GUDIPATI LAB
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Meet the Team


Assistant Professor
Rajani Kanth Gudipati
I am from Cherlopalli, a village in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. I completed my schooling in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Lepakshi. Fascinated by the incredible power of tiny living organisms, called bacteria, I studied Microbiology during my Bachelor's degree at The American College, Madurai. I then did my Master’s in Biotechnology at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. I joined the lab of Domenico Libri at Centre de génétique moléculaire, CNRS, France to understand the mechanism of transcription termination and quality control of RNA using budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. Followed by brief postdoctoral studies in the lab of Alain Jacquier at Institut Pasteur, Paris, I joined the lab of Helge Grosshans at FMI, Basel to understand the function of DPPIV family proteases using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Thanks to the SONATA BIS grant of NCN, Poland, I started my independent laboratory in August 2022 to gain a deeper understanding of the function/s of DPPIV proteases.

PhD Student
Ankit Roy
I'm a research scholar from Kolkata, India, with a knack for uncovering life's microscopic mysteries. In high school, I often wondered how tiny bacteria could greatly impact mammalian systems. This curiosity led me to earn degrees in Microbiology from the Universities of Calcutta and Pondicherry. During my academic adventures, I tackled a dissertation project at Pondicherry University and scored a prestigious IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Internship at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. I've dabbled in cell and molecular biology, immunology, and microbiology, honing my skills in techniques like ChIP, Immuno-Precipitation, and Cell Culture, and even handling lab animals. After a Ph.D. stint at the Indian Institute of Science, I joined Dr. Gudipati’s team at the Wielkopolska Center of Advanced Technologies in Poland. Currently, I'm exploring the role of DPPIV family proteases in biological pathways using Caenorhabditis elegant. I'm all about cricket, badminton, reading, traveling, and exploring when I'm not in the lab.

PhD Student
Afzal Amanullah
Greetings! I am Afzal Amanullah, a PhD student hailing from the picturesque city of Ranchi in the vibrant landscape of India. My journey in academia began with a profound fascination for the intricacies of life's building blocks. Fueled by an unyielding curiosity, I embarked on a path of scientific exploration, which led me to complete my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biotechnology, laying a solid foundation for my current pursuits. Eager to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, I embarked on a new chapter as a research assistant at the esteemed Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bangalore. Here, I joined a dynamic team of researchers in a collective pursuit to unravel the mysteries of HIV, a virus that continues to challenge our understanding of biology and public health. Currently, my academic journey has taken me across continents as I pursue my doctoral studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. My focus revolves around the captivating realm of C. elegans biology, with a specific emphasis on understanding the regulation of argonaute proteins. As a fervent advocate for scientific discovery, I am committed to deciphering the enigmatic world of these microscopic nematodes, each holding a universe of secrets waiting to be unveiled. Beyond the laboratory, I am a staunch believer in the power of science communication and community engagement. My aspiration is to etch an indelible mark on the scientific landscape, propelling our comprehension of life's intricacies to new heights

PhD Student
Damini Saha
I'm a researcher from Kolkata, India. I want to learn about the unknown. Since high school, my studies of many biological systems have left me pondering how basic things may control human life. Since then, I've been fascinated by biology, but I've never wanted to study medicine. As a result, the closest subject I found that would help me understand more about biological systems was Microbiology, and I earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Calcutta, followed by a master's degree from Pondicherry Central University. During my master's degree, I finished my dissertation project at Pondicherry University. My project sought to learn more about the impact of ionizing radiation on fungal (Aspergillus occultus) morphology and their ability to synthesize metal oxide nanoparticles. I was also a Junior Research Fellow at Amity University Kolkata, studying the role of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in the regulation of feeding and locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans. These experiences have helped me develop skills in understanding and solving research problems. I have extensive knowledge in molecular biology techniques, nematode handling, and microscopy. My previous experience with the model organism C. elegans inspired me to find out how else the nematode can be used to understand various biological processes. Therefore, I joined Dr. Gudipatti’s research group at the Wielkopolska Centre of Advanced Technologies, which is part of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland. Using C. elegans as a model organism, I would like to gain a deeper understanding of the function/s of the DPPIV family proteases. Besides science, I enjoy baking and good coffee. I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and cuisines. My favorite hobby is painting and listening to different genres of music.

Postdoctoral Researcher
Ilkin Aygun Soyalp
I am a researcher from Izmir, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey. I studied Biology, with a specialization in Zoology. Driven by my curiosity, I pursued a master's degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Dokuz Eylul University. Here, I focused on the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) process, identifying elf-3 as a regulatory factor of grhl-3, a key element in MET. In 2019, I journeyed to Poland to start my PhD at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences. Here, I encountered the intriguing C. elegans, a tiny nematode that has since become the centerpiece of my research. Throughout my doctoral studies, I extensively investigated the developmental function of the evolutionarily conserved exoribonuclease XRN-2 in this model organism. My current research delves into the mechanisms of action behind transposable element (TE) silencing and its role in maintaining genome integrity. I am also interested in studying RNA-binding proteins and their roles in developmental processes.
But science isn't my only dive! As an advanced scuba diver with a CMAS two-star certification, the sea is my true passion.

