Biosketch
Vishal Rahangdale is a dedicated Bioinformatics Analyst and Computational Biologist with a strong track record of applying advanced computational techniques to complex biological data. Currently serving as a Research Assistant in Bangalore, he specializes in metagenomics and microbiome analysis, particularly utilizing shotgun metagenomics to correlate microbial composition with dietary patterns.
His broad industry experience spans a wide array of genomics research, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), and RNA-Seq analysis. Additionally, Vishal is highly skilled in primer designing for precise PCR amplification, genome mining to identify novel biosynthetic pathways, and leading Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to pinpoint disease-linked genetic variants.
Vishal holds an M.Tech in Computational Biology from Pondicherry University and a B.Tech in Biotechnology from Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded innovative projects, including developing machine learning classifiers for cfDNA and conducting in silico molecular dynamic simulations for viral protein-protein interactions.
A strong advocate for collaborative research, Vishal seamlessly bridges the gap between biology and software development. He commands a versatile computational toolkit—including Python, R, C++, deep learning frameworks, Docker, and automated custom pipelines—to significantly enhance research productivity. Driven by meticulous attention to detail and a passion for data science, he is dedicated to building next-generation tools that advance the field of genomics.
Research Focus
- Metagenomics & Microbiome Analysis
- Functional Genomics (WGS/RNA-Seq)
- Statistical Genetics (GWAS)
- Multi-Omics Data Integration
Biosketch
Mr. Hemanth R is a Public Health Researcher serving as a Research Assistant with the Public Health team. He is involved in population-based research studies, including the Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Study, a cohort study focused on cardiovascular disease risk prediction, and the Elderly Lifestyle and Indicators for Thriving and Engagement (ELITE) Study, a mixed-method study exploring the determinants of healthy ageing and quality of life among the elderly population.
He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the School of Public Health, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, and a bachelor’s degree in B.Sc. (Hons.) Dialysis Therapy Technology from M S Ramaiah University of Applied Science .His interdisciplinary background bridges clinical healthcare and public health research, contributing to epidemiological studies, preventive healthcare strategies, and evidence-based health interventions.
Research Focus
- Longevity research
- Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Lifestyle-based approaches for healthy ageing
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Population-based health research
Publications
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Preethi R. R. is a Public Health Researcher working as a Research Assistant in the Public Health team. She is involved in the implementation and coordination of the Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Study, a large population-based cohort study aimed at identifying risk factors and improving the prediction of cardiovascular diseases in India. She also contributes to the Elderly Lifestyle and Indicators for Thriving and Engagement (ELITE) Study, which investigates the determinants of healthy ageing and quality of life among older adults in urban Bengaluru.
Her responsibilities include participant recruitment, community engagement, field data collection, study coordination, data quality assurance, and supporting day-to-day research operations.
She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the School of Public Health, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, and a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, disease surveillance, and public health research methodologies.
She is particularly interested in conducting high-quality population-based research and generating evidence to improve public health outcomes.
Research Focus
- Epidemiological Modelling
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Public Health Surveillance Systems
- Health Data Analytics
- Evidence Synthesis and Scientific Writing
- Implementation Research
- One Health Approaches
- Digital Health and Public Health Informatics
Publications
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Shrinivasa B Marinaik, Vani H Chalageri, Preethi Reval R, Vidyashree Manjunath, Harshitha, Jithendra, Avinash Manjunath, Kajol Bankoti, Gunjan Negi, Viprasha Tomer, Anup Anvikar.
- Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Dengue Outbreaks in India (2021–2025): Evidence from the Secondary Analysis of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
- BMJ Public Health (Under Review).
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Dr. Parineetha Raj is a Public Health Researcher with a background in Ayurvedic Medicine, currently serving as a Research Assistant in the Public Health team at SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru. She is actively involved in the coordination, and implementation of the Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Study, a large population-based cohort study focused on cardiovascular disease risk prediction in India, as well as the Elderly Lifestyle and Indicators for Thriving and Engagement (ELITE) Study, a mixed-methods study examining the determinants of quality of life and healthy ageing among the elderly population in urban Bengaluru.
She holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from JSS Ayurvedic Medical College, Mysuru, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru. Dr. Parineetha brings an interdisciplinary perspective by integrating traditional medical knowledge with public health research and epidemiology. Her professional experience spans community-based health research, epidemiological studies, participant engagement, field coordination, health screening, and data collection. She is committed to advancing evidence-based public health research that informs disease prevention, healthy ageing, and population health strategies.
Research Focus
Publications
Additional Information
Education:
- Cohort Management and Participant Follow-up
Professional Interests:
- Cohort Studies and Population Health Research
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Biosketch
Parama Basu is a public health researcher currently serving as a Research Assistant at SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru. She holds a Master of Public Health from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India, and is trained in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.
Her work involves large-scale population-based studies, health systems research, and program monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, mental health, maternal and child health, and injury epidemiology in low- and middle-income settings.
Research Focus
- Chronic disease epidemiology
- Psychiatric epidemiology
- Maternal and child health
- Health systems research
- Road safety and injury epidemiology
Publications
Manuscripts Under Peer Review
- Basu P, Raghuveer P, Ganjekar S, Rao GN. What Helps and What Hinders? A Qualitative Exploration of Perinatal Mental Health Screening in an Indian Metropolitan City.
- Basu P, Raghuveer P. Two Lives at Risk: Examining the association between Maternal NCD, Behavioral Risk Factors and Birth Outcomes from NFHS- 5.
- Basu P, Sukumar GM, Patel N, Pallavi M, Ranjith K, Anil Kumar P, et al. Variations and Associated Factors in Vehicular Speed Between Urban and Rural Roads: Findings from A Large-Scale Roadside Study in Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.
- Soota A, Shouche Y, B S Pradeep, K V Srikanth, Chandrachari K P, Sharma S V, Shankar P, Awasthi S, Negi B, Basu P, Gopi AP, Amritha S, Roy A, Roy D, Devyani A, Garady L. Toward 80-80-80: Hypertension Prevalence and Care Cascade Performance in the HASP Cohort Study, India.
- Giboy SL, Sukumar GM, Basu P, Pradeep BS, Rao GN, Amudhan S, et al. Prevalence, Pattern and Correlates of Suicidality among Youth in Kolar, India: A Secondary Data Analysis.
- Pradeep BS, Srijithesh PR, Sukumar GM, Arvind BA, Binu VS, Basu P, et al. Effectiveness of a district level Comprehensive Acute Stroke CAre moDEl (CASCADE) for management of acute stroke patients in Karnataka – A quasi experimental study.
- Pradeep B S, R Veeksha, Shenoy AB, Srividya B N, Mahalakshmi J S, Basu P, et al. Effectiveness of Internal Versus External Facilitators for the Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Programme (LSTCSP), Karnataka.
- Thakkar AN, Raghuveer P, Basu P, Madan I, Rao GN. Exploring Facilitators and Challenges in Collecting Mental Health Data: A Qualitative Study Among Frontline Health Workers in an Indian State.
Additional Information
Conference Presentations:- Basu P, Raghuveer P, Ganjekar S, Rao GN. What hinders or helps mental health screening for perinatal women? Insight from a qualitative exploration, IAWMH 2025.
- Basu P, Sukumar GM, Patel N, Pallavi M, Gururaj G, Bachani AM. Urban-Rural Differences in Vehicle Speeds- Results from A Large-Scale Roadside Study in Bengaluru Metropolitan Region, SAFETY 2024.
- Basu P, Raghuveer P. Adverse birth outcomes and its association with non-communicable diseases and behavioural risk factors among Indian women: a secondary analysis from National Family Health Survey- 5, IAPSMCON 2024.
- Madan I, Raghuveer P, Basu P. What determines decision-making among women? Insights from National Family Health Survey-5, IAPSMCON 2024.
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Dr. Ahalya P Gopi is a Public Health Researcher and Dental Surgeon currently serving as a Research Officer in the Public Health team. She is actively involved in the design, coordination, and implementation of the Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Study, a large population-based cohort study focused on cardiovascular disease risk prediction in India, as well as the Elderly Lifestyle and Indicators for Thriving and Engagement (ELITE) Study, a mixed-methods study examining the determinants of quality of life among the elderly population in urban Bengaluru.
She holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health (MPH) from JIPMER, Puducherry, along with a background in clinical dentistry (BDS). Dr. Ahalya brings an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates clinical insight with epidemiological research. Her professional experience spans academic research, public health programme implementation, and evidence synthesis, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing data-driven health policy and preventive care.
Research Focus
- Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Cardiovascular disease and stroke risk prediction
- Healthy ageing and Quality of Life (QOL) among the elderly
- Population-based cohort studies
- Risk factor surveillance and public health screening
- Environmental and sociocultural determinants of health
- Qualitative research
Publications
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Gopi AP, Ganesh Kumar S, Subitha L, Patel N.
Vaccine hesitancy among nursing officers working in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry – A mixed-method study.
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 2023; 22. -
Lavanya Garady, Ashok Soota, Yogesh Shouche, Komal Prasad Chandrachari, Srikanth K V, Prasan Shankar, Sanketh V Sharma, Kavyashree C, Shrutika Munnyal,
Ahalya Gopi, Azad Devyani
A Narrative Review of the Role of Blood Biomarkers in the Risk Prediction of Cardiovascular Diseases.
Cureus, 2024; 16(12): e74899. - Soota A, Shouche Y, Garady L, Srikanth KV, Chandrachari KP, Sharma SV, Kukkupuni SK, Devyani A, Amritha S, Gopi Ahalya P.Non-traditional environmental and cultural determinants of cardiovascular disease in India: A narrative review. Cureus. 2026 Mar 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.105876.
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Toward 80-80-80: Hypertension Prevalence and Care Cascade Performance in the HASP Cohort Study, India,
Archives of Public Health (Under review)
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Dr. Azad Devyani is a Dental Surgeon and Public Health Researcher. She has expertise in public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics, and holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
She is currently working with the HASP (Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability) Study at SKAN Research Trust, where she contributes to developing a cardiovascular risk prediction model designed specifically for the Indian population. She is also a member of the SKAN Research Trust Ethics Committee and is involved in ethical review and oversight of research activities.
Her research experience includes epidemiological studies such as cohort studies, hospital-based case–control studies and analytical cross-sectional studies. She has worked on study planning, project coordination, training of research teams, field-level data collection, stakeholder coordination, and data analysis.
She has presented her work at scientific conferences. Her key areas of interest include non-communicable diseases, neurological and mental health, oral health, strengthening health systems, and translating research into practical public health solutions for India.
Research Focus
1. Non-Communicable Diseases & Cardiovascular Health
- Development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models
- Assessment of stroke and cardiac care pathways and patient outcomes
2. Neurology and Mental Health
- Development of training manuals for mental health screening tools
3. Health Systems, Community & Public Health
- Strengthening primary healthcare services
- Supporting immunization programs and community outreach activities
- Road safety and injury prevention initiatives
4. Research Methods & Operations
- Epidemiological study design and implementation
- Ethics, regulatory approvals and processes
- Training and capacity building of research teams
- Field implementation and coordination across multiple sectors
Publications
- Soota A, Shouche Y, Garady L, Srikanth KV, Chandrachari KP, Sharma SV, Kukkupuni SK, Devyani A, Amritha S, Gopi AP. Non-traditional environmental and cultural determinants of cardiovascular disease in India: A narrative review. Cureus. 2026 Mar 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.105876.
- Medhi U, Banandur PS, Arvind BA, Sukumar GM, Rajeshwari, Velu S, Naik V, Therat S, Devyani A. Assessing quality of sensitization programs of state-wide youth mental health promotion program—An Indian example. Indian J Community Med. 2025 Jan;50(1). doi:10.4103/IJCM.IJCM_719_23.
- Devyani A, Banandur PS, Sukumar GM, Kulkarni GB, Mythirayee S, Rathore H. Assessment of stroke case-fatality, disability, perceived needs and barriers for care among first-ever stroke patients attending a tertiary care neuro-specialty center in India: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Community Med. 2025 Jan;50(1). doi:10.4103/IJCM.IJCM_713_23.
