Raised in a small town in Southern India, Sankari is the first in her family to earn an advanced degree and the first woman to earn a doctoral degree from her graduate school. Because of her life experience, Sankari has a heart for students navigating their own barriers as they pursue a career in science.

“I owe much of who I am today to the mentors who shaped my journey,” said Sankari. “Their support extended beyond simply giving me the chance to do research—they ensured that I could truly thrive as a scientist.”

In addition to working in a facility with state-of-the-art technology and support staff, Sankari believes that the Stowers Graduate School is unique because of the opportunities students have for mentorship.

“It is truly what sets Stowers apart from other programs,” Sankari said. “With fewer administrative obligations, most mentors maintain an open-door policy, making them readily available for guidance and in-depth discussions.”

In Sankari’s lab, her focus is on uncovering the mysteries of symbiosis in the plant kingdom, where plants and microbes find mutually beneficial ways of supporting each other’s health and growth.

She believes that scientists in her lab can accomplish their work through similar mutually beneficial relationships. For Sankari, that is an essential part of becoming a great scientist.

“I now feel a deep commitment to passing this legacy on to the next generation,” said Sankari. “While many can excel in doing science, the true measure lies in the kindness and generosity with which they mentor others. Learn more about the Sankari Lab here.

If you’re ready to pursue big questions in biology and learn alongside world-class scientists and mentors, applications for the Stowers Ph.D. program are now open. Apply here.