Research

I am a master's student from IISc with a specialisation in biology, interested in collective animal behaviour and movement ecology. I am fascinated by the use of combined computational, field-based, and theoretical methods in studying ecological systems.

My current primary research endeavour is with Dr Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin at the University of Konstanz. In this project, I am developing a machine-learning algorithm to make biologically realistic behavioural classifications using data from accelerometers tagged to spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). I am also working on several minor projects with various groups at IISc. In the past, I have studied the impeding effects of vegetation on the movement ecology of herbivores, and summarised in my Bachelor's thesis with Dr Maria Thaker. I have also worked on several projects in ecology with Kavita.

Work at the Kavita Isvaran Lab

I have worked on several questions at different capacities. In 2017, I led a project investigating the collective behaviour of Blackbuck, investigating the dynamics of their fusion-fission groups. This project proposes the use of group size distributions in understanding the dynamics of groups in gregarious species. Since 2018, I have co-developed a project in understanding population dynamics and space use patterns in animals that inhabit a risk-reward-heterogeneous fragmented landscape. Towards this project, which was approached using extensive mathematical modelling, I have mentored an undergraduate student, and we have some interesting findings. Finally, I was also a Teaching Assistant for Quantatitative Ecology, a course offered by Kavita.

More about me

I am extremely interested in reading old classic books and papers in various fields. I like using programming languages in unique and interesting ways – e.g. I have a diary made in LaTeX, wherein the LaTeX code was generated using a python code; I send e-mails using a command-line utility I programmed, and do all other manners of weird stuff. I am also an avid fan of all types of classical music, including but not limited to western, carnatic, and recently islamic. I have made attempts at playing the flute, and drawing whiteboard art, and am passably good at them. I have established and organised several academic and non-academic events, some more successful than others. These include the lecture series Umwelten, the UG Theoretical Biology Circle, and the CES Shut-Up-and-Write circle, among several others.