Ishita Hiremath

Montreal, QC, H3W 2P9

Phone: 438-939-4250

Hey There!

I’m Ishita Hiremath, a second-year M.Eng Thesis student in Biology and Biomedical Engineering at McGill University, currently working under the mentorship of Prof. Caroline Wagner,BGH Lab. My Master’s research has been a thrilling exploration of virus-like particles in mucus, where I’ve developed models to simulate their transport using principles of viscoelasticity and binding interactions. I am particularly excited about trying to integrate machine learning with my models to enhance their accuracy and applicability — an approach quite distinct from my primary field—into my studies.

This fall 2024, I will begin my Ph.D. at the BGH Lab, where I plan to delve deeper into the fascinating world of mucus biology using microfluidic chips. Prof. Wagner’s willingness to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries inspires me, as it resonates with my belief in the power of interdisciplinary approaches and robust collaboration for groundbreaking research.

Currently, I am diving into the techniques of culturing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and exploring how these skills can enhance my research capabilities, thanks to Dr. Luv Srivastav.

Presenting my research at major conferences in Canada—delivering oral presentations — has been among the highlights of my academic career so far, reinforcing my passion for science communication. As an avid debater and orator, these experiences have not only enhanced my presentation skills but have also deepened my enjoyment of the scientific dialogue.

As I look toward my Ph.D., I am eager to explore innovative technologies such as organ-on-chip and advanced microfluidics, aiming to use machine learning as tools, if need be, to pioneer solutions redefining our approach to biomedical challenges.

News

Sep 1, 2024	Started my PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Jun 2, 2024	Will start working on iPSC’s - I am so excited!
May 22, 2024	Gave a talk at the ‘9th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Canada’
May 10, 2024	I am finally trained on making my own microfluidic!!!!
Jan 5, 2024	TA for BIEN 414 - Fundamentals and Rheology of Biological Fluids, Winter 2024
Aug 2, 2023	TA for BIEN314 Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems 1, Fall 2023
Sep 18, 2022	Started My Graduate studies at McGill Univerisity Under Prof. Caroline Wagner
May 22, 2022	Defended my Undergraduate Thesis and Graduated!
Mar 12, 2022	Received a MITACS Graduate Fellowship, awarded to only 200 applicants globally, for my graduate studies with a stipend of 15,000 CAD.
Feb 28, 2022	Recieved Offer lettes from Cornell University for Masters in Bioengineering!
Jan 10, 2022	Joined industry during my final term at Reckitt Benckiser to identify gaps in industrial research that academia could fill.
Jan 2, 2022	Recieved Offer Letter for Masters in Biology and Biomedical Engineering from McGill University (Funded)!!!
Dec 22, 2021	Recieved Offer lettes from UCSD for Masters with Fast-Tracking into PhD Bioengineering
Dec 13, 2021	Began my undergraduate thesis project on developing stimuli-responsive scaffolds for wound healing.
Aug 12, 2021	Pursued my research interest in epigenetics as a causative agent in cancer at Purdue University.
Aug 8, 2021	Started my Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Fellowship on Nanomedicine Formulations, Focusing on Drug Loading and Delivery Capacities. My first Independent Research Project!
Jun 1, 2021	Recieved the Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Fellowship!
Apr 1, 2021	Started my Intern at Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laval as a MITACS Intern
Nov 30, 2020	Selected as a MITACS Globalink Research Intern for Summer 2021 from top 1,500 global applicants!
Aug 1, 2020	Started as an Undergraduate Researcher at National University of Singapore (NUS) on Signaling Pathways and Cancer
Jun 30, 2019	Realised that love Bioengineering and decided to take up research work!!!
Jul 1, 2018	Started my Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra India in Bioengineering and Biotechnology!
Jun 24, 2000	I am born a cancerian!

My Vision in Biological Engineering

As a to-be PhD student deeply engaged in bioengineering research, I am continually inspired by the vast possibilities that emerge at the intersection of biology and engineering. My academic journey has spanned pharmacology, bioinformatics, and biomaterials, revealing the transformative potential of applying engineering principles not only within healthcare but also across other critical sectors such as energy, environmental sustainability, and beyond.
Biomaterials hold a special place in my research and intellectual curiosity. These materials are not just pivotal in advancing medical science; they also present unique opportunities to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the inherent capabilities of biological systems, biomaterials can offer sustainable solutions that extend far beyond the conventional boundaries of medicine.
Looking ahead, I am driven by a vision to lead and innovate in the field of biological engineering. My goal is to catalyze the transition of biological concepts into real-world applications that enhance not just healthcare but also sectors like energy and environmental sustainability. As I advance in my career, I am committed to being at the forefront of this exciting field, shaping its future and contributing to a more sustainable and healthier world.

Publication

2022

The multidimensional role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies

Ishita S Hiremath, Arul Goel, Sudha Warrier, and 3 more authors

Journal of Cellular Physiology 2022

Abs Bib

Several signaling pathways have been identified as important for developmental processes. One of such important cascades is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which can regulate various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration; while its dysregulation is implicated in several pathological conditions especially cancers. Interestingly, deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to be closely associated with initiation, progression, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and drug resistance in human malignancies. Moreover, several genetic and experimental models support the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to answer the key issues related to cancer development. The present review focuses on different regulators of Wnt pathway and how distinct mutations, deletion, and amplification in these regulators could possibly play an essential role in the development of several cancers such as colorectal, melanoma, breast, lung, and leukemia. Additionally, we also provide insights on diverse classes of inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which are currently in preclinical and clinical trial against different cancers.
@article{hiremath2022multidimensional, title = {The multidimensional role of the Wnt/$\beta$-catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies}, teaser = {Pub1.png}, author = {Hiremath, Ishita S and Goel, Arul and Warrier, Sudha and Kumar, Alan Prem and Sethi, Gautam and Garg, Manoj}, journal = {Journal of Cellular Physiology}, volume = {237}, number = {1}, pages = {199--238}, year = {2022}, publisher = {Wiley Online Library} }

Past Research Experience

Research Groups:

Biofluids and Global Health Lab, McGill University
Sintim Research Group, Purdue University
Bio-Nanotechnology Lab, Indian Academy of Sciences
Calmettes Lab, Université INRS – Laval
Cancer Pharmacology Lab, National University of Singapore(NUS)
Structural Biology and Protein Engineering Lab, IIT Roorkee

Research Interests:

Biomaterials
Cellular Biology
Simulations
Epigenetics and Pharmacology

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