Research Group

Vivek Rangarajan

Associate Professor

Biochemical / Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Biotechnology, Microbial Biotechnology

Current Scholars

K.P. Sreelakshmi

Hi, I am K P Sreelakshmi, currently engaged in my doctoral journey in Biotechnology at the esteemed Biological Sciences Department of BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus. My roots trace back to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where I was both born and educated at a Kendriya Vidyalaya. My academic journey led me to SRM University, where I obtained my bachelor's degree in biotechnology. For my graduate studies, I delved deeper into Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering at Sree Buddha College of Engineering. Throughout my academic path, I have honed my expertise in the fields of microbiology and bioprocess. In the realm of research, my primary focus centers on the biochemical and functional characterization of highly potent antifungal lipopeptides produced by Bacillus sp. This endeavor involves meticulous process optimization to extract their full potential. I am fortunate to be under the esteemed guidance of Professors Utpal Roy and Vivek Rangarajan as I undertake this fascinating study.

Ashwini Padole

A budding Biochemical Engineer keen to bridge the gap between my academic knowledge and its potential applications. Currently, pursuing a Doctorate in Department of Chemical Engineering BITS, Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus. Title of the research work: Unlocking of Potential of Green Nano emulsion for Targeted Acne Vulgaris Therapy: Dynamic model-based optimization strategies. I have recently completed my Master’s in Chemical and Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nagpur. My Masters journey has taught me that how having some knowledge about Chemical engineering can play a huge role in Biotechnology. My absolute favorite things to do are paint and sketch.

Swaraj Sontakke

Hello everyone, I'm Swaraj S. Sontakke and I've embarked on a journey of exploration at BITS Goa as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under guidance of Dr. Vivek Rangarajan, Prof. S. D. Manjare and Dr. Jayita Chopra. I hold a Master's degree in Chemical and Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Engineering Management and Research, Pune. My academic journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications within the realm of chemical engineering and biotechnology. The primary focus of my doctoral research is the "Valorization of cashew apple and its waste pulp" Additionally, I enjoy indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking and playing sports like cricket, volleyball, and throwball, which not only refreshes my mind but also instills a sense of balance and resilience in my approach to life and research challenges.

Asbern Dsilva

Hi, I am Asbern J F Dsilva currently pursuing my PhD at BITS PILANI K K Birla Goa Campus. I have completed my Bachelors degree in Biotechnology and Masters of Science degree in Biotechnology from Goa university. I am currently working on Pigments from halophiles and their Biotechnological applications under the guidance of P.I Prof. Judith M Braganca (Biological Sciences) and Co-P.I Prof. Vivek Rangarajan (Chemical Engineering). My research work focuses on Isolation screening and applications of pigment producing microorganisms from hypersaline environments and assessment of the bioactive potential. There is a dire need to replace toxic synthetic pigments with natural eco friendly alternatives that can serve dual purpose of being a pigment as well as have good bioactive potential.

Omkar Gawade

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Chemical Engineering at BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus. I have completed my Master’s in Biotechnology from Karpagam University, Coimbatore. My academic background and core interests align with bioprocess engineering, and my research is focused in this area. Apart from academics, I enjoy trekking and exploring new things. I am also fitness oriented and like playing sports, particularly badminton.

Lokitha P

A PhD candidate in the joint BITS-RMIT Chemical Engineering program enrolled at K.K Birla Goa Campus, supervised by Dr. Vivek Rangarajan and Dr. Mina Dokouhaki and Prof. Benu Adhikari at RMIT University. Title of the Project: Transforming Microbial-Derived Polyaminoacid into Sustainable Biopolymer Food Packaging Materials. I’m working on sustainable biopolymer-based food packaging material where I am focusing on microbial production of polyaminoacid biopolymer, specifically poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) from thermophilic bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis, with strategies to enhance film properties through crosslinking and biopolymer blending for real-world, industrial applications. I am a recent MTech Nanobiotechnology graduate from Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine (ASNSMM), Kochi with experience in formulating chitosan based-chlorhexidine spray for wound debridement (optimized via PVA, in vitro/in vivo assays, and SEM/FTIR characterization), a cellulose gauze patch for rapid morpholine detection on fruits (Simon reagent and pH-based, LOD 10 µg/mL), through my undergraduate internship at MIT, MAHE and completed my B.E in Biotechnology from NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte with metabolite profiling in Limnospira platensis under photochemical stimulation in custom photobioreactors. Passionate about bridging diverse academic foundations by tackling practical challenges in biopolymer innovation.

Graduated Scholars

Dr. Neela Gayathri Ganesan (2018-2023)

Currently employed in Indfrag Biosciences Pvt Ltd as R&D Manager, Bengaluru Title of the thesis: Optimizing the bioprocess for improved surfactin production from Bacillus subtilis MTCC 2415 and further development of highly stable surfactin-based biocosmetic nanoemulsions

Dr. Subhranshu Samal (2020-2025)

Thesis title: Production of poly-γ-glutamic acid variant biopolymer from a thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis: dynamic modelling, media optimization and solar energy integration for its cost-effective production Current Position: Assistant Professor School of Bioscience and Bioengineering Dr. D.Y.Patil International University Akurdi, Pune

Dr. Dhundiraj Deshpande (2018-2025)

Thesis title: Ultrasound-Assisted Transesterification of Algal Oil- A Comparative Evaluation of Homogeneous, Heterogeneous, and Enzymatic Catalysis Current position: Assistant Professor Department of Chemical Engineering, Management and Research Dr. D.Y.Patil International University Akurdi, Pune

Vinoth Kannan (2019-2026)

Thesis Title: A Comprehensive Investigation on Feni production from Cashew apple and strategic utilization of residual pulp waste to generate value-added products. Current Position: Assistant Manager, Indfrag Biosciences Pvt Ltd