Exploring the structure behind scientific discovery

I am a research scientist studying brain health using multimodal imaging. I combine light and electron microscopy to understand proteins that cause neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Previously, I studied neuromodulators like dopamine and serotonin in decision-making, and, during my PhD, I investigated how stroke alters the coupling between neural activity and blood flow. I became fascinated by scientific progress after discovering Hans Rosling’s Ignorance Project, which sparked my interest in how science advances and why. I am particularly interested in understanding the structures, environments, and individuals that shape scientific discovery.

Probably dreaming about data

I grew up in Bangalore, India, and have made my way to Madison, Wisconsin by way of Cleveland, Boston, and Seattle. I love hiking and spending time at the zoo with my husband and daughter. I have been chased by elephants, not once but twice, during jungle safaris in southern India, yet I dream of spending a year as a forest naturalist. I also love working with my hands: when I’m not building microscopes in the lab, I’m carving intricate designs in wood with my scroll saw.