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Alumni Testimonials

Dr. Jithin Vishnu, Ph.D.

Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Leibniz Institute for Solid
State and Materials Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
I did my PhD program (2016 – 2021) at Centre of Biomaterials, Cellular
and Molecular Theronostics, VIT under the guidance of Dr. Geetha
Manivasagam. My research work was focused on the heat treatment
and surface modification of titanium based biomaterials for orthopedic
as well as cardiovascular implant applications. My research interests
include (a) developing nano-morphologies on Ti alloy surfaces for improved
biocompatibility, (b) heat treatment of low modulus metastable beta Ti alloys for improved mechanical
properties and (c) development of super-elastic TiNb alloys for cardiovascular stent applications. The
research atmosphere at CBCMT helped to enhance my research work in the good path. I have also
participated in weekly C3 club meeting that provided me a chance to present my work and engage with
professors to discuss the research work related problems and enhance my skills and knowledge.

Dr. Vasanth Gopal, Ph.D.
Current Position: National Postdoctoral Fellow (NPDF-DST-SERB),
Lab for Texture and Analysis, Department of Materials Engineering,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
My research journey started at VIT when I joined as a JRF in CBST
(Centre for Biomaterials Science and Technology) currently known as
CBCMT under the supervision of Dr. Geetha Manivasagam. My research
was primarily focused on studying the degradation mechanism of
surface-modified metallic implants for orthopedic hip implant application.
The multidisciplinary nature of CBCMT helped me to explore many new things. Particularly, the C3
weekly club meeting conducted by CBCMT enabled me to interact with a multidisciplinary team
which furthered my knowledge and understanding of the intricate biological aspects which was
crucial in addressing my research objectives. I am thankful to CBCMT team and I wish CBCMT thrive
an outstanding centre in the international forum.

Ms. Nidhi Nair

Current Position: Master Thesis Student, Department of Biosciences
and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
Hello, my name is Nidhi Nair. I was enrolled in BTech. Biotechnology in
VIT, Vellore from 2016-20. For my bachelor thesis, I joined the Centre
for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT) in the
fall semester 2019. I worked on developing a novel calcium phosphate-
based bone injectable for repairing craniofacial fractures.
Pursuing my thesis in CBCMT allowed me to attend the weekly journal club that provided me with
insight into the cutting-edge technologies in the world of tissue engineering and allowed us to
interact with great researchers around the world. The administration from CBCMT is extremely
helpful, starting from the top brass with Director, Dr. Geetha Manivasagam to the lab technicians
involved with the laboratories. On a personal note, CBCMT was instrumental in jump-starting my
career as it was Dr. Amit Kumar Jaiswal who encouraged and motivated me to pursue my current
Erasmus Mundus joint master degree program 'International Master in Innovative Medicine' in
Europe. I am indebted for the guidance I have received during my time at CBCMT and I would whole
heartedly recommend it as a place to pursue research for anyone who values expanding and honing
their skillset as well as building lasting professional relationships.

CBCMT Pulse August 2022 Volume 2 28