Dr. Mukesh Nitin Interview
Dr. Mukesh Nitin is a scientist and bioinformatics expert specializing in genomics, computational biology, and AI applications in biological research. His work bridges advanced scientific innovation with real-world impact in agriculture, nutrition, and health.
Hello everyone, and thank you for having me. My name is Dr. Mukesh Nitin. I am a bioinformatics researcher with a deep-seated passion for using computational methods to solve some of the biggest challenges in food systems, crop improvement, and nutritional safety. With over 10+ years of pre and post PhD experience spanning both academia and industry, my work primarily revolves around Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), RNA-seq analysis, and developing AI-driven predictive models.
I've been fortunate to lead projects on an international scale, including postdoctoral work here in Turkey on an AI-based tool for predicting avian influenza risks, and a PhD fellowship in Greece as part of the EU Erasmus Mundus program. Beyond the research, I am equally passionate about teaching, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and building bridges between cutting-edge genomics and practical, real-world applications in the food industry.
Q. Being originally from Ranchi, Jharkhand, how did your early life shape your career aspirations and interest in science?
Growing up in Ranchi, I was always surrounded by the incredible biodiversity of Jharkhand. This early exposure, combined with my graduate in Environment & Water Management, gave me a profound appreciation for the intricate balance of natural ecosystems. However, I also saw firsthand the challenges related to agriculture, nutrition, and environmental health. This sparked a desire to not just observe nature, but to understand it at a fundamental, molecular level.
The aspiration to use science as a tool to solve local problems like improving crop resilience or understanding disease dynamics was a powerful motivator. It pushed me from the macro-level study of ecology to the micro-level world of genes and proteins, where I felt I could make a more direct and impactful contribution.
Q. Could you share your academic and professional journey from studying Biotechnology and Bioinformatics to becoming a scientist and data scientist working internationally?
Certainly. My journey has been a deliberate progression from understanding biological systems to mastering the computational tools needed to decode them. It started with my Masters in Bioinformatics at BIT Mesra, where I built a strong foundation in both biology and computer science. My Ph.D. at Jawaharlal Nehru University was the real turning point. I focused on genome-wide identification of non-coding RNAs in the Solanaceae family, which honed my skills in genomics and NGS data analysis.
Professionally, my path has been a blend of cutting-edge research and practical application. Early roles in India, like working with ICAR on soil biodiversity and plant pathology, gave me valuable experience in agricultural research. The EU Erasmus Mundus BRAVE Fellowship was a game-changer; it allowed me to work at the Agricultural University of Athens on plant-virus interactions, giving me a truly international research perspective. Upon returning to India, I took on the role of Scientist at Digianalix, where I bridged my academic background with industry needs, leading projects in metabolomics and NGS.
My current postdoctoral role in Turkey on the TUBITAK-funded FLU-Switch project is a culmination of all this. Here, I lead the AI/ML integration for the AIRA-Tool, applying data science directly to a pressing global health issue avian influenza. This journey from the lab bench to writing complex code and building AI models is what defines my career today.
Q. Despite having a successful career abroad, what inspired you to establish a Biotechnology and Bioinformatics institute/company in Ranchi, and what impact do you hope it will create for students in Jharkhand?
While I've had the privilege of working abroad, my roots in Ranchi, Jharkhand are a constant source of inspiration. During my time working there as a scientist, I observed a significant gap there was immense talent, but a lack of local opportunities and advanced training infrastructure in bioinformatics. Many bright students would have to leave the state to pursue their dreams. This inspired me to help establish Digianalix. My vision is to create a hub of excellence right in Jharkhand that makes high-quality education and research in bioinformatics and data science accessible. The impact I hope to create is threefold:
Empowerment: To equip students with the cutting-edge skills in NGS, AI/ML, Python, and R that are in high demand globally, so they are job-ready and can compete on the world stage without leaving their home state.
Also now new facilities of metabolomics, microbiology, Advanced analysis instrumentation in close collaboration to make students equip with current job and employment demands are also established at Digianalix, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
Many students trained there now working in top reputed organization in India and abroad like JNU, TMH Mumbai, Australia, Italy, Private companies etc.
Innovation: To foster a culture of local research and innovation that addresses regional challenges in agriculture, nutrition, and health.
Inspiration: To show students that a successful career in science is achievable from anywhere, and that they have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community. Digianalix is my small attempt to give back to the community that shaped my own early aspirations.
Q. How is Data Science and Artificial Intelligence transforming biological research today, and what skills should biotechnology students focus on to stay relevant in the future?
Data Science and AI are fundamentally changing the pace and scope of biological discovery. We are moving from a hypothesis-driven to a data-driven approach. For instance, in my current work, we are using machine learning to predict the risk of a low-pathogenic avian influenza strain becoming highly pathogenic. This is only possible because we can analyze vast genomic datasets in real-time and train models to recognize complex patterns. For biotechnology students, the future is interdisciplinary. They need to be T-shaped professionals with deep biological knowledge and broad computational skills. Key areas to focus on are:
Programming & Scripting: Proficiency in languages like Python and R is non-negotiable. These are the tools for data manipulation, analysis, and building models.
Genomics & NGS Data Analysis: Understanding how to process and interpret the massive amounts of data from sequencing technologies is a core skill.
Machine Learning & AI: A working knowledge of ML algorithms (like random forests, support vector machines, and neural networks) and how to apply them to biological problems like protein structure prediction or gene expression analysis.
Linux & High-Performance Computing (HPC): Most large-scale biological data is analyzed on high performance computing clusters, so familiarity with the Linux environment is essential. Domain
Knowledge: Finally, and most importantly, never lose sight of the biology. The best data scientist in biology is one who can ask the right biological questions and interpret the results in a meaningful context.
Q. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show, and why has it left a lasting impression on you?
One movie that has left a profound impression on me is The Matrix. On the surface, it’s a sci-fi action film, but its core theme resonates deeply with what I do. The idea that there is a complex, invisible code running beneath the surface of our reality a code that, once you understand it, can be used to see patterns, predict outcomes, and even reshape the world around you.
In a way, biological systems are like 'The Matrix' for a bioinformatician. The DNA sequences, the RNA transcripts, the complex protein interactions are the 'code' of life. Our job is to decode it, to understand the rules that govern it, and to use that knowledge to 'bend the rules' for the better to cure diseases, create more resilient crops, or prevent pandemics. It’s a constant reminder that the most profound challenges are often puzzles waiting to be solved, and that science gives us the tools to rewrite our own futures.
Interviewed by: Shristi Vishwakarma
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