Ishita Purwar
Lab Manager (Department of Biochemistry)
BS (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2024)
Ishita earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in Spring 2024. Her academic journey was marked by a strong foundation in both the physical sciences and biological systems, giving her a multidisciplinary perspective. In Fall 2022, she joined the Kalsotra Lab as an undergraduate research assistant, where she developed hands-on research skills and a keen understanding of lab operations. Over time, she progressed to the role of Lab Manager/Technician, where she now oversees laboratory functions and contribute to ongoing research projects, further strengthening her practical and technical expertise.
Current Research
Ishita’s research interests lie at the intersection of RNA biology and disease mechanisms, particularly focusing on post-transcriptional regulation and its role in health and disease. She was fascinated by how RNA processing, including alternative splicing, RNA modifications, and polyadenylation, contributes to gene expression regulation and how its dysregulation can lead to various pathologies, such as cancer, cardiac dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Specifically, she is interested in understanding how RNA-binding proteins and RNA-modifying enzymes influence cellular function and how their malfunction can drive disease progression.
In her previous research, Ishita explored the role of Poly-A binding protein nuclear (PABPN1) in cardiac maturation and disease, as well as the impact of the cytokine TGF-ß on the splicing outcomes of the epithelial splicing regulatory protein (ESRP2). These experiences helped her appreciate the complexity of RNA regulation and its therapeutic potential. Moving forward, Ishita aims to integrate my background in molecular biology with computational tools to investigate RNA regulatory networks in diseases like cancer and fibrosis.
Outside the lab
Ishita has a 4-year-old golden retriever back home in India. As an active fiction reader, she enjoys exploring various genres in my spare time. She also loves solving puzzles, sudokus, wordles, and other mental math games, which keep her mind sharp. Cooking is another passion of hers, as she enjoy experimenting with new dishes. In addition, she is an active freestyle dancer and was part of a Bollywood-fusion dance group on campus for two years, which allowed her to express her creativity through movement. These activities help balance her academic and professional life while keeping her energized and engaged.
In her free time, Ishita enjoys reading novels, learning new dance styles, going on long walks, and exploring new areas around her.
Awards and Fellowships
- Highest Distinction in Molecular and Cellular Biology: Research Distinction, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2024
- Highest Honors in Engineering Physics and MCB: Academic Distinctions, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2024
- Undergraduate Research Symposium: Honorable Mention, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2024.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2023
- Winner at Reimagining the Future: Sustainability Competition, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2022
- Dean’s List: Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Publication
- Chembazhi, U. V., Bangru, S., Dutta, R., Das, D., Peiffer, B., Natua, S., Toohill, K., Leona, A., Purwar, I., Bhowmik, A., Goyal, Y., Sun, Z., Diehl, A. M., & Kalsotra, A. (2024). Dysregulated RNA splicing induces regeneration failure in alcohol-associated liver disease. [submitted]