Balaram Vishnu Subramani

As a Research Associate in the Tamil Nadu Household Panel Survey (TNHPS) (Funded by Govt. of Tamil Nadu, hosted by MIDS), I was part of the analytical team, deriving socioeconomic insights from 20,380 households in all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. Given my mathematical background, I was given the responsibility of defining the statistical structure for the multi-stage sampling approach adopted by TNHPS, i.e., the weighting procedure and subsequent adjustments based on field-realities. Additionally, I had presented socioeconomic findings derived from analysis of the vast data that TNHPS collects, ranging from consumption expenditure and social capital, to sanitation and welfare.

As a part of the BEST (Bio-Engineering Summer Training) program, under the guidance of a PhD student, we studied the molecular network dynamics responsible for EMP (Epithelial - Mesenchymal Plasticity) in the context of cancer metastasis using purely computational methods.

• A comparison between deterministic and stochastic simulations was done (with external aid)
• An underlying network principle that gives rise to EMP was determined
• Co-author in 2 published papers based on my work

The systems biology lab helped me learn a multitude of analytical techniques, greatly improved my computer program writing skills, and cemented my interest in mathematical modelling.

Internship in the Theory of Neural Dynamics Lab, a computational neuroscience lab headed by Dr. Tatjana Tchumatchenko at MPI-BR, Frankfurt. As a result of COVID-19, the visit to the institute was cancelled and the project was continued through online means.

• Exploring the molecular dynamics of axoplasmic proteins and mRNAs in synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation through a mathematical modelling framework

Previously employed at the Centre for Society and Policy, IISc, where we performed quantitative analysis of the impact COVID-19 had on the informal labour sector in Bengaluru. Additionally, I had collaborated with AkshayPatra and NITI Aayog to design a survey for assessing the nutritional and socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on secondary school children in Karnataka.

ResearchMatters is an Indian platform that is focused on creating content that digests complex scientific publications into write-ups that are intelligible to the general public.

(1) Addressing the groundwater crisis in South India

(2) Subsidised foods may lead to complications in nutrition and growth

(3) Could lessons in controlling Kala-Azar guide our response to other diseases?

(4) Hybrid treatment systems- A solution to India's dying waters

(5) Super-emmiters on the road - A need for a comprehensive review of vehicular regulations

Founder and previous editor-in-chief of Exhibit A, the official monthly science newsletter of IISER Trivandrum.

• Recruited and led a team of 19 members
• It is a successful venture which has over 300 readers every month
• Invited a speaker to conduct a talk on science-journalism.

An annual science magazine run by the student communities of the 7 IISERs, IISc, NISER and CEBS

We aim to promote science communication at all levels and provide our writers with a truly unprecedented national audience.

Coordinated a COVID Vaccination centre for 3 months, helping over 12000 individuals gain access to both types of the COVID vaccine, free of cost.