Phd scholars

Current PhD Scholars

Katta Abhishek Goud (he/him)

Indian Institute of Science (2025-)

I graduated with a BSc in Biotechnology, Zoology and Chemistry from the Osmania University and an MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Hyderabad. I have an insatiable curiosity for evolutionary biology and ecology, which was ignited during my BSc after reading the book ‘Survival Strategies’.
For my PhD, I am studying the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the symbiotic association between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), wherein plants provide carbon to fungi in exchange for phosphorus, nitrogen and water. I am particularly interested in investigating whether different consumer groups, by exerting varying levels of herbivory, alter the amount of carbon plants allocate to fungi and thus the strength of plant-AMF associations. I will also compare these associations between agriculturally managed and unmanaged sites to test whether and how management practices like addition of nutrients and water and soil tillage affect these interactions.

Email: abhishekgoud@iisc.ac.in

Ananya Kalathera (she/her)

Indian Institute of Science (2025-)

Back in 5th grade, when the teacher asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, I randomly said, “I want to be a scientist and fly around the scientific world like a butterfly.” At that time, it was mostly for attention, but years later, I ended up in a place where the research is all about plants and butterfly interactions. With a background in plant science from my bachelor’s and master’s, I have grown curious about how plants sense attacks in nature and respond to them – since unlike animals, they can’t just run away. Hoping the next few years help me explore that even more. Outside research, I had say I’m a pretty good cook and a movie lover.

Email: kananya@iisc.ac.in

Aathira Pratap (she/her)

Indian Institute of Science (2025-)

Science has always intrigued me, understanding and deciphering the mysteries of nature is my passion. I have done my bachelor’s in zoology and microbiology and completed my masters in microbiology. I am interested in finding out associations of insects with microbes and how these associations benefit them.
I am a student of life and trying to refine myself. I love to network with people and communicate about the wondrous world of science!

Email: aathirap@iisc.ac.in

Shreya Gangwal (she/her)

Indian Institute of Science (2023-)

I am interested in studying species interactions and how these interactions are shaped over time and space. I will be working on host-parasitoid interactions in butterflies and their population dynamics for my PhD. During my MS thesis, I studied how adaptation to larval crowding affected locomotory behaviour in D. melanogaster adults. I am excited about working with Prof. Saskya and learning new things in the Population and Community Ecology Lab. Besides research, I am interested in reading, dancing and bird watching.
Email: gshreya@iisc.ac.in

Anaswar P (he/him)

Indian Institute of Science (2023-)

For me there is nothing more captivating than insects. I have always been curious about their ecology and behavior. My passion for insects has evolved from a childhood hobby of collecting them to an ambition of becoming an entomologist. Choosing Zoology for higher education helped me learn more about ecology and animal behaviour. Currently I have joined Prof. Saskya’s lab to delve into the complex world of Parasitoids and their interactions with host insects. My focus lies in the insect community ecology associated with Rutaceae plants, examining the impact of human activities on their community structure and dynamics. Beyond my scientific pursuits, I express my creativity as a shutterbug, an artist and indulge my passion for cinema as a movie enthusiast.
Email: anaswarp@iisc.ac.in

Sonali (she/her)

Indian Institute of Science (2022-)

Coming from a small town, Deoria, to this premier institute, the journey is full of excitement and uncertainties. I completed my Bachelor’s from BRD PG College Deoria where I developed an interest in plants. With the thought of exploring more in this field, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Botany from Banaras Hindu University. There I realized that I would like to continue exploring ecology more than molecular biology. And hence, I landed in the Ecology department. My research focuses on the Population and Community ecology (PoCoEco) of plants under the influence of grazers in an arid region of Karnataka dominated by tropical savannah vegetation. I am estimating the change in plant species composition and plant traits in grazed and long-term ungrazed sites in standing vegetation and soil seed bank. It’s exciting to notice the contrasting behaviour of the same species in two different conditions. Apart from research, I also love to chit-chat with people (which, most of the time, I will be seen doing) and listen to old Bollywood songs.
Email: sonali2022@iisc.ac.in

Past PhD scholars

Dr. CAMILA BERALDO

PhD, University of Helsinki (2020-2025)

“Communities ecological interactions and environmental drivers of microbiota in insect communities” Check out her dissertation here. Camila is now a postdoc at the University of Kansas

DR. CHRISTELLE COUCHOUX

PhD, University of Helsinki (2009-13)

Intraspecific competition in the foraging behaviour of the parasitoid Hyposoter horticola PhD thesis, University of Helsinki

DR. KATIE MONTOVAN

PhD, Cornell University, Center for applied Math (2008-13)

Dissertation is titled Cooperative behavior in bees, wasps, and burglars. Now a faculty member in Math at Bennington College, USA

DR. JOANNEKE REUDLER TALSM

Phd, Nertherlands Institute of Ecology (2003-2007) (student of A. Biere & J. Harvey).

Costs and benefits of iridoids glycosides in multitrophic systems

Google Scholar page

DR. MAARIA KANKARE

University of Helsinki (1999-2004) (primary advisor I. Hanski)

Phylogeny and host associations of Cotesia parasitoids attacking checkerspot butterflies. University of Helsinki. Maaria is a PI at Jyväskylä University

Google Scholar page