1. Dr. Mrunal Ghag-Sawant

M.V.Sc (Animal Reproduction), CCLAS, PGDM-OM Scientific Officer, Department of Zoonosis and Toxicology.
Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant is a veterinarian currently serving as Head and Scientific Officer, Department of Zoonosis and Toxicology. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) and a Master's Degree (M.V.Sc.) from Mumbai Veterinary College under MAFSU, Nagpur.
She is an accomplished researcher with expertise in toxicology, venom biology and various animal disease modelling, conducting multidisciplinary research on vector-borne diseases, reproductive toxicity, and pharmaceutical testing including GLP-compliant preclinical studies.
She has demonstrated academic excellence by qualifying for the FELASA certificate course and became a “Certified Laboratory Animal Scientist” in 2016. She is also a recognized guide for M.Sc. Mumbai University (Applied Biology).
Ongoing Research Projects:
1. To Study the interplay of oxidative Stress, Tissue Damage and Immunological Effects of Viperidae Venom in Mice - Team: Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Student - Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant. Guide/Mentor - Dr. Sandeepan Mukherjee.
2. Effect of Russell's viper venom on cyclicity and Hormonal perturbation in Adult Female rat: Evaluating possible endocrine dysfunction. Team: Dr. Mrunal Ghag Sawant, Mrs. Swati Mumbarkar, Mrs. Meenal Mulkutkar, Dr. Vikas Dighe.
Email ID – toxicology@haffkineinstitute.org, mrunal@haffkineinstitute.org

2. Mrs. Swati U. Mumbarkar

Scientific officer (II), Department of Toxicology B.Sc., D.M.L.T.
Mrs. Swati Mumbarkar is currently serving as Scientific Officer (II). She joined Haffkine Institute on 7th July 2008 and has extensive experience in toxicology and laboratory animal research.
Her skills include:
- Laboratory Animal Handling
- Conducting in vivo studies and managing complex toxicity research
- Maintaining records per ISO standards
- Animal cell culture techniques
- Workshop coordination and training
She manages the Zebra Fish facility and conducts in vivo toxicity studies on small laboratory animals.
Email: toxicology@haffkineinstitute.org, swati@haffkineinstitute.org
Ongoing Research Project:
1. Effect of Russell's viper venom on cyclicity and Hormonal perturbation in Adult Female rat.

3. Mrs. Meenal S. Mulkutkar

Senior Technical Assistant, Department of Toxicology B.Sc., D.M.L.T., M.B.A.
Mrs. Meenal Mulkutkar has over a decade of experience in microbiology, clinical pathology, virology, and toxicology. She handles laboratory animals and conducts toxicity assessments, operates the zebra fish facility, and participates in training programs.
Email: toxicology@haffkineinstitute.org
Ongoing Research Project:
1. Effect of Russell's viper venom on cyclicity and Hormonal perturbation in Adult Female rat.

4. Mr. Mahesh M. Gaonkar

Post: Laboratory Attendant Qualification: 9th pass.
Mr. Gaonkar joined Haffkine Institute in 2000 and serves in Department of Toxicology as Laboratory Attendant. He handles, maintains & manages small laboratory animals and zebra fish, supporting multiple laboratory operations.

6. PUBLICATIONS

1. Mathen C., Ghag Sawant M. and Gupta R. Evaluation of potential application of Wharton’s Jelly-derived Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and its Conditioned Media for Dermal Regeneration using Rat Wound Healing model Cells Tissues Organs.10.1159/000513895, March 2021