I am a fledgling graduate student in the lab. Equality of fitnesses of alternative reproductive tactics has been a contentious topic in literature. I am interested in evaluating the mating success of alternative reproductive traits using the tree cricket, Oecanthus henryi, as a model system. Males of O.henryi show flexible tactics such calling, baffling and remaining silent. My aim is to quantify the relative fitnesses of these tactics and test whether these tactics are under frequency and density dependent selection.

Current designation and affiliation: PhD Student, CES, IISc.

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Research articles

My fascination for nature matured into a craving after two years of masters in wildlife science. Broadly I am interested in animal behaviour, evolution, and conservation. Specifically, social behaviour in group-living animals, predator-prey relationships, and bat bioacoustics. With an open mind assessing different possibilities, I am off to discover a suitable topic for an exciting PhD ahead.

Current designation and affiliation: PhD Student, CES, IISc.

My project largely focuses on understanding one of the most sophisticated evolutionary arms races in nature, between bats and moths. My work encompasses a trait-based approach to understand the functional and sensory demands on moths imposed by the Lesser False Vampire Bat (Megaderma spasma) in Kudremukh National Park. Additionally, this project aims to contribute to the long-pending regional moth faunal database.

Designation: Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellow, CES, IISc

My fascination with nature combined with my wanderlust makes a great cocktail for a field researcher. Broadly I am interested in animal communication using sound and bioacoustics. The evolution of language is something that never ceases to amaze me. Someday I hope I can get to explore that through my work with animals. For my PhD, I am interested in using Passive Acoustic Monitoring techniques to derive biodiversity and habitat quality metrics. In my leisure time I love to write, code, and play games.

Current Designation and Affiliation: PhD Student, CES, IISc

I'm an immigrant from Mathematics learning and exploring topics in Ecology. Currently, I focus on laying the foundation for future work in theoretical and computational bio-acoustics. 

Current Designation : Ph.D. student, CES, IISc

I am in the early stages of my PhD, investigating the phenomenon of alternative reproductive tactics using Oecanthus henryi as a model system. My research will focus on understanding the factors that influence the adoption and success of different reproductive strategies. I will explore how social environment, physical aggression, and resource competition shape these tactics.

Current Designation : Ph.D. student, CES, IISc

I am broadly interested in the adaptation of animals, especially birds to the urban environment. My thesis focuses on the change in foraging strategy employed by Spotted owlet Athene brama. With the advent of Artificial Light At Night (ALAN), in urban areas, I hypothesise that owlet uses their visual sense to detect prey instead of relying on their natural auditory cues.

In my free time I engage myself in an intense session of football or badminton and on weekends I enjoy a frequent trek with birding sessions.

Current Designation : Ph.D. student, CES, IISc

My research journey till now has been a wild ride through various topics, from figuring out how temperature decides the sex of Olive Ridley turtles to seeing what happens when you deprive female Drosophila melanogaster of protein. For my Master’s thesis, I dove into the chaotic world of bat communication, trying to crack the cocktail party problem and figuring out if bats are more inclined to lead or follow their buddies.

Now, as the newest recruit in the lab, I’m all about uncovering the hunting strategies and energetics of Megaderma spasma. And just so you know, I’m pretty proud that it’s been ages since I last touched a pipette—I’m all about working with desktops and cool softwares instead of fiddling with pricey machines.

Current Designation : Project Assistant, CES, IISc, Collaborating with The Bat Lab for Neuro-Ecology, Tel Aviv University

In the early stages of my journey as a naturalist, my fascination with nature has been shaped by diverse and enriching experiences. From exploring plant-herbivore interactions to delving into the intricate world of animal communication, and now expanding my understanding in community ecology, each step has deepened my connection to the natural world. As my master’s dissertation project, I am investigating the masking interference of the Bird community in IISc, considering the effect of migration.

Always been an eager learner of music, balancing my passion for Tabla with research work. Can’t help, I love them both!

Current designation: BS-MS student from IISER Berhampur, pursuing Master’s dissertation project  at CES, IISc