I received my B.S. in Biology from St. Joseph’s college (Brooklyn) in 2000. I have worked with both doctors and scientists since then and found research to be most appealing. For the last two and a half years I have been working as a lab technician at York College for Dr. Louis Levinger. I have been doing a lot of Biochemical experiments and learned much about tRNase Z, a tRNA 3’ end processing enzyme. At Columbia I would really like to take advantage of the lab rotations to explore some other areas of research, such as neurobiology and cell and molecular biology. At the moment, I am particularly interested in studying protein folding and modification because I think this type of research has great value in solving the mysteries of prions. Prions and prion related diseases intrigue me very much. I would also like to explore neuronal development and apoptotic death.

My family background is quite diverse. While relatives on my mother’s side of the family are involved in academia, my father’s side includes many musicians. Growing up in such a family enabled me to appreciate both science and arts. I have studied Indian classical dances and whenever I can find some time, I like to learn more and perform. I also like to hang out with friends enjoying the various types of cuisines, cultural events, museums and night-life that New York has to offer.