About me

Science is often written in data, but it is lived in people. My journey began in the birthtown of Coimbatore and threaded through the distinct rhythms of Hyderabad, Bombay, and Assam, eventually crossing oceans to find a home in Auburn University, Alabama, and the innovation hubs of South San Francisco. Along the way, I’ve learned that while books provide the blueprint, it is the culture and interactions with the people we meet that truly catalyze discovery.

• Where Curiosity Took Root

I grew up in Coimbatore, a city alive with ideas, industry, and a love for learning. Surrounded by nature and inspiring mentors, I devoured books and embraced questions that refused to be ignored. In high school, I pursued biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics—each lens revealing a different layer of life. Mathematics taught logic, physics the rules of nature, chemistry the building blocks, and biology the living tapestry woven from them. Biotechnology, emerging in 2012, felt like the perfect intersection of all these passions.

• Learning the Language of Science

At Kumaraguru College of Technology in Coimbatore, I discovered that science is not just knowledge—it’s practice, curiosity, and collaboration. I immersed myself in molecular and cell biology, complementing theory with hands-on internships at Bioline Laboratory, Coimbatore; Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor; Microcore Research Labs India (P) Ltd., Erode; Anthem Biosciences Limited, Bengaluru; Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad; and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Each place, from bustling labs to serene campuses, shaped how I observed, experimented, and thought. By the end of my undergrad, I knew I wanted a master’s to deepen my understanding and chart my path.

• Choosing Depth and Complexity

At IIT Guwahati, along the Brahmaputra river with hills and lakes that inspire reflection, I dove into viral immunology. Early thesis work revealed the invisible dance of viruses and host cells. Nights in the lab, conversations with mentors, and relentless curiosity taught me that immunology is about understanding the rules, exceptions, and nuances that govern life. By the end, I was certain: immunology would define my scientific journey.

• Becoming an Immunologist

In 2019, I crossed continents to Auburn University, Alabama, a heritage-rich campus perfect for focus and reflection. I explored HSV-1 ocular infections, learned animal handling, and witnessed the adaptability of immune cells. My thesis on IL-27 and IFN-lambda interactions deepened my mechanistic understanding. In a startup-style lab, I gained independence, contributed to grant-driven research, and mentored new students, embracing collaboration as a way to amplify science.

• Postdoctoral Research at UC Berkeley

At UC Berkeley, I joined as postdoctoral researcher in a vibrant, entrepreneurial atmosphere. I worked on autoimmune models—psoriasis and IBD—and contributed to obesity research, while learning cytokine engineering and how to target immune pathways therapeutically. Interacting with brilliant students and colleagues challenged my assumptions and sparked ideas. Industry visits in South San Francisco revealed how discoveries move from bench to bedside, reinforcing my drive to bridge rigorous science with translational impact. 

• Translating Discovery into Impact

Currently, I am immersed in the biotechnology industry, where each day is a journey from discovery to therapy. In South San Francisco, the cradle of modern biotech, I observe and contribute firsthand to transforming bold ideas into treatments that touch lives. The fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment shapes my work, showing me how foundational immunology can be scaled thoughtfully to meet patient needs. These experiences deepen my commitment to harnessing science not just for knowledge, but for meaningful, tangible impact.

• Looking Forward

From classrooms in Coimbatore to industry labs in South San Francisco, my compass remains clear: to use science for human health. I aim to develop therapies in immuno-oncology, autoimmunity, and viral diseases, while mentoring, collaborating, and sharing knowledge. My mission is simple yet ambitious—turn discovery into accessible, effective healthcare for all.