Keertana Tallapragada

I am interested in the origins, establishment, and maintenance of host-microbe symbioses. I focus on the ecology and evolution of these interactions and I'm always fascinated by the diverse symbiotic associations that have shaped life on earth. I'm currently studying symbioses among pea aphids and their microbial partners in the Parker Lab, investigating how host genetic variation impacts host beneficial outcomes. 

I trained as a microbiologist (still holding a bias/adoration towards microbial life), but during my PhD I grew to admire aphids and other insects. Overall, I consider myself model system-agnostic and get excited about big picture questions. I'm always keen to learn new techniques to unravel questions I'm not yet thinking about. 

I'm interested to pursue curiosity-driven academic research, with an ambition to run my own independent group. I'm actively looking for post-doctoral positions, starting in Fall 2026.