Yana Al-Hebri, BSc
PhD researcher
Yana got her undergraduate degree from Nagoya University in Japan where she worked on the relationship between the gut and brain under the mentorship of Prof. Kentaro Noma. Her project explored how C. elegans' thermosensory behaviour was affected by their diet as they aged. Her hobbies include walking around, working out, and playing Pokemon.
MALVIKA SHARMA, MSc
Research Assistant
The latest member of the Chaudhury Lab, who joined as a Research Assistant, Malvika some times wears the hat of the Lab’s Manager as well. With a knack for understanding mouse behavior, Malvika excels in creating engaging experiments to assess neurological functions. Backed by an MS in Neuroscience from Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus), and Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from India, Malvika brings with her a diverse skill set. Whether performing in vivo surgeries or managing lab logistics, she ensures smooth coordination of lab projects, making her a key contributor to the team. Malvika’s master’s project focused on studying the plausible involvement of neuroinflammatory factors with regards to enhancement of pathological reward seeking behavior in mice exposed to Mitragynine compound. At the Chaudhury Lab, Malvika’s work is primarily focused on understanding the neural dynamics regulating the quality of life in particular, sleep and behavior in animals exposed to early life stress. Outside of lab, you will find her in her kitchen learning and trying on new recipes, or exploring a new city on holidays. She loves everything related to interior design and listening to podcasts to widen her knowledge.
