School of Arts and Sciences

Year of Joining: 2022

Dissertation Advisor: Subhash Rajpuorhit

Research Interests: Evolutionary Physiology, Chemical Ecology

My research focuses on the adaptive dynamics of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in Drosophila, exploring how these essential traits vary across spatial and temporal scales. I investigate the evolution of CHC profiles in response to high and low temperatures (emulating environmental fluctuations). By analysing CHC composition across altitudinal gradients, seasonal changes, and experimental evolution setups, I aim to understand the selective pressures shaping these traits. My work integrates chemical ecology and evolutionary physiology to reveal the role of CHCs in thermal adaptation and desiccation resistance, providing insights into how insects respond to environmental challenges. My research focuses on the adaptive dynamics of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in Drosophila, exploring how these essential traits vary across spatial and temporal scales. I investigate the evolution of CHC profiles in response to high and low temperatures (emulating environmental fluctuations). By analysing CHC composition across altitudinal gradients, seasonal changes, and experimental evolution setups, I aim to understand the selective pressures shaping these traits. My work integrates chemical ecology and evolutionary physiology to reveal the role of CHCs in thermal adaptation and desiccation resistance, providing insights into how insects respond to environmental challenges.