Anushka Vashishth

My journey in the BITS-RMIT Academy programme started as a PhD candidate from the Epigenetic Research Laboratory of Prof.Balaram Ghosh in the Department of Pharmacy at BITS and went on to continue in the lab of Dr Subashani Maniam at the Department of Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science at RMIT

I work at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and neuroscience to design and develop novel spiro-oxindole-based compounds with potential therapeutic relevance for Alzheimer’s disease. My research combines synthetic chemistry, analytical characterisation, and neurobiological assays to develop target-specific drugs for this disease.

My first year at the lush, green, and serene campus of BITS Pilani Hyderabad prepared me academically and helped me establish clear research objectives with strong support and structure before transitioning overseas to RMIT in my second year. A move, especially to a new country, is always challenging. There is an emotional turmoil which comes when you leave friends and family and travel to a strange place, but I feel lucky to have the support of my amazing supervisor at RMIT. Sue has truly been my unpaid therapist whenever I felt low and her entire research group welcomed me with open arms for which I am very grateful. Learning chemistry at first was a challenge as I had a background in Pharmacology, but the technical staff at RMIT helped immensely while navigating through all the problems. Building 3 at RMIT, in my opinion, houses some of the best humans and I found a second home in Melbourne with all of them. I have always admired India for its rich culture, and at RMIT, I found that this blend of immersive academic training, cross-cultural understanding, and exposure to world-class facilities broadened my horizons and shaped me not just as a researcher but as a global scholar.

Female BITS-RMIT academy PhD candidate holding a small glass containing a red solution inside a research laboratory settings.

“The BITS-RMIT dual degree PhD program offers the best of both worlds, and I have been incredibly lucky to be a part of this adventurous journey. In addition to availing the advantage of some of the best research labs, the cross-border connections I made with peers and experts at RMIT has truly been a highlight of my PhD. The opportunity to learn at two of the best Universities globally prepares us to face challenges and enhances our learning experience towards future goals. It is a treat to see this program growing each year with more students and I look forward to a thriving BITS-RMIT alumni community in research.”

– Anushka Vashishth, PhD Candidate, BITS-RMIT Cotutelle PhD Program

Alongside my lab work, I got the opportunity to present parts of my research at international scientific forums, including the Tau Global Conference 2025 in London – a key meeting for researchers in tau biology and therapeutics – and other Alzheimer’s/dementia research symposia, which have enriched my perspectives and network within the neurodegeneration research community. I also got the chance to serve as an HDR representative for the BITS-RMIT candidates in the School of Science, which has helped me make lifelong connections with peers from many different backgrounds. These experiences, paired with strong interdisciplinary supervision and access to BITS and RMIT’s research infrastructure, continue to shape my development as an emerging researcher aiming to contribute meaningfully toward translational solutions for neurodegenerative disorders.

I believe that the BITS-RMIT Academy is an excellent environment for anyone seeking to begin their research journey, offering holistic development through world-class academic training, international exposure, and access to truly global research opportunities.