Tashu 18132

I will graduate with BS-MS dual degree at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Berhampur (BPR) on May 2023 with major in Biological Sciences, and a specialization in Molecular
Biology. I am specifically interested in genetic and molecular aspects of cancer, Tumor microenvironment,
Cell tumor, Circulating tumor, Tumor necrosis, and Tumor suppressors.

I am currently pursuing my fifth-year thesis project under the supervision of Dr. Rohan Khadilkar
at the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC). My project focuses on examining the tumor-host tissue interactions in a Drosophila model of cancer cachexia.
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating condition that affects a significant proportion of cancer patients
and is characterized by muscle wasting, weight loss, negative energy expenditure, and increased
lipolysis. The main objective of my research is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of can-
cer cachexia, including the effects of the tumor on distant tissues such as fat and muscle and the
systemic signaling that mediates it. I have received formal training in various techniques, such as
Drosophila handling and maintenance, dissection, perfusion, fixation protocols, behavior studies,
and molecular techniques. Additionally, I have developed a structured and disciplined approach to
research, emphasizing planning and organizing experiments.

My previous research experience has been critical in shaping my perception of the scientific world. My first brush with research work came at the end of my first year in 2019. I worked in the lab of Prof. Shalinder Kaur, studying the effect of cell phone EMF-R (electromagnetic field radiations) on the early growth and development of Oryza sativa. Later, our courses shifted to online platforms during the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. I channeled this time into a reading project under Prof. Harapriya Mohapatra from NISER on ”Protein Acetylation.” Along with the coursework, I have learned molecular techniques under the supervision of Dr. Ruthrotha Selvi Bharathavikru at IISER Berhampur, India. I worked in Dr. Bodhistta Nandy’s Drosophila lab at IISER Berhampur, Odisha. In his lab, I was working with my mentor to detect the change in traits, such as the dispersion rate of drosophila, by changing the macronutrient percentage in food. I attended the conference the National Research Scholar Meet (NRSM 2022), organized by the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, India. The conference helped me gain exposure to cancer biology through lectures from eminent scientists in the field, including Dr. Shashank Tripathi and Dr. Abhijit Majumder.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, the academic courses, projects I undertook, and lectures in science camps and workshops strengthened my interest in the subject. The coursework included basic courses in all four branches of basic sciences — physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics — and advanced courses in Biology, such as Advanced Genetics, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Biology. Additionally, I have credited courses on Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Chemistry of Biological Systems, Techniques in Biology, as well as have experiences in experimental laboratories as a part of the same. Two of the courses, “Molecular Biology” and “Cancer Biology” by Dr. Ruthrotha Selvi Bharathavikru,
set me on my path to understand the molecular events that act as a key driver of oncogenesis, tumor progression and therapy resistance of cancer. Early exposure to a research environment, as early as the first year of undergrad, has enhanced our understanding of the immense role science plays in building and shaping the lives of millions of people. In addition, personal interaction with various faculty members have enriched me to take up the next steps in life —a doctorate in Cancer Biology, from one of the most renowned graduate schools in the world.