Center for Omics & Systems Medicine (C-OSM)

Dr. T. S. Keshava Prasad

• Designation Director, Center for Omics and Systems Medicine | Professor, Department of Biochemistry
• Email keshava.prasad@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 29-09-2025

Dr. T. S. Keshava Prasad is an expert in proteomic, proteogenomic and metabolomic analysis. He has over 23 years of research experience in this area and published over 300 research articles in journals of international repute, including Nature, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Communications, Genome Research, Genome Biology, PNAS, Nucleic Acids Research, PLOS Pathogens, EMBO Reports, Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, Journal of Proteomics, Journal of Proteome Research, Proteomics, Scientific Reports, Clinical Proteomics, among others. He received theYoung Investigator Award from the DBT, Government of India, in 2007. Dr. Prasad has an H-index of 55 with a total citation of more than 20,015. His 215 articles have received a minimum citation of 10. Dr. Prasad has reached a cumulative impact factor of more than 1651.

Dr. Prasad is among the Top 2% of all 78,885 scientists of India, with a rank of #20 among a total of 1356 Molecular Biology & Genetics scientists as estimated by AD Scientific Index (https://www.adscientificindex.com/) for the year 2023.

Prof. Dr. Gowrish S

• Designation Professor
• Email drgowrishs@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 12-10-2009

Dr. Vandana Sadananda

• Designation Reader
• Email drvandanasadananda@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 08-09-2017

Dr. Akhila H S

• Designation Assistant Professor Grade II
• Email akhila.hs@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 06-10-2025

Dr. Akhila H. S. obtained her doctoral degree from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal for the thesis entitled “Evaluation of novel non-ulcerogenic synthetic molecules in inflammation. After completion of her PhD, she worked as a guest faculty at the P.G department of Biochemistry, Mangalore University for four years. She has filed one patent, published 10 research articles, and received two best poster awards. Her research interest areas include inflammation, cancer, metabolic disorders and cell signalling. 

Ms. Akhila B. Rai

• Designation Assistant Professor Grade I
• Email akhila.rai@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 06-10-2025

Akhila B. Rai worked on the development of serum-based assay for colorectal cancer detection in her Ph.D. Her research interests include clinical proteomics, mass spectrometry, post-translational modifications, cell signaling, and translational research. Through her research, she aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinically actionable diagnostics.

Dr. Kapil Sharma

• Designation Assistant Professor II/Staff Scientist
• Email kapil.sharma@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 25-06-2026

Dr. Kapil Sharma is a biopharma, biotechnology and biochemistry professional with extensive research and industry experience in drug discovery, plant genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and omics-driven science. He earned his Ph.D from the Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources (RTGR), Department of Plant Sciences, Hyderabad Central University, where his research focused on tomato mutants and natural variants compromised in ethylene biosynthesis. Following his doctoral work, he contributed as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at IIIT-Hyderabad and RTGR, later served as Senior Omics Scientist at Enveda Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, and subsequently worked as Consultant-Life Sciences/Junior Project Manager at Evolvus Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune. His academic and professional interests include biopharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and translational research in healthcare. He is also an experienced scientific content curator, writer, editor, and peer reviewer, with 15 high-impact peer-reviewed research publications and significant contributions to scientific reports, book chapters, conference proceedings, and grant proposals.

Dr Shaiesh Morajkar

• Designation GSERF- Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
• Email .
• Joining date 09-03-2026

Dr. Morajkar S. is an Environmental Biotechnologist with expertise spanning molecular biology, wetland ecology, and biosorption-based remediation strategies. His interdisciplinary research integrates molecular markers, bioinformatics, and geospatial tools to address challenges in climate-resilient agriculture and biodiversity conservation. He has a strong focus on developing nature-based solutions and actively contributes to policy translation, bridging the gap between scientific research and sustainable environmental management. Dr. Morajkar’s current research interests lie in proteogenomic approaches for engineering climate-resilient crops, with particular emphasis on enhancing salinity and submergence tolerance in rice.

Dr. B S Dayananda

• Designation Research Scientist
• Email bs.dayananda@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 06-07-2026

Dr. B. S. Dayananda is a Research Scientist at the Centre of Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K.S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte (Deemed to be University), India. He obtained his Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from Mangalore University in 2025, with research focused on the synthesis of chromone and coumarin derivatives and their polymeric composites for biological and optoelectronic applications. His expertise spans medicinal chemistry, biomaterials, electrospun nanofibers, drug delivery, fluorescence spectroscopy, and optoelectronic materials. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Research Associate at Syngene International Ltd. (Biocon) and as an Assistant Professor at Srinivas Institute of Technology. Dr. Dayananda has authored 14 peer-reviewed international publications and continues to pursue interdisciplinary research integrating chemistry, advanced materials, omics technologies, and translational biomedical applications.

