Ruchika Kumari
IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, University of Hyderabad, Fergusson College
0000-0001-5152-0266
About
I am a postdoctoral researcher working with the Foiani group at IFOM ETS – The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy. I completed my PhD at the Autophagy Laboratory of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India.
During my doctoral research, I investigated how membrane trafficking pathways contribute to autophagosome formation by supplying both protein machinery and membrane sources. In particular, my work focused on the role of the evolutionarily conserved octameric tethering complex, the exocyst, in driving autophagosomal membrane expansion.
My research has led to a broader interest in the mechanistic understanding of cellular behavior across diverse microenvironments. I am especially interested in how cells utilize their dynamic endomembrane systems to sense and respond to mechanical stress. Given the critical role of mechanical forces in shaping cancer cell behavior, my work aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and to explore how these insights can inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
My research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, and mechanics.
Employment
-
IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Postdoctoral Researcher2026 - Present
-
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Provisional Research Asociate2025 - 2026
-
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research PhD Student2018 - 2025
Education
-
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research PhD2018 - 2025
-
University of Hyderabad Master of Science2016 - 2018
-
Fergusson College Bachelor of Science2013 - 2016
Projects & Funding
Projects & funding information is unavailable.