I completed my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), where my scientific journey truly began. IITR shaped both my intellectual foundation and research mindset through a mix of rigorous coursework, lab training, and field-based research experiences. The curriculum grounded me in genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and bioprocess engineering, while a steady stream of lab rotations and project work trained me to ask precise questions and design reproducible experiments.
My research career was launched during the final years of my undergrad through hands-on work in the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery Laboratory under Dr. Naveen Navani and Dr. Ranjana Pathania. Over two years, I worked on multiple interdisciplinary projects focused on bioremediation, environmental microbiology, and antibiotic resistance.
The main project during my undergraduate research was the bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soil using Pseudomonas sp. RPT 52, a soil isolate that could degrade three chemically distinct pesticides (imidacloprid, endosulfan, and coragen). The study reported rapid degradation in minimal media, reduced toxicity of the parent compounds after breakdown, and successful degradation in soil microcosm experiments—evidence that a single bacterial strain could remediate multiple pesticide classes. We published these findings in Journal of Hazardous Materials.
- Institute Silver Medal for Best Bachelor's Project (2014) for my undergraduate thesis on antibiotic resistance genes in pesticide-impacted soils.
- First peer‑reviewed publication from the bioremediation work on *Pseudomonas* sp. RPT 52.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of Hydrology on groundwater bioremediation modeling.
These experiences nurtured my early fascination with molecular evolution, microbial adaptation, and data-driven biological inquiry—interests that would eventually guide me into genomics and bioinformatics. They also introduced me to practical skills I still rely on today: aseptic technique, microbial culturing, PCR/qPCR, basic bioinformatics, and critical evaluation of environmental datasets.
Beyond academics, IITR was where I developed a deep appreciation for exploration—both scientific and personal. Proximity to the Himalayas led to unforgettable adventures in Rishikesh, white-water rafting, and long-distance motorbike trips. The energy, rigor, and creativity of that time continue to influence how I think and work today.