What was the path to your current role?
My undergraduate teachers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali provided me with skills, hope, and freedom to be myself. My master’s thesis advisor took me under her wing and helped me realize my academic potential.
I then pursued my PhD at the University of Tübingen in Germany. I focused on cell division plane orientation in Arabidopsis thaliana, using single-molecule biophysics and in planta imaging to decipher how plants utilize these motor proteins to align their division plane.
Finally, my interest in morphogenesis, biomechanics, and zebrafish led me to the HMS Department of Systems Biology as a postdoc fellow in Sean Megason’s lab.
What experience has shaped your time at HMS?
Mental health has been a struggle through the pandemic. I’ve been fortunate to have a support system — my PI, lab colleagues, the department, and the HMS community — that has helped tremendously.
As chair of the Harvard Medical Postdoc Association (HMPA), it has been my privilege to start initiatives that drive dialogue and policy reforms to retain postdocs and early career researchers, especially those from historically marginalized groups. The HMPA has connected me with outstanding postdocs, faculty, staff, and other leaders at Harvard who share my commitment to making necessary changes in our academic system.
What are your favorite persons, places, or things around the HMS campus?
I love sunsets over Gordon Hall, the HMS Quad, Countway Cuddles, Countway Café (special shoutout to barista Clara for making the café so welcoming), and the Systems Biology Happy Hour (Fridays at 4 p.m. if anyone wants to swing by).