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SMT. INDRANI BALAN SCIENCE ACTIVITY CENTRE
SMT. INDRANI BALAN SCIENCE ACTIVITY CENTRE
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (IISER) PUNE
Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune: 411008, INDIA
Team Members
Prof. Devapriya Chattopadhyay
Earth and Climate Science Faculty and Principal Investigator, Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Dr. Devapriya Chattopadhyay is a Professor at IISER Pune, with extensive experience in palaeontology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Her research focuses on understanding how marine organisms respond to their physical and biological environments across ecological and evolutionary timescales. She uses shelled molluscs as model organisms, combining fossil studies, underwater observations, laboratory experiments, and statistical modelling to explore marine ecosystems and their evolution. Passionate about teaching, research, and science communication, Dr. Chattopadhyay enjoys connecting with students and the wider public to share the fascinating history of life and our changing environments.
Mr. Ashok Rupner
Senior Technical Officer at Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Mr. Ashok Rupner, with a master's degree in Physics and a B.Ed, has been at the forefront of popularizing science activities among students, teachers, and the general public for the past 28 years. As the Senior Technical Officer at the Science Activity Centre at IISER Pune, he is deeply passionate about making STEM education accessible and engaging through hands-on activities. His extensive experience in the outreach field has made him a pivotal figure in inspiring a love for math and science across diverse audiences. Mr. Rupner's dedication to education is evident in his innovative approach to creating interactive learning experiences, his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts understandably, and his ongoing efforts to mentor educators and students alike.
Mr. Ankish Tirpude
Technical Assistant at Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Mr. Ankish Turpitude serves as a Technical Officer and has completed his master's degree in Physics. His academic background and technical expertise contribute significantly to the STEMReady project. Ankish is dedicated to supporting innovative educational activities and ensuring the smooth operation of technical aspects within the project.
Dr. Chaitanya Mungi
Project Manager, STEM Ready Project at Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Dr. Chaitanya Mungi completed his Ph.D. from IISER Pune in the field of Astrobiology. As part of his research, he discovered a novel mechanism for the non-enzymatic polymerization of DNA & RNA and which chemicals & conditions may have played a crucial role in the origin of life on Earth. After completing his Ph.D., he joined Smt. Indrani Balan Science Activity Centre in 2017 and has been conducting hands-on education workshops since then. He was a part of several teacher training projects and currently leads the STEM Ready Project. He is passionate about developing new interdisciplinary activities, STEM tinkering models, and gardening
Mr. Sarvesh Gorivale
Teaching Associate and STEM Educator, Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Mr. Sarvesh Gorivale holds a Master's degree in Environmental Science from Sir Parshurambhau College, Pune, graduating with a commendable 9.4 CGPA. Currently serving as a Teaching Associate and STEM education facilitator with the STEM Ready project, Sarvesh is pivotal in organizing and conducting teacher and student training workshops. These workshops emphasize developing 21st-century tinkering skills, aiming to inspire educators and learners.
In addition to his work in STEM education, Sarvesh is a passionate naturalist with extensive expertise in wildlife and biodiversity. He regularly leads nature walks, teaching students about the rich diversity of local ecosystems and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. His wildlife knowledge enhances his educational approach, offering students unique, hands-on learning experiences that bridge STEM and environmental science.
Ms. Pranjali Sohani
Teaching Assistant and STEM Educator, Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
Ms. Pranjali Sohani is currently working as a Teaching Assistant under the STEM Ready project at IISER Pune, where she contributes to strengthening hands-on STEM learning in schools across the aspirational districts of Maharashtra. Her role involves conducting teacher training programmes focused on low-cost, hands-on STEM activities, tinkering, and activity-based learning. She also engages directly with students through STEM education sessions, science outreach programmes, and exposure visits to IISER Pune.
With over five years of experience in education, science outreach, and science communication, she brings a strong background in engaging learners through innovative approaches to science education. Prior to joining IISER Pune, she worked as a Science Communicator at the Centre for Science Education and Communication, University of Pune, conducting science communication and outreach activities. She also worked as a Physics Teacher for three years, helping high school students develop a strong conceptual understanding of science.
Mr. Amol Deshmukh
Administrative Assistant at Science Activity Centre IISER Pune [April 2025 - till date]
Multiskilled Assistant at Science Activity Centre IISER Pune [November 2022 - March 2025]
Mr. Amol Deshmukh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (International Business) and is a Cost and Management Accounting (CMA Inter) professional. As an Administrative Assistant for the STEM Ready project, he plays a key role in managing and coordinating the administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical aspects of project activities. He coordinates end-to-end arrangements for workshops and outreach programmes, including travel, accommodation, venues, catering, manpower, procurement, and vendor management, while also handling project budgets, expenditure, bills, invoices, payments, and financial documentation.
Amol works closely with various Institute departments and external stakeholders, including government departments, educational institutions, schools, funding agencies, and vendors, to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities. He also manages project records, official correspondence, approvals, reports, ERP/Tally entries, utilization records, and audit-related documentation, while coordinating support staff and monitoring project timelines and budgets. His strong organizational and administrative skills contribute significantly to the efficient and timely execution of the STEM Ready initiative.
Past Members
Mrs. Tejal Vyas-Mungi
Project Associate and STEM Educator, Science Activity Centre IISER Pune
[October 2022 - June 2025]
Tejal Vyas holds a master's degree in Environmental Science, graduating with a stellar CGPA of 9.4. In her role, she actively participated in conducting teacher training and student workshops, striving to empower educators and learners with innovative teaching methodologies. As a STEM Educator, Tejal's primary responsibility involved designing engaging and relevant STEM tinkering content tailored to school teachers, ensuring alignment with their curriculum. Beyond her passion for education, she is also a skilled science illustrator, designing cover pages for science journal publications, scientific posters, brochures, flyers, and websites. Her multifaceted talents and dedication made her a valuable asset to the STEMReady project and the broader educational community.
Ms. Hritika Kakade
Intern
Hritika Kakade is a driven and skilled professional with a B.Tech in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from VIIT College, Pune. With hands-on experience in automation, IoT, embedded processors, and VLSI, she has honed her technical expertise and practical knowledge. Hritika is passionate about science and committed to outreach, eagerly sharing her insights and contributing to the advancement of technology. Her dedication to promoting STEM education and her enthusiasm for technological innovation make her an invaluable member of the STEM Ready team.
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