I am a scientist committed to studying the regulation of gene expression and its impact on human disease phenotypes by integrating methods from statistical genetics, computational biology, and functional genomics. Before joining the Sohal Lab, I trained under Dr. Andrea Kasinski at Purdue University, delineating the functions of circular RNA in cancer progression, and completed my Ph.D. under Dr. Peristera Paschou, where my work focused on identifying genetically-regulated gene expression changes in Tourette syndrome and myasthenia gravis. I then acquired postdoctoral training at the Won Lab at UNC Chapel Hill, centered on functional genomics and using Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRA) to study genetic variant-driven gene expression changes in neuronal diseases.

I am excited to join Dr. Sohal’s lab and bring my functional genomics background to uncover new mechanisms of tumor-microenvironment communication and advance personalized-therapy modalities. Alongside my research, I am passionate about mentoring and training future scientists. I look forward to supporting students in the lab as they develop their own research skills and interests.

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing cricket and pickleball.

I am an aspiring biomedical researcher with a strong interest in understanding cancer molecular mechanisms and translating these discoveries into therapies that improve patient outcomes. I have a BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences and an MPhil in Molecular Biology, which have given me training in both clinical and basic research. My long-term goal is to bridge these areas by translating basic cancer biology into patient-centered therapeutic strategies.

I am excited to join Dr. Sohal’s lab because his work on exploring intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of cell-to-cell communication in cancer closely aligns with my research interests and the potential to uncover targetable pathways that can be leveraged for innovative cancer therapies. I am eager to contribute to and grow within such a rigorous and impactful research environment.

Outside the lab, I enjoy movies and anime, gaming, cooking, music, and engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations which continually fuel my curiosity and passion for scientific inquiry.

I was born in Punjab, India, and ever since I was five years old, I’ve dreamt of becoming a doctor. That dream has shaped not only my academic path at UNT, but also the way I approach learning and teaching. I work as a Lead Tutor at the Learning Center and a Peer-Led Team Learning Leader for Human Anatomy and Physiology and these roles have allowed me to guide other students while strengthening my own understanding in the process.

I’m especially excited to join the Sohal Lab because it gives me the chance to explore research hands-on and see how the science I’ve studied in class will play out in the lab. For me, this is an important step toward combining my love of science with my long-term goal of practicing medicine. Beyond academics, I enjoy dancing, traveling, and spending time with my family.