Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Senior Project Manager, Forum Bhanushali!
Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Senior Project Manager, Forum Bhanushali!
By Emmanuel Nwodo
Forum Bhanushali, MS
Forum Bhanushali, MS is a Senior Project Manager at Massachusetts General Hospital for PETAL Consortium. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at SIES College in Mumbai.She also holds two master’s degrees–one in Biochemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University and the other in Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University. She previously was a Clinical Biomarkers Intern at Moderna.
Forum Bhanushali, MS is a Senior Project Manager at Massachusetts General Hospital for PETAL Consortium. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at SIES College in Mumbai.She also holds two master’s degrees–one in Biochemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University and the other in Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University. She previously was a Clinical Biomarkers Intern at Moderna.
In this Q&A, meet Forum Bhanushali, PETAL Consortium’s Senior Project Manager!
In this Q&A, meet Forum Bhanushali, PETAL Consortium’s Senior Project Manager!
In this Q&A, meet Forum Bhanushali, PETAL Consortium’s Senior Project Manager!
What inspired you to go into medical research?
What inspired you to go into medical research?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by science, but in India,there’s often an assumption that studying science means becoming a doctor or an engineer. After high school, I was trying to decide whether to go into medicine or explore other scientific avenues. I knew there were other meaningful paths, so I began exploring life sciences. I decided to take courses in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Those studies gave me a strong scientific foundation and a deep appreciation for how research directly translates into better treatments for patients. That curiosity naturally evolved into an interest in clinical research and the real-world application of scientific discoveries.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by science, but in India,there’s often an assumption that studying science means becoming a doctor or an engineer. After high school, I was trying to decide whether to go into medicine or explore other scientific avenues. I knew there were other meaningful paths, so I began exploring life sciences. I decided to take courses in microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Those studies gave me a strong scientific foundation and a deep appreciation for how research directly translates into better treatments for patients. That curiosity naturally evolved into an interest in clinical research and the real-world application of scientific discoveries.
When did you know you wanted to be a project manager?
When did you know you wanted to be a project manager?
My first master’s in molecular biology gave me technical depth, but I wanted to understand the bigger picture of how different parts of a clinical trial come together. I started my career in data management and analysis, which allowed me to collaborate across multiple teams. That experience helped me realize that I wanted to lead the coordination and execution side of researchto see projects through from conception to completion.
To build on that, I pursued a master’s in regulatory affairs to understand how trials are designed, approved, and governed globally. Over time, I found that project management perfectly combined my scientific background, regulatory knowledge, and organizational skills.
My first master’s in molecular biology gave me technical depth, but I wanted to understand the bigger picture of how different parts of a clinical trial come together. I started my career in data management and analysis, which allowed me to collaborate across multiple teams. That experience helped me realize that I wanted to lead the coordination and execution side of researchto see projects through from conception to completion.
To build on that, I pursued a master’s in regulatory affairs to understand how trials are designed, approved, and governed globally. Over time, I found that project management perfectly combined my scientific background, regulatory knowledge, and organizational skills.
What drew you to PETAL Consortium?
What drew you to PETAL Consortium?
When I first learned about PETAL, I was immediately drawn to its multidisciplinary approach, bringing together genomic data, clinical research, artificial intelligence, and biobanking to tackle rare T-cell and natural killer-cell lymphomas. In my interview with Salvia, she explained how PETAL’s work pushes the boundaries of what clinical research can achieve, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Rare disease research has always been close to my heart. During my regulatory affairs program, I learned how challenging rare disease trials can be–small patient populations, complex protocols, and unique regulatory hurdles. I remember thinking, “If I ever get the chance, I want to contribute to a study that’s making an impact in that space.” PETAL gave me that opportunity.
When I first learned about PETAL, I was immediately drawn to its multidisciplinary approach, bringing together genomic data, clinical research, artificial intelligence, and biobanking to tackle rare T-cell and natural killer-cell lymphomas. In my interview with Salvia, she explained how PETAL’s work pushes the boundaries of what clinical research can achieve, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Rare disease research has always been close to my heart. During my regulatory affairs program, I learned how challenging rare disease trials can be–small patient populations, complex protocols, and unique regulatory hurdles. I remember thinking, “If I ever get the chance, I want to contribute to a study that’s making an impact in that space.” PETAL gave me that opportunity.
How does your background in regulatory affairs play into your role at PETAL?
How does your background in regulatory affairs play into your role at PETAL?
When I studied regulatory affairs, I gained a deeper understanding of how important regulationsare for ensuringclinical trials are being conducted in compliance with all the global ethical and regulatory standards. PETAL operates across multiple countries, each with its own regulations, ethics committees, and review timelines. My training in regulatory affairs helped me map out frameworks that align with both local and international standards,ensuring compliance while keeping the study moving efficiently.
