IMPACT Lab
Meet The Team
Driven by curiosity and innovation, meet the minds of the lab!

Ph.D Student
Mitiksha Gupta
I obtained my bachelor’s degree majoring in Zoology from Gargi College, University of Delhi and pursued my master’s in biotechnology from South Asian University, New Delhi where I developed a keen interest in immune-oncology and immune-modulatory axis as a therapeutic target. This led me to join IMPACT lab where my key areas of interest are ameliorating pro-inflammatory diseases such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus using microbial metabolite-based immunotherapy and exploring possibilities in cancer immunotherapy as well. Apart of this, I am a movie enthusiast, really love to cook and fond of travelling to new places and explore cultures and society.
Contact: mg257@snu.edu.in

Ph.D Student
Varsha Dhanda
I am a PhD scholar at the IMPACT Lab, where my research focuses on unraveling the complexities of cancer immunology. My work aims to understand how immune cells interact with tumors and how these insights can be translated into more effective cancer immunotherapies. I am deeply committed to advancing this field through rigorous experimentation and critical thinking. Beyond the lab, I enjoy watching stand-up comedy shows and movies, cooking up new recipes, and spending quality time playing with my pet.
Contact: vd448@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate Thesis student
Arumugam
I am from Chennai, currently pursuing my fourth year at SNIoE. I am interested in immunology, with a particular focus on its translational part to alleviate human diseases. I previously spent my third year here at the IMPACT lab to engineer Lactobacillus bacteria to produce a tryptophan metabolite - indole that acts as the ligand for AhR signaling pathway that help reduce inflammation. I am currently taking this research to in vivo mice model, focusing on T helper cells to investigate the Th17–Treg balance in the context of Type 2 diabetes. When not in lab, you can see me either packing my bags for a trip or planning my next one. I am also trying to hit the gym consistently.
Click here to visit my profile!
Contact: ag105@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate Thesis student
Sonakshi Bahuguna
I am Sonakshi Bahuguna, a 4th year Biotech student. I enjoy reading and drawing. I am currently working on the topic 'Augmentation of Regulatory T Cell Activity using Engineered Lactobacillus strains for Countering Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus'
Contact: sb712@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate Thesis student
Aleena Achamma Aby
I am from Chennai, currently pursuing my fourth-year dissertation at IMPACT Lab, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence. I have a strong interest in immunology, focusing on bridging potential fundamental immunological research to clinical applications. My thesis work revolves around the effect of indole on the production of effector T cells in type 2 diabetes mice model. Outside the lab, you’ll most likely find me running, watching series or enjoying music.
Contact: aa608@snu.edu.in

Post baccularate student
Nandhana Balu
I’m a Post-Baccalaureate Research Student here at the IMPACT Lab, where I’m working on understanding the world of immunology and T-cell biology. I completed my B.Tech in Biotechnology at SRM University (KTR), Chennai, where I spent my time exploring the fields of toxicology and microbiology. I like troubleshooting experiments, mostly because something eventually works if I stare at it long enough.
Beyond academia, I’m someone who loves literature, art, beaches, and spontaneous long drives, all powered by full South-Indian paglu energy. I thrive on good stories, good food and good company!!
Contact: nb526@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate student
Tanya Kalia
I’m a third-year undergraduate student at SNIoE. I have a strong interest in immunology which motivated me to join the IMPACT Lab, where we are focusing on mitigating type 2 diabetes through microbial metabolite–based immunotherapy.
Apart from academics I’m deeply passionate about Formula 1 and motorsports, I enjoy exploring new music, travelling and unwinding with films :)
Contact: tk117@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate student
Aarav Lall
I’m a third year undergraduate student studying biotechnology, and pursuing a research project under the OUR program at the IMPACT Lab. Fascinated by the inner workings of the immune system, I aim to learn and help make strides in the understanding of how immune cells exist and make decisions in tumor microenvironments, and my current project looks at translational control in CD4+ T cells with a focus on eEF2K and mTOR signaling pathways.
Other than the bench, you’ll probably find me on the badminton court, or the football field questioning my decision to play after looking at the scoreline!
Contact: al144@snu.edu.in

Undergraduate student
Annushka Dogra
I'm a third year undergraduate student at SNIoE with a keen interest in immunology. I am pursuing an OUR project in the IMPACT Lab where we are studying the effect of Engineered Lactobacillus species producing indole in T cell differentiation and exploring their potential applications in immunotherapy.
Besides academics, I love reading books, drawing and doing anything and everything crafty!
Contact: ad336@snu.edu.in