Tithi Mandal

My project focuses on understanding the mechanics of tissues during the complex process of morphogenesis, which refers to the development of an organism's shape and structure. Specifically, I aim to study how mechanical forces and tensions are generated, maintained, and transmitted across cells at the multicellular level. A key aspect of my research will involve developing and employing quantitative methods to measure long-range multicellular forces and tensions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the collective behaviour of cells during tissue formation and development. Additionally, I will explore how these mechanical interactions contribute to the overall structure, function, and stability of developing tissues, shedding light on the dynamic and coordinated forces that shape organisms at the multicellular scale.

I joined the Roux Lab as a post-doctoral fellow in July 2024, where I am excited to continue expanding my research in the field of tissue mechanics and mechanobiology. Prior to this, I completed my Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Bidisha Sinha at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata), India. During my doctoral studies, I focused on understanding the intricate relationship between spatial and temporal regulation of mechanical tension during the process of endocytosis. My research aimed to uncover how cells regulate tension over time and space to enable efficient endocytic mechanisms, which are crucial for cellular functions. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Calcutta, India. I further pursued a Master’s degree in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India.