Purba Gupta
Graduate Student, The Portman Lab
You work in a lab. What are you currently researching?
I am looking at the genetic architecture of natural variation in sex-specific behaviors in the nematode, C. elegans.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in Biology?
So many forms of life. The diversity of different life forms has always amazed me. Various forms of life are not only co-existing but also interacting with each other and the environment in a very simple yet elegant manner. This is what initially got me interested in Biology.
What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?
The R in U of R. I find Rochester to be a nice mid-sized town with a lot to do and proximity to some amazing places. I’ve learned to embrace the change of seasons, including the harsh yet beautiful winters which were alien to me before coming here--That’s apart from the fact that it affords the opportunity to interact and work with a very vibrant and inter-disciplinary research community.
What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned working here and/or studying Biology?
I have started learning and appreciating the interdisciplinary approaches that are driving biological research at present.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
I love exploring the outdoors. Rochester offers very scenic retreats in and around the town, and a variety of activities to explore like hiking, river rafting etc.