Top image (photo credit): Grammy award-winning photographer Melanie Futorian
WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE!
I am a neuroscientist and Bharatanatyam dancer, passionate about relieving suffering through the sciences and the arts.
I have always been fascinated by the brain as the organ that controls all that we sense, feel, and do. During my work at a spay-and-neuter shelter in Ahmedabad where I used to observe my beloved dogs, cats, monkeys, owls, and raptors, this fascination took an even more keen form which led me to pursue graduate studies in neuroscience. For my Ph.D. and postdoctoral work, I examined neuronal circuits that lead to the generation and propagation of epileptic seizures. Wanting to use my scientific training for more direct public impact, I worked with adults and children with refractory epilepsy to develop better therapeutic strategies. This work led to the approval of cannabidiol (CBD) for certain epilepsy syndromes. In the recent past, I’ve realized the positive impact that science and effective science communication can have, and the critical need for science geared towards public good. It is also clear to me that I have an obligation to use my scientific training for direct public impact. To do this, I work with collaborators in India and the US in the areas of mental health and substance abuse (including the use of arts and dance to promote positive mental health), aging and palliative care, and neurological disorders. I have a track record of excellence in projects spanning major pharmaceutical clients, non-profit organizations, and academia.
I am also an award-winning Bharatanatyam performer and practitioner and believe that the arts have a critical role to play in society. As a practitioner of dance and science, I have created productions that explore the many points of convergence between dance and neuroscience. Here is a demonstration where I talk about my experiences as a practitioner of dance and science. I am passionate about using Bharatanatyam to facilitate creative aging, and have been awarded fellowships to use dance for community service, the most recent one being Su-Casa by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) - a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers. Here is more about my work using Bharatanatyam for healing and creative aging.
Contact me to collaborate or chat here!
I am also an award-winning Bharatanatyam performer and practitioner and believe that the arts have a critical role to play in society. As a practitioner of dance and science, I have created productions that explore the many points of convergence between dance and neuroscience. Here is a demonstration where I talk about my experiences as a practitioner of dance and science. I am passionate about using Bharatanatyam to facilitate creative aging, and have been awarded fellowships to use dance for community service, the most recent one being Su-Casa by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) - a community arts engagement program that places artists and organizations at senior centers. Here is more about my work using Bharatanatyam for healing and creative aging.
Contact me to collaborate or chat here!
NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Science
International Science consultant
Science advocate who has met with Congressional representatives and staffers to support neuroscience research.
(Former) Program director at The Bronx Community Foundation.
- Scientist and project manager with extensive experience in basic and clinical research (more here).
- Science consultant for Citizens' United for Research in Epilepsy, Pallium India, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Pallium India, Sangath, and others.
- (Past) Associate Medical Director at Phase Five Communications.
- Course Scientist (Neuroscience, Evolution) at The American Museum of Natural History.
- Developed curriculum and taught neuroscience and forensic science to students in grades 6 to 9 at the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF).
Science advocate who has met with Congressional representatives and staffers to support neuroscience research.
(Former) Program director at The Bronx Community Foundation.
Dance
- Award-winning Bharatanatyam practitioner and performer with more than 20 years of experience in India and the United States.
- Extensive teaching experience.
- Creating the foundation for Bharatanatyam for creative aging.
- Curating a production that explores the convergence between neuroscience and Bharatanatyam.