When I studied regulatory affairs, I gained a deeper understanding of how important regulationsare for ensuringclinical trials are being conducted in compliance with all the global ethical and regulatory standards. PETAL operates across multiple countries, each with its own regulations, ethics committees, and review timelines. My training in regulatory affairs helped me map out frameworks that align with both local and international standards, ensuring compliance while keeping the study moving efficiently.
When I studied regulatory affairs, I gained a deeper understanding of how important regulationsare for ensuringclinical trials are being conducted in compliance with all the global ethical and regulatory standards. PETAL operates across multiple countries, each with its own regulations, ethics committees, and review timelines. My training in regulatory affairs helped me map out frameworks that align with both local and international standards, ensuring compliance while keeping the study moving efficiently.
What does a day-in-your-life at PETAL Consortium look like?
What does a day-in-your-life at PETAL Consortium look like?
My day begins early, connecting with teams across multiple time zones to align PETAL’s operations between our US and international sites. I oversee the Consortium’s global clinical, regulatory, and operational activities ensuring that each participating site advances seamlessly through activation, enrollment, and data collection while maintaining the highest institutional and ethical standards.
The first part of my day often involves strategic coordination which includes reviewing study progress, site metrics, and activation timelines, and troubleshooting any operational or logistical bottlenecks. I work closely with investigators, clinical coordinators, and regulatory teams to streamline workflows and align site-level activities with PETAL’s scientific and governance goals.
Much of my afternoon is dedicated to cross-functional collaboration. From troubleshooting site challenges to refining documentation and timelines, partnering with our genomics and central pathology teams to track sample processing, data integration, and quality control, while also managing communications with vendors and collaborators for project deliverables, agreements, and payments. I also contribute to developing procedural frameworks that support PETAL’s infrastructure covering biobanking, genomics, monitoring, data oversight, and global site performance.
No two days are the same, but each day is a balance of strategy and precision–advancing a complex, multinational study while fostering collaboration and operational excellence. PETAL’s mission is deeply personal to me: building a framework that transforms how rare cancers are studied, so no patient with T-cell lymphoma is ever left behind.
My day begins early, connecting with teams across multiple time zones to align PETAL’s operations between our US and international sites. I oversee the Consortium’s global clinical, regulatory, and operational activities ensuring that each participating site advances seamlessly through activation, enrollment, and data collection while maintaining the highest institutional and ethical standards.
The first part of my day often involves strategic coordination which includes reviewing study progress, site metrics, and activation timelines, and troubleshooting any operational or logistical bottlenecks. I work closely with investigators, clinical coordinators, and regulatory teams to streamline workflows and align site-level activities with PETAL’s scientific and governance goals.
Much of my afternoon is dedicated to cross-functional collaboration. From troubleshooting site challenges to refining documentation and timelines, partnering with our genomics and central pathology teams to track sample processing, data integration, and quality control, while also managing communications with vendors and collaborators for project deliverables, agreements, and payments. I also contribute to developing procedural frameworks that support PETAL’s infrastructure covering biobanking, genomics, monitoring, data oversight, and global site performance.
No two days are the same, but each day is a balance of strategy and precision–advancing a complex, multinational study while fostering collaboration and operational excellence. PETAL’s mission is deeply personal to me: building a framework that transforms how rare cancers are studied, so no patient with T-cell lymphoma is ever left behind.
Any interests/hobbies?
Any interests/hobbies?
I really enjoy painting. I mostly do abstract art like cubism. I also like to hike and sing.
I really enjoy painting. I mostly do abstract art like cubism. I also like to hike and sing.
Dream vacation destination?
Dream vacation destination?
Definitely Iceland. It is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. I would love to experience the surreal landscapesand see a few active volcanos at least once in my lifetime!
Definitely Iceland. It is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. I would love to experience the surreal landscapesand see a few active volcanos at least once in my lifetime!
Favorite meal?
Favorite meal?
My go-to comfort meal is a south Indian dish called dosa. I love it with masala, sambar, and some chutney on the side. That combination is just perfect for me.
My go-to comfort meal is a south Indian dish called dosa. I love it with masala, sambar, and some chutney on the side. That combination is just perfect for me.
Favorite TV shows/movies?
Favorite TV shows/movies?
For TV, I’d say The Office. For movies, I’d go with Inception.
For TV, I’d say The Office. For movies, I’d go with Inception.
Any pets?
Back home in India, my family has three four-year-old rescue dogs named Pluto, Simba,
and Gattu (pictured on the right with me)!
Any pets?
Back home in India, my family has three four-year-old rescue dogs named Pluto, Simba, and Gattu (pictured on the right with me)!
Any pets?
Back home in India, my family has three four-year-old rescue dogs named Pluto, Simba, and Gattu (pictured on the right with me)!
Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?
Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?
Sunflowers 🌻
Sunflowers 🌻
For Healthcare Professionals
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
For Healthcare Professionals
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved
For Healthcare Professionals
@2025 PETAL Consortium • All rights reserved