BUA Institution

Humboldt Universität Berlin

Description of Research

I study how fishing-induced selection impacts fish brain, behaviour and cognition, and what consequences can these changes have on survival in the wild. 

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

India and Germany

Why Berlin?

I did not choose Berlin per se but chose the research group that hosted me initially. I received a postdoctoral fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt foundation in 2019 to work in my current research group at Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Berlin. After the fellowship tenure, I continued to work as a postdoc in the same group but have been affiliated with the Excellenzcluster Science of Intelligence that is hosted by the BUA.

What fascinates you about your research area?

That evolution can be studied in lab (experimental evolution) is fascinating to me.

What major short-term goal are you currently working towards with your research?

In my group, we are planning to publish a big paper and if we succeed, it will be a stepping stone in my career. 

How did you become interested in your specific topic?

It just happened. I was always interested in animal behaviour and so I ended up doing a PhD in fish behaviour and ecology. My current research that uses experimental evolution had actually opened a new world for me. My interests shifted from studying behaviour to behavioural evolution in the Anthropocene. 

What did you want to be when you grow up?

Teacher

What is something surprising that people might not know about you?

I can speak 5 languages and I can sculpt using clay.

What would be the greatest professional achievement you could ever aspire to?

Short-term: a publication in Nature that can fetch me a professorship (a dream!).
Long-term: first big paper with me as a lab PI.

What do you wish you’d done differently in your career until now?

I wish I had done more interdisciplinary research during my PhD and developed my skills further. 

How does the academic culture in Berlin differ from the academic culture you are used to?

People in academia are more relaxed and there is a lot of funding for basic science research. 

Has Berlin had any surprises in store for you?

1. Extreme housing crisis to the extent that it is easy to find a job but not an apartment, and that the government is doing nothing about it.
2. Huge Indian community, with people from all across India and all festivals being celebrated in a grand way.