Top image (photo credit): Grammy award-winning photographer Melanie Futorian in Inwood, NYC
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 called the Animal Help Foundation, I used to observe my beloved dogs, cats, monkeys, owls, and raptors, and this fascination took a keener 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. Currently, I work in the areas of the epilepsies, palliative care, mental health, and homelessness. I am also a science educator, and share my love for science at the American Museum of Natural History and St. Joseph's University.
As an award-winning Bharatanatyam performer and practitioner, I have created productions that explore the points of convergence between dance and neuroscience. I am passionate about using Bharatanatyam to facilitate creative aging, and have been awarded fellowships and grants from organizations such as the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and the New York Public Library to bring creative aging to NYC's older adults!
As an award-winning Bharatanatyam performer and practitioner, I have created productions that explore the points of convergence between dance and neuroscience. I am passionate about using Bharatanatyam to facilitate creative aging, and have been awarded fellowships and grants from organizations such as the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and the New York Public Library to bring creative aging to NYC's older adults!
ON MY MIND..
Science
Doctoral and postdoctoral work in neuroscience (epilepsy)
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.
International Science consultant
- Scientist and project manager with extensive experience in basic and clinical research (more here).
- Science consultant for Citizens' United for Research in Epilepsy
- (Past) Associate Medical Director at Phase Five Communications.
- Course Scientist (Neuroscience, Evolution) at The American Museum of Natural History.
- Adjunct professor at St. Joseph's University.
Science advocate who has met with Congressional representatives and staffers to support neuroscience research.
(Former) Program director at The Bronx Community Foundation.
Dance
- Continuing my dance training with Nritya Kala Kendra, Ahmedabad with my gurus, music training with Smt. Nivedita Shivraj, and Sanskrit learning with Sri. Vasudeva at the Bhakti Center.
- Award-winning Bharatanatyam practitioner and performer with more than 25 years of experience in India and the United States.
- Creating the foundation for Bharatanatyam for creative aging.
- Curating works that explore the convergence between neuroscience and Bharatanatyam.
