Ashoka Reflections - June 2024
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Ashoka Reflections | Page 06
Prof. Imroze Khan’s research in Evolutionary Immunology instantly resonated with Basabi’s interest. Her
eagerness to understand various facets of immune system evolution led her to choose Ashoka University for
her Ph.D. As one of the pioneering students in the Department of Biology, Basabi encountered unique and
sometimes challenging experiences during the initial months of her Ph.D. She played a key role in setting up a
new laboratory space, an initially overwhelming task that proved immensely valuable for her. This opportunity
allowed her to grasp the intricate details associated with establishing a new lab from scratch, from equipment
set-up to ensuring safety standards. This experience not only enhanced her practical laboratory skills but also
deepened her appreciation for the logistics involved in creating a research environment.
The immune responses of our body against harmful diseases can cause unintended damage to the healthy
tissues and cause mutations in the DNA sequence. Basabi’s research focused on studying the
transgenerational inheritance of genetic errors. She worked with a species of beetle, Tribolium castaneum,
infecting them to observe how mutations induced by infection could be passed down to future generations.
This work showed how infection in parents can lead to a progressive decline in progeny fitness over
generations
She then delved deep to understand whether evolution could offer a solution to mitigate these harmful
effects. Further experiments with Tribolium lines subjected to intense pathogen exposures over multiple
generations helped answer this question. Astonishingly, she found that the evolved lines exhibited a
significant reduction in mutation transmission to subsequent generations and continued to produce healthy
offspring despite facing infections. This suggested a rapid evolution of germline repair mechanisms to
counteract the infection. Thus, her study revealed the transmission of mutations could have an unrecognised
cost of immunity. It also demonstrates the ability of organisms to adapt to adverse conditions.
She recalls her research journey as a Ph.D. scholar at Ashoka University to be immensely fulfilling. The
university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has played an instrumental role in shaping her academic
journey. The faculty and peers at Ashoka helped cultivate a supportive research environment with a strong
emphasis on open communication and collaboration. During Basabi’s time at Ashoka, she had the opportunity
to attend various seminars, workshops, and conferences held on campus, which greatly expanded her
perspective on different areas of interdisciplinary sciences.
Additionally, the Research and Development Office at Ashoka University empowers Ph.D. scholars to
participate in conferences and workshops at both national and international levels. This support enables
Basabi and her peers to connect with leading researchers in their respective fields.
Currently engaged in post-doctoral research at the University of Montana, Basabi's doctoral experience has
equipped her to explore new projects and deepen her understanding of Evolutionary Biology. With a passion
for both research and teaching, she aspires to pursue a career in academia. Ashoka University extends
heartfelt congratulations to Basabi Bagchi and wishes her continued success as she embarks on this exciting
new chapter.
Written by Kangna Verma (Intern, Academic Communications, RDO)
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