What’s your background?
I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal but grew up in the greater Toronto area for most of my life. I then moved to Kingston, ON to pursue my BSc. in Biology at Queen’s University where I completed my honours thesis in plant immunology. Soon after, I went on to finish my MSc. In Biology from McGill University in Montreal where my research thesis was focused on pregnancy and placental development in mice.
Why science?
Science for me is a field with endless puzzles and questions that are waiting to be solved! I am an individual who not only wants to find answers to how things work on a biological level, but also make a positive impact in some way or form within the scientific community. Finding the answers to various research questions can be a satisfying feeling, but the adventure on getting there is even more exciting.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in research?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to try different research areas in science. The earlier you are exposed to various research opportunities from your classes, volunteering in academic labs, working in summer internships, etc., the better you become in gaining key skills in the field. Research has its “good days and bad months”, so its important to stay driven and to keep growing.
What do you like to do for leisure?
When I am not in the lab, you can find me either trying out new nature trails in the area, checking out the newest cuisine in Toronto, gaming away on League of Legends, and/or spending some quality time with my friends and family. I also enjoy my time gardening in the summer and tending to my various plants at home.
Any song or book recommendations?
The Secret Daughter by Shilpa Somaya Gowda - You might want to have a box of tissues close by.
If someone were to make a movie about your life, what would the title be?
The Confessions of a Plant Mom: You can never have too many