Education

• PhD (Comparative Biomedical Sciences), Oklahoma State University
• MS, Devi Ahilya University, India
• BS, MATS University, India

Bio

I was born and raised in India and completed my Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences at Oklahoma State University, under the mentorship of Dr. Joy Scaria. My doctoral research focused on understanding the distinct ecological and functional roles of core and low-abundant human gut microbiota using defined bacterial consortia in germ-free mouse models. 

My growing interest in the intersection of host-microbe interactions and immune-mediated diseases led me to join Dr. Shailesh Shahi's lab at the University of Iowa, where I now study the role of the gut microbiome in the context of multiple sclerosis and inflammatory autoimmunity. 

Prior to my Ph.D., I completed a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, where I developed a strong foundation in host-pathogen biology, microbial ecology, and immunological techniques. 

Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, playing outdoor sports, and watching movies and anime.