- Garady L, Soota A, Shouche Y, Chandrachari KP, Srikanth KV, Shankar P, Sharma SV, Kavyashree C, Munnyal S, Gopi AP, Devyani A. A narrative review of the role of blood biomarkers in the risk prediction of cardiovascular diseases. Cureus. 2024 Dec 1. doi:10.7759/cureus.74899.
- Therat S, Banandur PS, Sukumar GM, Shenoy AB, Arvind BA, Nagaraja SR, Rai V, Medhi U, Devyani A. Prevalence and factors associated with “ever use of smokeless tobacco” among participants attending life skills training and counseling services program across Karnataka from 2017 to 2022. Indian J Soc Psychiatry. 2024 Jul. doi:10.4103/IJSP.IJSP_232_22.
- Medhi U, Pradeep BS, Arvind BA, Gautham MS, Rajeshwari, Velu S, Vani, Sonia T, Devyani A. Structured Assessment of Quality of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials Utilised under Programme Yuva Spandana: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian J Youth Adolesc Health. 2023 Dec 30. doi:10.24321/2349.2880.202311.
- Therat S, Banandur PS, Sukumar GM, Shenoy AB, Arvind BA, Nagaraja SR, Rai V, Medhi U, Devyani A. Smoked tobacco dependence and its correlates among participants attending life skills training and counselling services programme across Karnataka (2017–2022). J Fam Med Prim Care. 2023 Nov. doi:10.4103/JFMPC.JFMPC_591_23.
- Gagana GD, Shastri SG, Srinivas PK, Pooja S, Murugesh J, Parthasarathy R, Devyani A, Rathore H, Shivashankara N, Randeep D. Healthier mind builds healthier nation under ABArK. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2023 Jul 29. doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20232385.
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Biosketch
I am a Senior Executive at SKAN Research Trust, contributing to the Heart Attack and Stroke Predictability (HASP) Study. With a background in Computer Applications, I am actively involved in cohort management, public health research, data quality assurance, and field operations.
My work focuses on participant recruitment and follow-up, application testing, data validation, laboratory coordination, and community engagement activities. I support the collection of high-quality data for large-scale cohort studies and work closely with field teams to ensure smooth study implementation. I have also been involved in the recruitment and training of Field Data Collectors (FDCs), conducting sensitization programs, supporting blood collection camps, and facilitating Rapid Assessment and Problem-Solving (RAPS) sessions to address field-level challenges.
I collaborate with investigators, data analysts, laboratory teams, and community stakeholders to strengthen research processes and improve study outcomes. I have contributed to scientific publications and supported the preparation of presentations for expert committee meetings, consortium meetings, and ethics committee reviews. My interests lie in public health research, data quality improvement, research operations, and the use of technology to support evidence-based healthcare.
Research Focus
Publications
Additional Information
Education:
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
The National College, Bengaluru
Areas of Expertise:
- Cohort Management and Participant Follow-up
- Public Health Research Operations
- Data Quality Assurance and Validation
- Electronic Data Capture Systems (CMES)
- Field Team Training and Coordination
- Community Sensitization and Participant Engagement
- Laboratory Coordination and Sample Management
- Rapid Assessment and Problem-Solving (RAPS)
- Data Analytics Support and Reporting
Professional Interests:
- Cohort Studies and Population Health Research
- Data Quality Improvement
- Community-Based Health Research
- Research Operations and Project Coordination
- Digital Health and Research Technology Solutions
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Biosketch
Dr. Lavanya Garady is a seasoned public health professional with over two decades of experience spanning HIV/AIDS, mental health, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She currently serves as Programme Controller and Group Head – Longitudinal Studies at SKAN Research Trust, where she leads multidisciplinary research initiatives focused on aging, chronic disease prevention, and early detection.
At SKAN, Dr. Garady plays a central role in advancing large-scale cohort studies, including efforts to develop predictive models for cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Her work increasingly leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable earlier diagnosis, improve intervention strategies, and enhance long-term care delivery. She is particularly interested in designing kinder, non-pharmacological approaches to managing chronic diseases in aging populations.
