Biography

I am driven to work at the intersection of science and business to translate scientific breakthroughs into commercial technologies that improve healthcare, mitigate/reverse climate change, and revolutionize digital electronics.

I leverage my experiences as a nanomaterials researcher, science communicator, and community leader to innovate, engage, and collaborate across these sectors.

Innovate.

As a Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science and Engineering in the Hersam research group at Northwestern University, I design nanomaterials-based electronic devices that overcome the limitations of rigid silicon-based electronics.

My expertise is in formulating and printing nanomaterials inks to fabricate a variety of electronic devices, including transistors, photodetectors, and sensors.

I am most proud of my work on graphene-based biosensors, which can be used to detect proteins and small molecules and even COVID-19.



Engage.

My technical expertise is supplemented by my ability to communicate science to a variety of audiences.

I enjoy leveraging a number of mediums to convey a story, including narrative writing, graphic design, animation, and presentation.

I have won several poster and presentation competitions for crafting engaging and approachable stories about my graphene biosensor research.

Collaborate.

I am always taking on new projects and finding ways to improve my community. Developing and executing a vision is an exciting process for me, and I enjoy working with teams to bring that vision to life.

At work, I’ve led a variety of initiatives to make our lab spaces safer, more inclusive, and more productive. I have served on the boards of campus chapters of American Vacuum Society, Materials Research Society, Society of Women Engineers, and American Institute of Chemical Engineers with the goal of improving my peers’ academic, professional, and social experiences.

In 2016, I put together a team of 30+ volunteers to produce a philanthropic dance competition called Laasya, the proceeds of which were donated to Asha for Education.




Education

I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science and Engineering with High Honors from UC Berkeley in 2016. I was a Regents’ and Chancellors’ Scholar during my undergraduate years. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. During my graduate studies, I have pursued a variety of nontraditional professional development opportunities, including a Certificate in Management for Scientists and Engineers from the Kellogg Business School, a Fellowship at the Northwestern Center for Leadership, writing coursework through the Medill School of Journalism, industrial design coursework through the Segal Design Institute, and medical technology entrepreneurship coursework through the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship. In 2022, I completed a Venture Capital Fellowship with Fusion Fund.

I am also a semi-professional dancer in Chicago who teaches, choreographs, and performs at community, corporate, and family events. I trained for 8 years in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, and competed at the collegiate level for 3 years.