Keertana Tallapragada

I am interested in the ecology and evolution of host-microbe interactions and symbioses. I'm currently studying symbioses among pea aphids and their microbial partners in the Parker Lab, investigating how genetic variation impacts host beneficial outcomes. 

I trained as a microbiologist with interests in genetics and evolution. 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.