What is your current research focus?

I am currently investigating the development and regeneration of hair cells in vertebrates.

Hair cells are specialized sensory cells that convert movement into electrical signals. We have hair cells too, found in our inner ear. They help us hear and maintain balance.

But when human hair cells are damaged or die, they don’t grow back. If we can learn how some animals, such as zebrafish, regenerate these cells — the knowledge could one day help us too.

Growing up, what career did you want to pursue?

I didn’t have a single, fixed career in mind growing up. I spent a lot of my time playing cricket in India, and I loved the discipline, teamwork, and focus it demanded. Looking back, I’m sometimes surprised that I didn’t pursue something connected to the sport — but those same traits eventually drew me toward science!

When and how did you become interested in a career in science?

An Indian TV show, “Shaktimaan,” sparked my initial interest in science. In the show, a villain, Dr. Jackal, would conduct different scientific experiments to tackle the protagonist, Shaktimaan.

Years later during grad school, I was first exposed to lab experiments. I enjoyed the process of having fun, challenging ideas, and testing them on different biological systems. I was amazed by the fact that although nearly all organisms start as a single cell, each species develops differently. Even today, when I see a developing embryo, I get overwhelmed with the same thought!