Principal Investigator
DR. RAM KARAN, Ph.D. (IIT Delhi)
Associate Professor
- 15 years of international experience after my Ph.D. from the premium Institute, IIT Delhi.
- Three patents/applications, 51 publications in highly reputed international journals and conferences.
- Google citations 1626, h-index 21, i10-index 26, 17 GenBank submissions.
- Involved in writing more than $5M of funding from NASA, NIH, NSF, BMGF, and KAUST.
- Mentored 12 visiting students and research interns, six masters, and three Ph.D. students.
- Received several international (India, USA, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia) honors, awards, and fellowships.
- International collaboration in the USA, UK, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and India.
Lab Members
Shubham Pandey
Ph.D. Student
Research interest
Discovery and application of novel enzymes from Extremophiles.
Education
M.Sc. Microbiology, G.B. Pant University Of Agriculture And Technology, Pantnagar.
B.Sc. (ZBC), Kumaun University, Nainital.
Experience
1.5 years Graduate Research/Teaching assistantship at G.B. Pant University Of Agriculture And Technology, Pantnagar.
Masters thesis on "Investigating the impact of siderophore producing bacteria on ironbioavailability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)"
About you
A guy from the mountains,when I'm not busy with archaea stuff, you might find me spending my time in the world of Rafi and Kishore. Pop culture enthusiast, e4.
Bhavna Parmar
Ph.D. Student
Research interest
Characterisation of extremophiles, their industrial application and antimicrobial discovery.
Education
M.Sc. Microbiology, Gurukul kangri University Haridwar
B.Sc. (ZBC), M.J.P Rohilkhand University Bareilly.
Experience
1 Year Teaching assistantship at a higher educational institute of M.J.P Rohilkhand University Bareilly.
About you
Beyond my academia, My favourite thing to do is singing and you might find me to spend my free time in cooking as well.
Anjali Gupta
Ph.D. Student
Research interest
Use of Extremophiles and their Biomolecules for Biotechnological Applications to Solve Real World Problems.
Education
M.Sc. Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus
B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi
Experience
Masters thesis on “From Harsh Habitats to Clean Energy: Bioprospecting of Extremophiles for Second Generation Biofuel Production”.
Presented a poster and received second prize at the International Conference on “Current Perspectives on Extremophiles and their Biomolecules (CUPEB 2025)” in Bhopal.
About you
I have a passion for exploring the unknown—whether it’s through traveling to new places, diving into thrilling adventures, or tasting diverse cuisines. I enjoy immersing myself in the rich narratives of mythology, sparking conversations that lead to new perspectives, and channeling creativity into content creation that connects and inspires.
Ayushi Singh
Ph.D. Student
Research interest
Exploration of polyextremophiles to identify and characterize enzymes suitable for industrial applications.
Education
M. Sc. Biotechnology (Delhi Technological University)
B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi
Experience
Master's thesis on "Computational Targeting of Prp8 Intein Splicing in Cryptococcus neoformans : A Structure-Based Therapeutic Approach Targeting Spliceosomal Assembly to Circumvent Antifungal Drug Resistance."
About you
When I’m not in the lab, you’ll likely find me petting dogs, diving into a good fiction novel, or enjoying music that fuels my creativity.
Keshav Sharma
M.Sc. Student
Research interest
I'm deeply fascinated by extremozymes, drawn to their discovery and innovative potential to clean our environment through bioremediation.
Education
B.Sc. Microbiology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi.
Experience
Worked on a project titled “Microbial degradation of dyes” studying isolation and characterisation of Dye degrading bacteria at Bhaskaracharya college of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi.
About you
While the microbial realm captivates my intellect, my heart finds its deepest joy and contentment in cooking, dancing, and listening to music.
Aanchal Tirkey
M.Sc. Student
Research interest
Exploring the physiological and biochemical adaptations of extremophiles and their potential for industrial enzyme applications.
Education
BSc. Microbiology (H), Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi.
Experience
Currently building foundational research experience through postgraduate coursework and hands-on lab training, with a focus on developing expertise in microbial isolation, enzyme assays, and extremophile-based biotechnological innovations.
About you
Apart from microbiology, in my free time, I enjoy sketching, listening to music, and quiet walks in nature. These interests help me stay grounded and sharpen my sense of observation.