I am a Neuroscientist. I did my PhD at the University of Sydney on a National Health and Medical Research scholarship (NH&MRC) and my postdoctoral fellowship from the Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm. My research, training and expertise comprises of in vivo and in vitro neurophysiology. Integral to my PhD work, I established the Respiratory Control Laboratory at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. My PhD research involved electrophysiological identification of brainstem neurons that control respiration and vocalization. I undertook my postdoctoral training at Professor Sten Grillner’s laboratory (Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm) in Cellular Neuroscience. My postdoctoral research involved electrophysiological description of inter-segmental glycinergic interneurons, motoneurons and receptor mechanisms that co-ordinate locomotor behaviour in the spinal cord. In April 2007, I was appointed by Professor Gert Holstege as a career Research Fellow at his newly formed Center for Uroneurology, UMCG. At the center, I am establishing the Systems Neurophysiology Laboratory. My present research focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms, specifically an area surrounding the midbrain aqueduct, known as the periaqueductal gray (PAG) that is involved in appropriating survival behaviour. Behaviors studied include micturition, respiration, vocalization and cardiovascular function. Classical and state-or-art electrophysiological and neuroanatomical approaches will be undertaken in order to delineate the precise neuronal circuitry & pathways, neurotransmitters, modulators and receptor-mechanisms involved in survival behavioral control. The innovative approach of the Center for Uroneurology concerns the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) technique for translating fundamental findings to clinical therapeutic application particularly with respect to micturition related diseases.
I am seeking the RUG council position so that I can become a global part of the university life and contribute effectively to its growth in all possible dimensions.
I used to be a member of the postgraduate council at the University of Sydney and at the Karolinska Institutet. I was involved in development of policies not only restricted to research and education but also to recreation, such that the university life becomes inspiring, enjoyable and fun. I strived as a bridge between the academia and management in both universities integral to my council position, working very much for excellence in all aspects of university life. I bring forward rich experiences, if elected to the council at RUG.
I am passionately interested in three major faculties: research, internationalization and student affairs at RUG.
My first aim is to assist in the development of the university as an enjoyable hub for state-of-art research and training. I bring to my credit research experience from outstanding international universities like Sydney and Karolinska. Apart from these two, I continue to maintain research and personal relationships with UCLA, MIT-Harvard and NINDS-NIH. These associations would greatly assist in contributing to research perspectives at the RUG council.
Secondly, in a globalised world, a place of learning should not become isolated, thus, I am interested in internationalization issues that would make RUG a much sought after center for learning in Europe. I am widely travelled (still travelling) in the western world. I am also a visiting faculty at Manipal University and AIIMS in India, the experiences I would use to assist in developing a portal for RUG’s expansion in developing nations.
And finally as far as student affairs are concerned, I am interested in anything from organising mud-walks, to planting a water fountain for the benefit of student community. Students are the foundation pillars of any educational institution and their welfare is my concern. I bring to my credit rich experience in student affairs from Australia and Sweden.
Apart from this, I am also a classical musician (Indian classical) and musicologist. I contribute to Indian classical music journalism in a variety of avenues, through newspaper writings to web-based journalism. I am also involved in promoting Indian classical music globally.
Several ideas and innovations both within the university constitutional framework and yet outside the square need to be incorporated as RUG continues its quest to become a scientific and intellectual beacon. I have it in me a few, and I hope to learn many, as and when they unfold.
RUG is my first home and I wish to contribute to it, as much as it contributes to my development!
