Pranav Prabhu
Graduate Student, Glastad Lab
You work in a laboratory. What are you currently researching?
I am a 2nd year PhD student working in Karl Glastad’s lab. I am currently researching the molecular mechanisms behind the differentiation and maintenance of caste in ants, using the very charismatic Indian jumping ant as a model system. My main research project focuses on understanding the functions of certain developmental genes that appear to have been co-opted and differentially regulated in adult ants.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?
I have always loved nature and going down the complex and strange rabbit-holes one can fall into when looking up some tiny, innocuous creature that lives unnoticed right beside us. During my undergrad, I worked in a lab studying cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, Hydra etc.). This consolidated my interest in researching weird and understudied organisms to find out their secrets, and so I’ve ended up here studying ants!
What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned working here and/or studying biology?
The more I look into and study something I previously thought was boring, the more intricacy and weirdness and unanswered questions I find. I’ve learned to be more open to exploring ideas and areas I had never considered before.
How do you think our biology department stands out in comparison to other universities?
I like that graduate students are involved in many departmental activities that are typically more restricted, such as getting the opportunity to sit in on chalk talks, which is very useful for career development.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
Outside the lab, you will probably find me randomly crouched over, hunting cool insects to photograph. I love going to nearby parks and documenting the local arthropod biodiversity. I also enjoy reading weird and strange science fiction and fantasy novels, and fiddling around with Rubik’s cubes.