Namrata is a PhD student in the Cardiovascular Inflammation and Redox Biology laboratory at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, where her research focuses on how macrophage metabolic reprogramming contributes to diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Before commencing her PhD, she spent several years working in various preclinical research organisations, contributing to drug discovery programs focused on diabetic complications. This experience developed her interest in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying disease progression and how these mechanisms can be targeted therapeutically, ultimately motivating her transition from industry into academic research.
Her current research investigates how metabolic and inflammatory reprogramming of macrophages contributes to vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis under diabetic conditions. A particular focus of her work is the immunometabolite itaconate and its potential to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation through the Nrf2–NLRP3 axis. She is also investigating how itaconate influences macrophage lipid metabolism and lipid remodeling in the diabetic vascular environment. By integrating immunometabolism, inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, and lipidomics, her research aims to better understand the mechanisms linking diabetes to accelerated atherosclerosis and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophage metabolism to reduce cardiovascular complications.
Achievements
- La Trobe Full Fee Research Scholarship (LTUFFRS) (2025)
- Graduate Research Stipend Scholarship (LTGRS) (2025)
Awards
- Australian Atherosclerosis Society (AAS) Trust Travel grant (2026)
- Best Student Poster Award, 5th Baker symposium (2025)
- AAS-ASM Travel grant (2025)
- Business Achievement Award for extraordinary high-quality work at Syngene Int. Ltd. (2024)
- SPOT award for developing niche technique at Syngene Int. Ltd. (2023)
