I am a biologist from Tamil Nadu, India, currently residing in Hong Kong. I developed appreciation for the beauty and organization of micro and nanostructures in various biological hard tissues during my PhD as well as acquired the skill set required to study them. My current research area  includes multiscale (macro to nano) soft and hard tissue characterization and biomineralisation. I combine several material characterization techniques to study soft and hard tissues (from oysters, sharks) for conservation tool development, biomimetics and just for the fun of it! I also love combining molecular biology approaches with material science techniques in my research. To learn more about my research, read my scientific publications. 

 

        After completing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biotechnology from Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, I moved to Hong Kong for pursuing my PhD research at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong in 2016 and have been residing/working in Hong Kong ever since. Currently, I am working as a post-doctoral researcher at Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong.

 

On top of my full time job as a scientist, during my free time, I make Tamil science communication videos in YouTube  @thetamilscientist  and share my lifestyle and funtimes in the lab in Instagram @thetamilscientist to inspire next generation (especially young girls) to pursue science as a career. I am passionate about communicating science, especially in my native language - Tamil, to rural audience of Tamil Nadu (India), who are often left out in the process of science communication due to socio economic background. I aim to debunk myths and pseudo-science by communicating science and scientific consensus especially in the area of my expertise - Biological Sciences. I envision transforming this webpage to an exclusive science (biology) communication page/ brand for Tamil audience in the future.

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As a mother of a toddler, I also advocate for making STEMM research areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) inclusive for mothers and caregivers by working as a part of the leadership team of Mothers in Science, a grassroots global nonprofit organisation. 

 

Check my CV if you are looking forward to working with me!