Could you share any specific instances where your connections with BITS alumni played a key role in your scientific and entrepreneurial journey?

Throughout my career, connections with BITS alumni have been invaluable in my scientific and entrepreneurial journey. Alumni mentors provided expert guidance on my Ph.D. projects, particularly in drug design and synthesis, helping refine my technical approach and broaden my research perspective.

One especially impactful instance occurred in 2017 when I was in the USA and received a critical introduction to a fellow BITSian startup. This connection proved to be instrumental in establishing my venture, Scipreneur. The support from this network helped me navigate potential challenges and laid a solid foundation for a successful entrepreneurial path.

Looking back at your Ph.D. days, how did the mentorship and collaboration at BITS Hyderabad shape your scientific outlook, career, and entrepreneurial trajectory?

In 2012, while working as a project assistant at a national research institute in New Delhi, a transformative collaboration arose with a distinguished faculty member from BITS Hyderabad's Department of Pharmacy on a drug discovery project. Initially, I had planned to pursue my Ph.D. abroad, but the opportunity for co-mentorship encouraged me to begin my doctoral studies under the combined guidance of experts from both institutions.

This collaboration significantly enhanced my expertise in drug design and development while also honing essential soft skills such as teamwork, teaching, communication, confidence, and perseverance. Beyond technical growth, it deepened my understanding of the societal impact of scientific research and entrepreneurship. I learned to approach problems with a solutions-oriented mindset, driven by a desire to make a positive impact.

This experience laid a strong foundation for my future, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and practical application, and has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory.

Could you talk about how BITSian values such as ‘learning by doing’ have influenced your scientific research and entrepreneurial ventures?

Ideas are abundant and inexpensive, but their true value lies in execution – a principle that holds equal weight in scientific research and entrepreneurship. Traditional Indian education emphasizes hands-on learning, where performing tasks and learning from experiences precede mere memorization. BITS value system of learning by doing ingrained in me a proactive approach, fostering a mindset to think creatively, collaborate, and swiftly implement ideas. This skill set empowered me to pursue my passions, embracing a fail-fast, fail-forward philosophy. With this outlook, I successfully developed multiple entrepreneurial ventures, authored books, and published numerous research articles and reviews in prominent international journals.

As a founder of Scipreneur, with operations in both India and the USA, and your work on AI/ML tools for healthcare and drug development, how has your time at BITS influenced your approach to innovation and entrepreneurship?

The intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship requires a critical skillset: Problem identification and solution development. I firmly advocate that collaborative discourse enhances ideas, catalyzing growth. My PhD journey at BITS was marked by enriching discussions with peers and mentors, honing my ability to distill complex problems and devise effective solutions. Serendipitous conversations, often during night canteen, underscored the potency of strategic partnerships. These experiences led me to identify the science-entrepreneurship divide, prompting the launch of “Scipreneur”– an initiative bridging this gap. We are now expanding into the freelance writing business with ‘ Vriters ” and AI/ML-driven healthcare solutions tackling complex diseases and precision therapy strategies. Further, recognizing failure as an invaluable teacher, I established “FailWise”, a social blogging platform sharing insights from setbacks. Overall, the distinctive philosophy and expertise imparted by BITS, which I term BITSology has instilled an unwavering commitment to innovation, guiding my trajectory.

You have collaborated with renowned scientists and published extensively. How did your time at BITS Pilani contribute to building this foundation for research excellence?

My BITSian education went beyond academics, empowering me to create a meaningful impact for both myself and society. I firmly believe that “your network is your net worth,” and collaborating with the right individuals can drive exponential growth. During my Ph.D., I gained invaluable lessons in teamwork, recognizing expertise, and sharing knowledge through the guidance and support of exceptional mentors.

Applying these principles, I successfully collaborated with leaders across fields such as biology, drug discovery, and AI/ML. This network enabled me to excel in projects beyond my core expertise, ultimately leading to the development of innovative tools for next-generation drug discovery and disease diagnosis. Today, I continue forward confidently, creating impactful solutions shaped by this foundational experience.

Having worked on tuberculosis drug development during your Ph.D., what were some of the most significant discoveries you made, and how have these shaped the field of TB treatment?

For a scientist, every discovery holds equal significance. My research focuses on unraveling the complexities of tuberculosis (TB) biology, leveraging cutting-edge techniques in genetic engineering, molecular biology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. My work centers on elucidating the fundamental metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic activity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evolution. A pivotal aspect of my PhD research involved characterizing the structural, biochemical, and biological functions of GlmU, an essential enzyme. This led to the development of innovative anti-TB molecules. This work garnered prestigious national and international awards and was showcased in a series of high-impact international publications.

Could you talk about any collaborative projects you’re currently working on at Weill Cornell Medicine that stem from your foundational research during your time at BITS Pilani?

During my PhD, I investigated the cell wall metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Building on this foundation, I continued. to explore the same metabolic pathway, focusing on its role in bacterial survival and AMR development. Through global collaborations, my upcoming publication sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying rifampicin resistance, a frontline antituberculosis drug. This novel research addresses critical knowledge gaps in controlling AMR and informs the development of enhanced drug combinations to combat TB. This work represents a significant expansion of my PhD research, delving deeper into the complex biology of TB infection and paving the way for innovative solutions.