I was born in India and grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia. After finishing my graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, I had a year-long layover for a fellowship at the University of Maryland. I transferred to UVA in September 2006 to work in Dr. Okusa’s laboratory in Nephrology, in the area of acute kidney injury. My move to UVA was serendipitous; my query to Dr. Okusa asking about a fellowship position was sent the same week he learned his division was awarded a T32 training grant. As they say — the rest is history.
What excites you about your work?
Some people are creative and enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles; others on crosswords. I’m lucky in that my work brings me excitement and tests my creative side. My puzzles are trying to figure out how pieces of different aspects of science fit together to tell a story. Every day is unique and full of surprises.
How did you get interested in your current area of research?
My interest in kidney biology started during my graduate work at VCU. My current work still involves kidneys, but has evolved to include immunology.
Shearu and Harley
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
Taking care of my four-legged “boys,” Shearu and Harley. We spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the neighborhoods, trails, rivers and streams all over Charlottesville. They are my running partners and make going on adventures even more fun.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’d like to learn the ins and outs of flipping houses — or just renovating them. Older homes have so much personality and history; oftentimes they just need a facelift.
Who inspires you?
Hands down, my mom. She is my worst critic, pushes all my buttons, yet has a way of inspiring me to be better at being human.
Words to live by?
C’est la vie.
What about you would surprise us?
I am a pseudo-runner (don’t really train or run regularly). I have done seven half-marathons since 2010.
[Editor’s note: Pretty good for a pseudo-runner!]
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: Nephrology