Dr. Vinitha D'Souza

• Designation Research Scientist
• Email vinitha.dsouza@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 12-06-2026

Dr. Vinitha D'Souza completed her PhD in Life Sciences from Nitte (Deemed to be University) in 2026. During her doctoral research, she investigated the impact of protein malnutrition on chemical-induced hepatotoxicity using preclinical animal models, integrating biochemical, histopathological, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches. She has extensive experience in preclinical biomedical research, including experimental study design, animal experimentation, IAEC/CPCSEA regulatory compliance, and scientific documentation. She worked as a Project Technical Support III at the Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, where she contributed to an ICMR-funded multi-omics project on Gaucher disease, focusing on kinase signaling pathways, biomarker discovery, and LC–MS/MS-based proteomics and metabolomics analyses. She is currently working as a Research Scientist at the Center for Omics and Systems Medicine (COSM), NITTE (Deemed to be University), where her research focuses on multi-omics approaches, biomarker discovery, and translational biomedical research. She has authored several peer-reviewed research articles, review papers, and a book chapter in reputed international journals.

Shreesha Sadashiva Rao

• Designation Research Scientist
• Email shreesha.rao@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 17-06-2026

Dr. Shreesha Sadashiva Rao, brings extensive international experience from academia and industry, having served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Fish Immunology Group at the University of Bergen, Norway (2022–2025), where he led multidisciplinary projects on host–pathogen interactions and advanced vaccine innovation. Dr Rao completed his PhD in Veterinary medicine from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan awarded in 2021 where he worked on “Genetic characteristics, cell-surface properties and vaccine efficacy of Lactococcus garvieae in cultured fish”. Dr Rao’s research expertise spans transcriptomics, veterinary diagnostics, and bioinformatics, with a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and aquaculture. In 2025, Dr Rao also undertook an industry internship at Stiftelsen Industrilaboratoriet (ILAB), Bergen, bridging academic research with practical industry applications in animal health and diagnostics. Dr. Rao has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of immune mechanisms in veterinary, and holds an H-index of 9 as per Google Scholar since 2021. Alongside his research Dr Rao has supervised MSc and BSc students from different countries. He has completed advanced training in pedagogy and has completed the course on ‘AI in healthcare’ from Standford University, USA. His current work integrates omics-technologies, immunology, and applied animal health, positioning him as a globally trained scientist dedicated to One Health solutions.

Dr. Priyanka D N

• Designation Project Research Scientist
• Email priyanka.dn@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 18-08-2026

Dr. Priyanka D N completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, in 2025. Her doctoral research examined the regulation of gluconeogenesis by low molecular weight chitosan through PI3K-AKT-FOXO signalling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, integrating cell-based assays, and biochemical and molecular profiling across oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, autophagy, and neuroinflammation pathways. She holds an M.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, and a B.Tech in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Kerala. She subsequently worked as a Research Scientist in an R&D laboratory and executed bioanalytical workflows spanning HPLC-based quantification, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and cell-based assays. She joined C-OSM in August 2026, where her research focuses on evaluating the tumorigenic potential of areca nut through in vitro and in vivo models combined with mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Malleshwari M

• Designation Ph. D. Scholar
• Email .
• Joining date 02-02-2026

Malleshwari M. is currently a Ph.D. scholar at the Center for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K. S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte (Deemed to be University). She holds a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Mangalore University (2024) . Her academic training and research experience are centered on advanced analytical techniques, biomarker discovery, and omics-driven translational research.

She has worked as Junior research fellow at the Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, where she was involved in targeted and untargeted proteomics and metabolomics studies. She has hands-on experience operating and maintaining high-end mass spectrometry platforms. Previously, she worked as a Junior Project Fellow at Onconquer Private Limited, Yenepoya Technology Incubator, contributing to a BIRAC-funded project focused on developing mass spectrometry–based multi-protein panel assays for hematological malignancies.

