Hi-I am Utkarsh, Postdoctoral Fellow in Praveen’s lab. I received my Bachelors in Biotechnology from VIT University and completed Masters (2014) and PhD (2019) in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. During my PhD, I worked on cross-linker free sodium alginate and gelatin hydrogels and identified the role of plasticizers and monovalent salts in modifying the physical properties of these gels. The study focused on designing an ideal material that could encapsulate and release the drug at a controlled rate in the absence of chemical cross-linkers or modifications. Inspired from hydrogels I also explored a couple of natural materials like soya nuggets and cardamom husk and transformed them in drug cargos. I also received the Gandhian young technological innovation award (GYTI 2016) for my research on soya nuggets. In Praveen’s lab, I aim to develop a novel suture-less technology to combat intestinal anastomosis leaks. Anastomosis leaks remain one of the most dangerous complications of intestinal surgery. The project aims at designing a nano-fibrous patch with encapsulated agents that can aid the healing process of the anastomosis. Apart from my research, I love to play and watch cricket.