Our Team

Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati

Team Leader

Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati received his bachelor’s degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from NIT Tiruchirappalli. He then joined in Materials Engineering Department, IISc to pursue his master’s degree. After a brief stint at TVS Motors Company, he returned to IISc and joined the Biomechanics Lab, Mechanical Engineering Department, to pursue his Doctoral Studies in the field of mechanics of insect-based materials. After receiving his Doctoral degree, he moved to the University of Trento, Italy, and worked as a post-doctoral researcher for 5 years. Prior to joining IITM as faculty, he cofounded a startup (Naturewrks Technologies Pvt. Ltd. ) that works toward developing biodegradable packaging material to replace Styrofoam.

Doctoral Students

Vaibhav Gujar

I have done my polytechnic diploma in mechanical engineering from Purnamal Lahoti Government Polytechnic, Latur. After that, I graduated from the Government college of engineering and research, Avasari in the department of Mechanical Engineering.

My research interest is in the field of Mechanics of biological materials.

Janani N

I pursued B. Tech in Biotechnology from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. Currently, I have joined direct PhD as an interdisciplinary student at the “Inspired lab”. Research has been my ambition since childhood and I have always wanted to work and develop innovative solutions to biological problems through which I can create some environmental impacts leading to the betterment of living.

Vivek Surendran

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Trinity College of Engineering and Technology, followed by a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology, both under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in Kerala. I possess 1.5 years of experience as a civil engineer, primarily in a Central government hospital project and nearly one year as Structural Engineer, I contributed to a DRDO project on the 'Variable Wing Morphing System'. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at IIT Madras, focusing on the development of biomimetic implant material. My passion for biomimicry has driven my research in this area, with the aim of making a meaningful contribution to society and advancing my career.

Post Doctoral Researchers

Deepak T

I am Deepak T had completed Ph.D. research from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela on developing a novel tissue-engineered biomaterial from a xenogeneic-derived animal model for the treatment of valvular heart disease. I am currently joined as an institute postdoc fellow in INSPIRED LAB at IIT Madras working on developing 3D printable natural biopolymer implants for knee meniscus applications. I am ambitious to become an Indian scientist to solve the healthcare problems of society.

Master's students

Phavithra Selvaraj

I am Phavithra Selvaraj, a Biomedical Engineering major currently pursuing my M.Tech in Clinical Engineering at IIT Madras. At the Inspired lab, I am working on my thesis related to Meniscus Image reconstruction . My passion towards nature photography and science keeps me going when work gets too boring!

Visiting students

Sandra Rose Biby

Currently pursuing 5th year of Integrated MSc. Biotechnology in Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT Vellore). I'm working on my master's thesis in the area of biodegradable packaging

Neha Kanna

I'm Neha Kanna, currently enrolled in the Integrated MTech program in Chemical Engineering at the prestigious Institute Of Chemical Technology Mumbai - Indian Oil Odisha Campus Bhubaneswar. I'm now embarking on my second year of study. My academic focus revolves around the captivating realms of biochemistry, biotechnology, and related disciplines. Fueling my passion further, I have experience in process simulations, immersing myself in the fundamental concepts of this domain. Currently being an intern in INSPIRED Lab, to enhance my knowledge in sustainable materials development and bio-based binders.

Rithika Kumar

I'm a dedicated third-year Materials Science & Engineering student at the College of Engineering, Anna University, currently immersed in an invigorating internship at the esteemed INSPIRED Lab. My academic journey till now has led me through the fascinating corridors of materials science, igniting my passion for exploring the intricate dynamics of matter and its applications. Committed to contributing innovative solutions to the field of materials, I aim to leverage my growing expertise to contribute to research initiatives and advance innovative solutions in the field of materials science.