Lincoln, Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska Lincoln?
I have a bachelor’s and master's in botany with a specialization in advanced cell biology. Post graduation, I started my doctorate at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata (IISER-Kol), India in biological sciences specializing in molecular plant pathology. Following my doctorate, I shifted gears from plant pathogens to insects and started delving deeper into understanding the role of Calcium nucleotide gated channels and their regulators upon pest attack in plants at National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, India with Dr. Jyothilakshmi Vadassery.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am currently recruited as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Entomology, where I started my journey with Dr. Joe Louis, working on understanding and delineating the mysteries of molecular plant-insect interaction, with specific interest in unraveling the regulators of the phenylpropanoid pathway.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Opportunity drew me to the university. While I was interviewing at several locations and organizations across the globe for an international postdoctoral experience, my interaction with my present supervisor motivated me to take up this job offer, and it has been rewarding to work here with respect to growth in multiple dimensions.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I find the diversity of learning styles and interests among individuals in an educational setting quite fascinating. It is also fulfilling to nurture your skills for the development of stress-resilient crops to help farmers be more productive and profitable. It is equally rewarding to mentor young research enthusiasts to discover new ideas and assist them in nurturing their understanding of science.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
There was a rough patch in my doctoral journey when I was emotionally and mentally devastated, to the extent of giving up my research career. But God has been extremely kind and empathetic with the great bunch of people who helped me to stand up back, and I am again there in the long run. So, I request everyone to give it another try even if you are sick of it. Maybe this time you will enjoy it.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Most people think of me to be nerdy, but I am not. Rather I am an extremely fun-loving person. Although, I might need some time to gear up until I get you as one of my cohorts!
What is your life like outside of work?
Life outside of work is mostly food and travel. I love to eat good food and have a great passion for traveling. The goal of my life is to work hard, eat hard and travel hard. I also love gardening, listening to soft music, and painting a times. Also, spending time with family is what I admire as my quality time.