People

Dr. Nirav Pravinbhai Bhatt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from The M. S. University of Baroda, a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras, and a Doctorate (DSc) from EPFL, Switzerland. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI), IIT Madras, and serves as the Program Chair for the MTech in Data Science & AI program at the IIT Madras, Zanzibar campus.

Dr. Bhatt is the head of the BiSECt lab and is affiliated with several research centers at WSAI, including the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI (RBCDSAI) and the Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems mEdicine (IBSE).

His research interests include the modeling and identification of biological and chemical systems, as well as the application of machine learning and data analysis to engineering and financial systems. In his research, Dr. Bhatt explores biological and disease networks using multi-sensor and multi-scale data. He focuses on the modeling, control, optimization, and integration of (bio-)process manufacturing to enhance efficiency. Additionally, he investigates bioprocess control and process analytical technology for quality assurance. His work also extends to the study of complex man-made networks through data-driven learning and control approaches, with the goal of advancing the understanding and management of these networks.

Roshan MSB is a budding researcher pursuing his PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). With a BTech in Biotechnology from NIT Calicut, Roshan is an active member of the BioSystems Engineering and Control group at IIT Madras. His research primarily explores multi-modal artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, and deep learning, focusing on applications in biological systems. This work aims to advance scientific understanding in critical areas such as industrial biotechnology and drug development.

In addition to his research pursuits, Roshan is dedicated to sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of AI and biology enthusiasts. Driven by insatiable curiosity, he is committed to making significant contributions at the intersection of AI and biology.

Pavan Kumar S is a PhD scholar working with Dr. Nirav to develop integrated models of biological networks. The objective of his project is to develop integrated network models enclosing metabolic-signaling-gene regulatory networks using omics and literature data.

Rajeeva Lokshanan Reguna Madhan currently works with Dr. Nirav Bhatt and Dr. Himanshu Sinha to develop machine learning and statistical models to analyze the relationship between the genotype and the phenotype.

Krithika Padmanabhan is a PhD scholar, jointly guided by Dr. Sridharakumar Narasimhan and Dr. Nirav Bhatt. Her broad area of research is sensors, instrumentation and control. She is currently working on near-infrared spectroscopic analysis for various applications.

Keerthana C is a biotechnologist specializing in bioengineering with a vision to Span the divide between novel research and impactful industries through cutting-edge control strategies. Her work centres on leveraging the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy and model-based predictive control techniques to strategically manipulate extracellular and intracellular environments of microorganisms to enhance their performance and bioprocess efficiency.