GAYATHRI R
Ph.D. Student
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RESEARCH INTERESTS Being a native of Palakkad, Kerala, and having close proximity to the Western Ghats, I always had an appreciation for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. I have been passionate about wildlife, biodiversity, ecological interactions and animal behavior. It fanned the flame of my passion for pursuing a career in ecology-based research. I have worked as an Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Fellow in Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), as part of a team studying the diversity of ants in northeastern Indian forests. It also involved a small study on the behaviour of Solenopsis geminata ants. The interdisciplinary nature of my Masters degree in Systems Biology led me to explore questions in computational biology as well. My final year project aimed at investigating the role of RNA modifiers in intra and inter RNA-RNA interactions. Currently, my research focuses on the intersection of disease ecology and biogeography, specifically investigating the biogeographical and ecological structuring of Avian Hemosporidian parasites. Infection from these parasites, especially Plasmodium (which causes Avian Malaria) and Haemoproteus, affects a wide range of bird species globally. I am investigating how host species ecology, particularly patterns of population distribution, and geographic factors interact to shape parasite assemblages, while also assessing the physiological impacts of parasitic infections on hosts. Projects Involved: Avian Malaria PERSONAL AND OTHER INTERESTS
I am an ardent enthusiast of classical music, dance, and traditional art forms, primarily as an appreciative observer rather than a performer. I have a strong appreciation for literature and also enjoy staying informed about contemporary affairs, as they help me remain connected to the world beyond my immediate academic interests. I particularly cherish spending quiet time alone, which allows me to reflect and recharge. Though not a voracious reader, I enjoy setting aside time to read both fiction and non-fiction, appreciating the insights and perspectives. 
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