I am a biophysicist working on understanding how cells function using concepts of physics and engineering tools.
My research is centered around understanding the role of bio-membranes in defining cell shape, movement and adaptations to extreme environments.
Understanding membrane function has applications in building artificial cells, self propelled nano robotic systems and drug delivery. My research is devoted to exploring these adjacencies using artificial bio-molecules called soft materials.
Development of an artificial cell needs understanding of the origins of real cells at the first place. Self propulsion, healing and compartmentalization leading to specificity and preservation of genetic information form the basis of a living system. I design experiments to understand the origins of life with focus on how chemical gradients would have influenced compartmentalization and segregation of molecules.
A significant amount of these studies involve understanding Active matter. Active matter consists of large numbers of active agents, each of which are self driven by consuming energy and yet taken together bring large scale changes that are coordinated. Flocks of birds, school of fishes are some of the common examples of active matter. Cells consists of large number of smaller active matter that work independently and yet bring about a cohesive large scale change such as movement, shape change, division etc. More on Active matter coming soon.
FOR COMPANIES, ORGANIZATIONS
I enjoy developing experimental designs, build instruments, Graphical User Interfaces, algorithms to address scientific challenges. Some of the analysis algorithms, downloadable GUIs image analysis using MATLAB and LABVIEW can be found here.
FOR SCHOOLS, COMMUNITIES, MEDIA
Communicating science to a wider audience, encouraging women to take up STEM and making education affordable has been my long standing passion. If any of these connects with you, please feel free to get in touch. I will be excited to be a part of your endeavors! A list of my outreach activities and affiliations can be found here.
FUNDRAISING STEM IN INDIA
Education for all is a cause worth working for. There should not be a reason for why women is not in STEM, why primary education is not for everyone? As a part of STEM Foundation, India we are working towards closing skill gap and providing education at the grassroots level. To support STEM Foundation, I am creating a fundraising event and would love you to please check back and help us providing better education to the younger generation.