What do you consider your hometown?
I consider my hometown to be Nagaon, a small town renowned for its black tea in the lush state of Assam, in northeastern India.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
I earned my undergraduate degree in biotechnology from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. The program provided a broad foundation across diverse fields, including cell and molecular biology, human physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology, ultimately culminating in my bachelor's thesis.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
I chose Dartmouth because the tight-knit community and collaborative environment within the molecular and cellular biology department aligned with my research and career goals. The location of labs within the hospital was also a significant draw for me, given my strong interest in biomedical research and also the fact that we could do three rotations before deciding our fit. The rigorous academic structure of Dartmouth was an added bonus since we strengthen our theoretical foundation of biology in our first year.
What is your area of research and what inspired your research?
I am working in the field of immunology, focusing on mechanisms of chronic kidney disease in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis (CF). This project builds on our preliminary study where we detected signs of early kidney injury in people with CF. As people with CF are living longer, there has been an increasing incidence of chronic extra-pulmonary manifestations. My research aims to understand how immunologic changes in the kidney lead to chronic kidney disease in a mouse model of CF.
Our team is collaborating with researchers and clinicians from the University of Virginia and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to test the hypothesis in different models of CF. Our research aims to define novel mechanisms that lead to renal disease in CF kidneys and ultimately identify druggable pathways to manage renal complications in people with CF.
I am fortunate to work in a very supportive lab, and my supervisor, Dr. Skopelja-Gardner, always encourages me to think of the big picture and develop innovative, creative approaches to address my research questions.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Outside the lab, I love walking on trails in the Upper Valley, going for long drives, exploring new towns, and checking out local breweries. One of my favorite towns to visit in New Hampshire is Portsmouth. I look forward to catching the fall foliage every year up here. I also like to cook and try new recipes, mostly Asian food.
What inspired you to get involved with the Graduate Student Council (GSC)?
I served as the social co-chair during the 2023-24 academic year and absolutely loved the experience of organizing and hosting social events for graduate students, especially hearing the positive feedback from people who attended. While I truly enjoy planning events, I wanted to take on a more leadership and managerial role this time, serving as a liaison between the administration and graduate students of Dartmouth. This led me to step up as the president of the graduate student council for 2024-25.
I want to continue advocating for grad student concerns such as housing, having more graduate student spaces across campus, and a better integration of the graduate student body within the larger Dartmouth community, to name a few.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to stay open to opportunities and actively engage with your fellow students, both academically and socially. You'll often see the same faces at these events, which helps build a close-knit community—ideal for collaboration and making lasting friendships.
I highly recommend attending GSC events—they're an excellent way to connect, unwind, and have some fun. Also, don't miss out on enjoying the outdoors here; you may not experience a quiet place like this again after your graduate studies. Finally, remember to prioritize your mental health—take breaks when things get intense and don't hesitate to lean on your friends for support.
What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?
One of my favorite activities in the Hanover area is hanging out with friends at Ramunto's for pizza and beer—it's a great way to unwind and enjoy the company of my friends. I am a huge fan of their buffalo chicken slices. I also love spending time on the Green, lying down, and taking in the sights and sounds around me. Another favorite activity is catching movie screenings at the HOP, which is one of the perks of being at Dartmouth, even in a small town.
