Ph.D. (Zoology)

I am an Assistant Professor in Pollinator Health and Apiculture at the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University. I also hold a Courtesy Faculty position at Oregon State University. I specialize in bee physiology, bee nutrition, bee molecular ecology, bee neuroethology, and bee toxicology. I employ various interdisciplinary research techniques such as multiomics (mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics), molecular biology, pollination biology and apicultural practices to address my current research questions in the bee model system. I am also keen to explore the physiology and behavioral ecology of other bee species. I teach courses on honey bee biology and beekeeping at MSU.

I enjoy mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Previously I was a Post Doc at Dr. Ramesh Sagili’s Honey Bee Lab at Oregon State University, USA. I obtained my Ph.D. from the Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, India. I was also a Newton-Bhaba Fellow at the Institute of Neuroscience in Newcastle University, UK. I look forward to bringing positivity and helping diverse communities through my work. My outreach and extension efforts reflect my commitment towards our various stakeholders and the scientific community. I am currently serving as the Physiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology section representative and Vice Chair of the Early Career Professional Committee of the Entomological Society of America and I chair the Standout ECP Series committee on Entomology Today. I am also the Secretary and Treasurer of the American Association of Professional Apiculturists.