completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Bharathidasan University, Trichy. She has prior research experience as a Research Assistant at ICMR-NIRRCH, focusing on stem cell's role in early pregnancy. Currently intrigued by the impact of sleep on overall health, she is investigating how disrupted sleep affects metabolism and genetic makeup in the Drosophila model to gain insights into the broader implications of sleep on human health.
Pranya is also passionate about travel and food and enjoys immersing herself in different cultures. When she's not working or exploring, she finds relaxation in reading novels.
pranya.n@tifr.res.in
Hetankshi Patel
Project student
Hetankshi completed her Bachelor's degree from the Oxford College of Science, Bangalore University, with a specialization in Genetics, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Her primary research interest lies in neurogenetics, particularly in understanding the molecular pathways of behavior and the consolidation of memory in the brain. She is driven by the idea that every experience influences behavior. In the lab, Hetankshi focuses on unraveling the molecular pathways associated with aggression and its memory consolidation.
Outside the lab, Hetankshi finds comfort in preparing coffee and exploring various cuisines. On her days off, she enjoys exploring coffee shops and indulging in reading.
hetankshi.patel@tifr.res.in
Irshikaa Sharma
Project student
Irshikaa is a passionate neuroscientist with a keen interest in brain plasticity and neural connections. She pursued her postgraduate degree in neuroscience from Sophia College, Mumbai, and completed her undergraduate studies at Jai Hind College, Mumbai. Driven by a desire to advance our understanding of the brain, she is dedicated to helping people through cutting-edge neuroscience research. Beyond science, she is also fascinated by history and is committed to promoting mental health awareness.