Postdoctoral Researcher
Aditya Trivedi
I am a biochemist and drug discovery researcher with a strong foundation in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and virology. Originally from Lucknow, India, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and mughlai cuisine, my scientific journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in Biochemistry.
During my Master's studies, I developed a keen interest in protein biochemistry, which I first explored through an internship focused on bioinformatic tools. I then advanced my practical skills as a Project Assistant at the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, where I gained hands-on expertise in protein production and purification. My research there focused on Leishmania donovani, specifically characterizing Dipeptidyl Peptidase III (DPPIII), a zinc-dependent metallopeptidase essential for the parasite's survival. This work included testing the efficacy of novel inhibitors in vitro and in live parasite cultures.
My PhD research, conducted in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi, has centered on discovering drugs against viral proteases, particularly targeting SARS-CoV-2. Employing both in vitro and in silico screening methods, my work aims to identify broad-spectrum antiviral inhibitors. A key outcome of my doctoral work was the establishment of a cost-effective, western blot-based assay to test inhibitors against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro).
My contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (ASM), Best Oral and Poster Presentation awards at international conferences, and the Editor's Choice Award for a 2023 publication in The FEBS Journal.
In addition to my research, I am passionate about education and mentorship. As a senior instructor and teaching assistant, I have led workshops on protein expression systems and guided students in genetic engineering projects. I am also an active advocate for science outreach and mental health, having served as a peer counselor. Outside of the lab, I am a university-level badminton player and enjoy exploring new cuisines, journaling, and watching anime.

Postdoctoral Researcher
Hasan Ali
My name is Muhammad Hasan Ali grew up in a peaceful mango city in northern part of Bangladesh. I obtained my Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the Bioscience Faculty at Rajshahi University under the supervision of Professor Dr. Nurul Islam. During my professional journey, I have been engaged in identifying the biological effectiveness of promising bioactive substances. This endeavour has involved testing against laboratory insects such as Aphis gossypii Glover, Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae, Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.), Sitophilus oryzae L., and Callosobruchus chinensis L. I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biological Science under Professor Toshinobu Tokumoto's supervision at Shizuoka University's Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular and Developmental Biology, after relocating to Japan. As a doctoral researcher engaged in several projects alone, such as the purification and characterization of zebrafish 20S proteasome, established the protein complex formation between proteasome and tropomyosin muscle protein and antagonist effects of different EDCs (Endocrine disturbing chemicals) on oocyte maturation and ovulation of zebrafish in In-bioassay. During my master’s and doctoral candidature at Shizuoka University skilled in several molecular and conventional techniques such as live animal rearing (zebrafish model, 5 years’ experience), In-situ hybridization, Immuno-staining (whole embryo), Micro-injection technique, DNA extraction, Plasmid extraction, RNA extractionOpen column chromatography, Protein Purification, FPLC, Radio isotope ligand binding, Gel Electrophoresis (1D and 2D), TOF-MS analysis, Characterization of protein, Western-blot Analysis, SDS-PAGE, Enzymatic assay of proteins, Microbial Assay, In Vivo Assay, In Vitro Assay, Protease Assay, Bacteria/Yeast culture, Use of mice for monoclonal Antibody from mouse serum, Screening of plant extracts through biological activity tests, etc. Engaged in several collaborations with another research group at Shizuoka University. I was Awarded. (1) Tokai Denpun Scholarship during M.S. (2) ABP Master’s Scholarship (3) Shizuoka University International Exchange Foundation Scholarship and (4) Honda Benjiro scholarship for Ph.D. tenure in Japan. I was awarded my PhD in October 2022. In December 2022, I started as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Adam Mickiewcz University in Poznan, Poland. My research endeavors center on the investigation of the role of antisense oligonucleotide-induced intronic microRNA in axonal morphogenesis. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting intronic noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) affect the expression and function of intronic ncRNAs. The culmination of the most recent research project has been completed and the corresponding manuscript preprint is currently accessible in online. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.04.626772. I recently started working with Dr. Rajani Kanth Gudipati as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Advanced Technologies/ Adam Mickiewicz University. My current study investigates the functional characteristics of DPF-4 and DPF-5, putative dipeptidyl peptidases in C. elegans. I am a hard worker and can maintain motivation over the long term. I am good at following rules. I enjoy doing research in the field of biological science. I enjoy playing long tennis.

Lab Manager
Noor Ramzi
I am a research-oriented agronomist with strong expertise in seed science, plant pathology, and laboratory management. After earning my B.Sc. in Plant Production, I continued my studies at the Poznań University of Life Sciences, where I received my M.Sc. in Seed Science and Technology with distinction. My thesis; related to seed yield and quality of snake melon (Cucumis melo (L.) Naud. var. flexuosus); allowed me to gain valuable experience in laboratory testing and seed quality evaluation.
I later pursued a PhD at the Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, focusing on the identification of Plasmodiophora brassicae pathotypes affecting winter oilseed rape in Poland. My research also involved screening Brassica and Raphanus germplasm for resistance to clubroot, using resources from international genebanks. In addition, I investigated differences in soil enzyme activity between healthy and P. brassicae-infested soils to better understand soil microbiomes.
Currently, I serve as Laboratory Manager in Dr. Gudipati’s team at the Wielkopolska Center of Advanced Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM), PoznaÅ„, where I combine my research background with organizational skills to support advanced scientific projects.
Lab Alumni
Lab Manager
Safa Oksuz
Master Student
Lab Manager
Postdoctoral Researcher