Principal Investigator
Meghna Krishnadas
I investigate the mechanisms that maintain diversity in ecosystems. My transition to ecology began with the realization that biodiversity was being lost at alarming rates. I went from activist to scientist because I felt that knowledge was essential to action, but I was also increasingly driven by intellectual curiosity about the complexity of life around us. Read more here.
PhD students
Rishiddh
In my view, insects are the most underappreciated creatures. I study how insects eat plants and maintain plant diversity in the forests of the Western Ghats. They do not just eat plants mindlessly! In fact, they choose plants based on their characteristics, such as the chemicals they harbour, and their neighbourhoods. Insects eat more when most plants in the neighbourhood are of the same species or have similar chemicals. Thereby keeping the densities of similar plants low in any neighbourhood. I enjoy climbing mountains but I get distracted by insects along the way.
Shubham
My curiosity about the diverse life forms around us brings me here to the community ecology lab. I'm studying how plant roots mediate various below-ground processes that shape plant diversity. Whether exploring how root exudates shape plant communities or delving into the interactions between plants and mycorrhizal fungus, I'm looking at how all these processes make the ecosystem work. I am also fascinated by the mushrooms and fungi in the wild.
Sumashini
I've always thought of fungi as a mythical kingdom, a way of life so different from a plant or an animal one, the ways familiar to us. Yet, it is fascinating that the lives of plants and fungi could be so intertwined. I study seed-fungal interactions and how they help maintain tree diversity in tropical ecosystems. The prospect of seeing something new during every walk in the forest excites me, as does watching birds in the backyard. I'm always trying to catch up on my longlists - piled up books and playlists, amidst the daily vagaries of doing science.
Vinayak
Out of my various interests such as ecology, philosophy, neuroscience etc, I chose to focus on ecology. What connects all these subjects are complex and interesting patterns which also abound in ecology. While not doing something with the soil, I can be found reading or cooking something.
Lakshmipriya
Co-advisee at University of Bayreuth, Germany
Project Assistants
Rochita
I am driven by my passion and experience in studying a diverse range of large mammals to seed-fungal interaction. Currently, I am working towards understanding the Impact of drought on forest saplings. In my free time, I find joy in exploring new places, bird watching, and hiking in the forest.
Subin K
Obtained a PhD from Kerala Forest Research Institute in the conservation biology of two endemic tree species of the Western Ghats. My research interests lie in community ecology, particularly in understanding the impact of abiotic factors on plant traits. I also enjoy outdoor games and weightlifting.
Student Assistants
Athulya
With a background in botany and passion for conservation of Nature and natural resources, I am driven to unravel the intricacies of ecological processes in tropical forest ecosystems. I enjoy art and craft, inspiration for which I derive from my work and surroundings.
I enjoy spending time in nature and identifying plant species in my free time.
Rashmi
My passion for being close to nature and observing its functions all around drove me to the field of Ecology. I usually look for cool frogs, plants, birds, insects, fungi, or any fascinating being in the wilderness. I am currently a part of a project that monitors seedling community dynamics in a disturbed forest. When I am not working, I am probably obsessing over a crime documentary.
Gauranshi
A keen student of biology and an avid reader with a great passion for art. I did my master’s work on the association of fungal endophytes with ficus seeds. How different entities interact in nature fascinates me. One might come across verses of poetry in my academic papers. I enjoy making art after a long day of trekking.
Master’s trainees
Gayathri
I am a 5th year integrated master's student majoring in Biological Sciences from IISER Berhampur. Looking at the insane diversity of forms and functions gives me the kick. I am currently studying Plant- Insect Herbivore Interactions. Apart from that I love being a movie snob, reading theory that I can't place and you can find me being easily distracted by anything and everything.
Dissertation Students
Vanga Lavanya
Soumalya Ghorui
Shreya Riswadkar
Madhumita S
K S Arpitha
Aayush Gupta
Radhika Rajendra
Postdoctoral Fellows
Snehalatha Vadigi
DST INSPIRE Faculty Fellow, currently Independent Consultant Scientist
Mustaqeem Ahmad
National Postdoctoral Fellow, Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Kunming University
Souparna Chakrabarty
Currently Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
Lab Alumni
Vikhyath Premugh
Masters student at University College London
Devi Tejaswini
PhD Student at The University of Montana, USA
Rahul Dhalgarkar
Research fellow at Tata Memorial Centre's Advanced Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer (TMC:ACTREC), Mumbai
Swathi R
Senior Assistant in the NCF Western Ghats Program
Leela Prasad
Manager at Community and Biodiversity
Malavika Kamath
MSc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at NCBS, Bangalore
Ashish Nambiar
PhD student at University of Indiana, USA
Bandaru Peddiraju
Project JRF at NCBS, Bangalore
Lakshmipriya Jayaraj Cannanbilla
PhD Student at University of Bayreuth, Germany