aritra-evolves

About me

I am an aspiring ecologist and evolutionary biologist!

I am always motivated to do interdisciplinary research. Earlier, I have worked on experimental evolutionary paradigm and studied how disease transmission is linked to evolution and chronic malnutrition in fruitflies. Currenly I am a PhD student at the Entomology Department at Texas A&M University and I am mostly interested in ivestigating how gut microbiome shapes insect health. Apart from research, I like to do photography and play musical instruments.

Resume

Summary

Aritra Bhattacharya

I am always open to take up challanges and ready to learn new skills. Phenomena of ecology and evolutionary biology thrills me. I always aspire to be in a space where I can pursue interdisciplinary research.

College Station, TX, USA
ecoevoaritra23@tamu.edu
aritra.bhattacharya@agnet.tamu.edu

Education

PhD in Entomolology

2023 - present

Texas A&M University, College station, Texas, USA

I am interested in diverse aspects of ecology and evolutionary biology, more precisely, the role of gut microbiome in insect health.

Master of Science in Biotechnology

2020 - 2022

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, India

I worked at the Evolutionary Immunology Lab at Ashoka University, Haryana, India for my master's thesis. I did some experiments to check the rate of evolution of resistance against different pathogens in Tribolium beetles.

Bachelor of Science in Zoology

2016 - 2020

Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, West Bengal, India

I worked on the butterfly community in and around our campus during my BSc. I documented the butterfly species existing in that area and observed how their community changes with the vegetation pattern all through the year. I also worked on their association with different invasive and native plants in their habitat.

Professional Experience

Graduate Research Assistant

Summer, 2024 - Present

Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

I am currently working on influences of host factors for the transmission of Zika virus. My primary role includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, maintaining mosquito populations at the lab, training the undergrads and maintaining other resources.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Fall, 2023 - Spring, 2024

Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

Teaching BIOL 111 (introductory biology) lab course.
Grading student assignments.
Holding office hours to address students' concerns.
Setting up questions for lab exams.
Proctoring exams.

Project Assistant

July, 2022 - March, 2023

Evolutionary Immunology Lab, Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana, India

I studied sperm competition abilities of Tribolium beetles and the role of chronic malnutrition in disease transmission in Drosophila as a research assistant after completing my MSc.

Publications

Teaching

Pedagogy - "We learn together, we grow together": I try to follow interactive methods in class, I ask questions while I explain a concept & I expect my students to interact with me. I often give real life examples to students so that they can visualize a concept.

I have taught BIOL 111 (Introductory Biology I) in Fall, 2023 and BIOL 319 (Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I)

My Schedule

My activities are mostly limited to my courseworks, my labworks and teachings. If you think you need to talk to me, feel free to shoot me an email and we can definitely schedule a meeting as per my availability.