I am an assistant professor at Amity University Punjab, Mohali, and a molecular biologist with expertise in genome editing. Having invested 15 years studying and genetically manipulating microbes, I aim at building an enterprise, managed solely by women to meet the growing demands of affordable healthcare in India. My PhD research under the guidance of Prof. Alok K Mondal at CSIR-Institute of Microbial technology, Chandigarh, was focused on studying anti-fungal drug targets in human fungal pathogens, and deciphering mode of action of phenylpyrrole fungicides with the aim of using them against human fungal infections. As a postdoctoral fellow I contributed significantly towards the development of India’s first engineered lignocellulolytic enzyme technology under the mentorship of Dr. Syed Shams Yazdani, at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. I secured two postdoctoral fellowships (N-PDF, and WOS-A) during my postdoctoral tenure and three international travel grants each from DST, and DBT India. With the help of DST funded project, I have started a research group focusing on developing sustainable microbial technologies. My struggles have made me more empathetic, compassionate, and supportive of women’s needs at work, and I strive to make it a welcoming environment for women in STEM.
