The UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) often welcomes international students and researchers to the center to promote international research collaboration. This summer, we are pleased to welcome Rithvikha Nair as a visiting research scholar in the Sasanka Ramanadham, Ph.D., Lab.
Nair is visiting UAB from Shiv Nadar University, in Greater Noida, India. We recently sat down with Nair to learn more about her experience as a visiting scholar and what international research means to her.
Can you tell us how you became a visiting scholar at UAB, in the Comprehensive Diabetes Center?
"I knew about this opportunity through Dr. Anil Challa who used to work at UAB, and some of my seniors who came here as short-term scholars last year. I wanted to pursue research after I joined my university in India. I have always liked working in the field of medical science. I had an interview through which I got the opportunity to interact with the professors at UAB to know the kind of work going on in their labs, and I got to choose a lab according to my interests."
What will you do while you are here at UAB?
"I am working on Type 1 diabetes research while here at UAB. I would love to understand and know more about research through which I can explore my interests and discover my passion."
What kind of research did you do at Shiv Nadar University?
"At Shiv Nadar University, I have mostly been focused on my studies. But, I worked on a small project in my first year on the biogeography of Glyptothorax species with Dr. Neelesh Dahanukar."
What do you enjoy about working in the Ramanadham Lab?
"I enjoy that I am trusted to work on my project independently, and I can utilize the time and resources available to their full potential in a way that can benefit my project and the lab. I also have an opportunity to acquire immense knowledge and understand scientific research in the US."
What do you enjoy about Birmingham, AL?
"I like the serenity in Birmingham. It’s a beautiful city devoid of pollution and surrounded by greenery, which I truly adore."
Are there any similarities between research done in the U.S. versus in India?
"Yes, there are a lot of similarities in research between both countries in terms of scientific methodology and workflow. The ideation and techniques as well as the lab environment are very similar."
Why do you think being a visiting scholar is important?
"I think being a visiting scholar is vital because it broadens our research knowledge and perspectives. This experience encourages innovative thinking and elevates the quality of our work. Additionally, it opens up enhanced opportunities for our future careers."