Research Administrators Driving Ashoka University’s Research Ecosystem Forward

Gunisha Dhawan
M.Sc. Clinical Microbiology from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK

Gunisha manages scholar management at RDO. She oversees research projects, ensuring compliance with academic standards and funding agency guidelines. Her role includes budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation for PhD programs, while ensuring proper completion of formalities during PhD tenures. Working closely with PIs, she ensures that resource allocation is compliant with funding agencies. Gunisha’s experience has deepened her understanding of university operations and strengthened her expertise in research management.

Dr. Hemansi
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, India

Hemansi manages the Research Infrastructure Management vertical at RDO, overseeing post-award processes, facilitating collaborations, and procurement for intra- and extramural projects. She recently added patent management to her responsibilities, streamlining applications to protect innovative research. She received an IRMI travel award to attend the 2024 EARMA conference, gaining insights into EU research administration. She finds great purpose in helping researchers navigate complex administrative landscapes, aligning them with resources to achieve their goals. Her vision is to create a seamless, innovative research ecosystem at Ashoka, enhancing infrastructure, promoting intellectual property, and fostering global collaborations while implementing best practices in biosecurity and risk management.

Mukul Layak
M.Com.

Mukul handles post-award grant management and events at RDO. He manages intramural and extramural grants, ensuring financial reconciliation, reporting, and compliance. His responsibilities include updating sanction orders, expenses, and maintaining purchase records across platforms. Through his efforts in streamlining processes and ensuring compliance, he contributes to the effective management and growth of Ashoka’s research ecosystem.

Pankaj Chhabra
MBA (Finance) and CA (Inter)

Pankaj recently transitioned from Ashoka’s Finance team to RDO. He is involved in post-grant management, budgeting, reconciliation and finalisation of UCs, and also serves as the nodal officer for UGC and CSIR, ensuring support for PhD students supported by these agencies. Pankaj’s goal is to bridge the gap between Finance and RDO, delivering real-time grant financial data to improve research financial management.

Dr. Rajat Srivastava
Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, India

Rajat’s role encompasses streamlining grant submissions, maintaining comprehensive databases, and overseeing the entire lifecycle of research personnel. He manages the hiring of students and staff, prepares contracts, and handles all aspects of the manpower process. His vision in scholar management is to foster a supportive and efficient environment for researchers, ensuring they have the resources and structure they need to succeed in their projects.

Dr Shruti Shrivastava
Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India

Shruti handles grants management, scholar management, research publications, agreements, and policy implementation. She recognizes that research management in higher education is a specialised field, and her research background has been instrumental in her success. As the global research ecosystem evolves, she sees advanced training in research management and strategic planning as essential for the field’s growth and looks forward to further advancing her career. She is also the recipient of an IRMI travel award, which she used to attend the 2024 EARMA conference. Shruti looks forward to continuing her contribution to the evolving landscape of research administration.

Dr. Sidhartha Bhattacharyya
Ph.D. in Geology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA

Sidhartha supports Ashoka faculty and departments with research facility setup, maintenance, and operations. He manages lab purchases, coordinates requisitions, and liaises with the Project and Maintenance team on infrastructure, equipment management and lab safety. Looking ahead, he plans to organise and participate in technical meetings with faculty and vendors to procure advanced equipment. He also aims to host vendor roadshows on campus to strengthen collaborations with Ashoka University.

Dr. Yukti Arora
Ph.D. in Material Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India

Yukti oversees academic communication efforts at Ashoka and her work is crucial in strengthening Ashoka’s research ecosystem by ensuring that research outputs are effectively communicated and recognized beyond academic circles. She plays a key role in coordinating between the Research, Business and Development, Outreach, and Media Offices, facilitating outreach, fundraising, and partnership-building initiatives. Her contributions have been instrumental in the conceptualization and execution of various communication and public engagement initiatives.