Assistant Professor of Biology

BS Biochemistry, AVN College, India 

MS Biotechnology, Andhra University, India

Ph.D. Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Subject area(s): General Biology, Human Genetics and Non-Majors Biology

 

What made you decide to specialize in Biology?

I was fascinated by science from a very young age. I decided to follow my interest and majored in biology in my high school. I completed my bachelor’s in biochemistry and went on to pursue a master’s degree in biotechnology. I gravitated towards research during my master’s, and I decided to pursue a doctoral degree. This brought me to the United States from India, and I got my Ph.D in biology from Baylor University in Texas.

What was your favorite course in college and why?

My favorite course in college was biotechnology. The late 1990s and early 2000s were exciting with lot of breakthroughs like the cloning of Dolly (the sheep) and the human genome project. What was once considered science fiction started to become reality in our lifetime.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

It is satisfying when students enjoy a particular lab and learn something new. I love introducing new topics and lab techniques to students that were only done in research facilities.

What advice would you give current students or prospective students?

Follow your passion and try to get into a field that you love. If you find a particular subject hard, persist and don’t give up. College is an excellent place to build a good network for a good career and make friends.

What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a career in Biology?

Students can choose to go into teaching or research. The path to any career in science requires critical thinking and application.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with my daughter and watching tennis, cricket and movies.