Dr. Garady holds a Master of Public Health (MPH), securing first rank from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). Over her career, she has collaborated with leading global health organizations, including World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, UNICEF, Boston University, and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM).
Previously, Dr. Garady served as Senior Programmes Executive at the Ramaiah International Center for Public Health Innovations, where she contributed to grant writing, MPH curriculum development for Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, and mentoring medical students in research. She also led community-based initiatives such as the ACE-ME (Access Care through Empathy, Motivation and Edutainment) project, facilitating peer-support systems across rural communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported the Government of Karnataka’s health response and collaborated with SELCO Foundation on strengthening health systems through sustainable energy solutions across multiple states.
From 2014 to 2019, Dr. Garady was the State Programme Coordinator for the Yuva Spandana initiative at NIMHANS, a flagship mental health promotion program under the Karnataka Youth Policy. In this role, she led a workforce of over 300 frontline staff and helped scale the program to reach more than 1.5 crore youth across Karnataka, significantly advancing youth mental health awareness and services.
Earlier in her career, she worked as a Research Associate at Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), where she managed cohort studies on maternal and child health, and as a Documentation Specialist with India Health Action Trust(IHAT), contributing to large-scale HIV program monitoring and reporting. She also served as a Technical Specialist on a WHO-supported initiative to integrate chronic disease care into pre-service medical education in Karnataka, working closely with academic and government stakeholders to design and implement training frameworks.
Dr. Garady’s expertise lies in program design, implementation, and scale-up, with a strong focus on integrating technology into public health systems. Her work has contributed to shaping public health programs and policies, with lasting impact on community health outcomes in India.
Research Focus
Publications
- Garady L, Soota A, Shouche Y, Chandrachari KP, K V S, Shankar P, et al. A narrative review of the role of blood biomarkers in the risk prediction of cardiovascular diseases. Cureus. 2024 Dec 1;16(12):e74899.
- Banandur PS, Sukumar GM, Arvind BA, P R S, V S B, Loganathan S, et al. Population-based cohort across stroke life course in India-The NIMHANS-NH-SKAN stroke project: A study protocol. PLoS ONE. 2024 Oct 2;19(10):e0310309.
- Vaz M, Kalliath PCM, Nagaraja D, Kiran PR, Garady L, Kasthuri A, et al. Social and Cultural Insights into Healthy Aging: A Qualitative Study from the South Indian City of Bengaluru, India. Indian J Public Health. 2024 Jan 1;68(1):31–7.
- Banandur P, Gopalan K, Pai SG, Arelingaiah M, Velu RS, Garady L, et al. Factors affecting relationship issues among clients attending youth mental health promotion services in India. J Educ Health Promot. 2022 Apr 28;11:123.
- Pradeep BS, Shenoy AB, Shahane S, Srividya RN, Arelingaiah M, D’Souza R, et al. Age, gender, peers, life skills and quality of life influence risk of cell phone addiction among college teachers in Karnataka, India: a state level epidemiological analysis. BMC Public Health. 2022 Jan 26;22(1):180.
- Banandur P, Hasiruvalli Gangappa V, Koujageri JM, Garady L, Arelingaiah M, Ramamurthy SV, et al. Youth and suicidality: Correlates among clients attending youth mental health promotion clinics in India. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2023 Feb;69(1):146–55.
- Banandur PS, Gururaj G, Garady L, Arelingaiah M, Jyoti MK, Research team. Yuva spandana – A youth mental health promotion model in India – Design, methods and progress. Indian J Public Health. 2021;65(4):380–3.
- Banandur SP, Sukumar GM, Arelingaiah M, Garady L, Koujageri JM, Sajjanar SL, et al. Effectiveness of a Structured Training Module on Different Learning Domains among Yuva Parivarthakas under Yuva Spandana Program. Indian J Psychol Med. 2020 Mar 9;42(2):182–8.
- Pradeep BS, Arvind BA, Ramaiah S, Shahane S, Garady L, Arelingaiah M, et al. Quality of a life skills training program in Karnataka, India – a quasi experimental study. BMC Public Health. 2019 May 2;19(1):489.