Raja Rajeshwari

• Designation PhD Scholar
• Email .
• Joining date 02-02-2026

Ms. Raja Rajeshwari completed her MSc in Biochemistry from JSS University, Mysuru, in 2023. She began her journey in bioinformatics during her MSc dissertation titled “Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines from Bipolar Patients” at NIMHANS, where she worked on differential gene expression analysis in bipolar disorder. She has over two and a half years of experience as a Bioinformatician, with expertise spanning genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data analysis. She has hands-on experience in LC–MS/MS–based metabolomics workflows and next-generation sequencing analyses, including RNA-Seq and whole exome sequencing. She worked as a Junior Research Fellow at Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Yenepoya, for six months. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the Center for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), KSHEMA, Nitte (Deemed to be University), where her research focuses on proteogenomics and integrative multi-omics approaches on cancer.

Ms Shwetha

• Designation Ph.D. Scholar
• Email .
• Joining date

Shwetha Poojary is a Ph.D. Scholar at the Centre for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K. S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte (Deemed to be University working on “Development of a Mass Spectrometry-Based Serum Biomarker Panel for Early Lung Cancer Detection in Indian Patients.” She holds an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Mangalore University and completed a three-month internship at the Yenepoya Research Centre on the antagonistic effect of turmeric extract against Enterococcus species isolated from colon cancer patients. She also worked as a Junior Research Fellow at CSBMM, Yenepoya Deemed to be University, for seven months. Her research focuses on mass spectrometry-based proteomics and translational biomarker discovery.

Nethra V

• Designation Ph. D. Scholar
• Email .
• Joining date

Ms. Nethra V obtained her M.Sc. degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Mysore, Manasa gangotri, Mysore, in 2023. Master’s thesis work on “Purification and characterization of L-Serine/L-Threonine Deaminase from Solanum melongena”.

Ananya N

• Designation Research Assistant
• Email .
• Joining date 02-02-2026

Ms. Ananya N obtained her M.Sc. degree in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (By Research) from the Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University, Mangaluru, in 2025, securing a Gold Medal for Academic Excellence (First Rank). During her master’s thesis, she investigated the in vitro anticancer activity of Bhallataka Taila in breast cancer cell line, integrating cell culture assays with proteomics and phosphoproteomics workflows. She is currently working as a Research Assistant at the Center for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K. S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Nitte (Deemed to be University).

Fathima Fareeha

• Designation Research Assistant, C-OSM, KHSEMA, NITTE
• Email .
• Joining date 02-02-2026

Fathima Fareeha has obtained her masters degree in Chemistry from Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce & Management, Mangalore (2025), securing top academic distinctions including the Outstanding Student Achiever Award, Academic Excellence Award, and first rank in M.Sc. Chemistry. Currently she is working as a Research Assistant at Centre for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K.S. Hegde Medical Academy (KHSEMA) , NITTE (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore.

Mumaiza Kittur

• Designation Research Assistant
• Email .
• Joining date 09-02-2026

Mumaiza Kittur has completed her M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences from the SDM Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (SDMRIBS), Dharwad. Her master’s dissertation focused on sitosterolemia, with an emphasis on lipid metabolism and disease mechanisms. She has a strong academic foundation in molecular biology and biomedical sciences. Currently, she is working as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), K.S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), NITTE (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore.

Ms. Roopa

• Designation Scientific Administration Assistant
• Email office.osm@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date

Ms. Roopa has over 28 years of experience in administrative and clerical roles across academic institutions, private firms, and the shipping industry. Her responsibilities included office management, typing, accounting, cash handling, documentation and student support. She has served in various departments at Mangalore University, handling finance, academic coordination, sports activities, and departmental administration. She has also worked with Ericson & Richards Shipping Company, managing accounts and office operations.

Dr. Sohini Basu

• Designation Research Scientist
• Email basu.sohini@nitte.edu.in
• Joining date 01-09-2026

Dr. Sohini Basu completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta, where her doctoral research focused on the molecular regulation of cell-cycle progression in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Her work investigated the antagonistic roles of bZIP transcription factors, particularly Atf1 and Pcr1, in regulating cyclin expression during the G2/M transition.She subsequently joined the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University, USA, as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, where she expanded her research expertise into chromatin biology, epigenetic regulation, heterochromatin, and cellular ageing. Her postdoctoral research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying chronological lifespan in S. pombe, with particular emphasis on heterochromatin regulation, histone modifications, stress responses during ageing. Her research experience integrates molecular biology, chromatin immunoprecipitation, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and transcriptomic approaches. Dr. Basu is currently a Research Scientist at the Centre for Omics and Systems Medicine (C-OSM), Nitte (Deemed to be University), where she is expanding her research interests towards translational biomedical research and systems-level approaches. Her current research interests involve integrating cellular and molecular biology with high-throughput omics technologies, including metabolomics and proteomics, to investigate disease-associated molecular mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets