Vamsi Kovelakuntla
Graduate Student, The Meyer Lab
You work in a laboratory. What are you currently researching?
I work in the Meyer lab. We use synthetic biology techniques to engineer bacteria to produce composite materials. We are also developing new methods to combine with 3D bioprinting to produce patterned biologically active materials.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?
I grew up at my grandparents place, very close to nature. Wandering around orchards and watching National Geographic were my favorite pastimes as a kid. But serious interest in biology was sparked during my freshman year at college, thanks to the incredible teachers who introduced me to the world of animal behavior, ecology, and evolution.
What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?
I am grateful for being surrounded by people who are not only passionate about science but also warm and accommodating. I think the environment is one thing which makes our biology department standout.
What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned working here and/or studying biology?
It is impossible to know everything and is very human to make mistakes. The thing that matters most is the willingness to learn with an open mind. I am also realizing the value of communication and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. I am not there yet but I am making steady progress.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
I spend a lot of time reading books and watching foreign films across many genres. I am also an avid hiker, amateur photographer, and aficionado of languages, cultures, and art history.