Biswa
I grew up in India, where I earned my Master’s degree in Zoology from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and my Ph.D. from the National Brain Research Centre. My doctoral research focused on the role of protein tyrosine O-sulfation in synaptic plasticity, specifically long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices, as well as its contribution to long-term spatial memory using rat models.
I subsequently moved to the United States for my postdoctoral training with Ioana Carcea at Rutgers University, where I investigated the neural mechanisms underlying social thermoregulation in mice. My research interests lie in understanding the interplay between stress, physical exercise, and metabolism, and their relevance to neuropsychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also enthusiastic about the beneficial effects of yoga and meditation on human health.
Interests/Hobbies: Yoga, tennis, cricket, biking, and hiking
Sanutha Shetty
I am a Neuroscience PhD candidate in the Karki-Rajbhandari lab studying how neural circuits coordinate stress responses and autonomic regulation. My work focuses on brain-cardio-respiratory networks and their impact on behavior, physiology, and metabolism. Outside of the lab, I love hiking and spending time outdoors, enjoying nature, exploring new trails, and visiting national parks.
Pamela Toh
Pamela graduated from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa with dual BS degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology, and minors in Mathematics and Microbiology. They joined ISMMS in 2023 as part of the MSBS program and have remained with the Karki-Rajbhandari Lab ever since. Currently a Neuroscience PhD student, Pamela studies the role of PAC1 receptor expressing neurons in the locus coeruleus in integrating stress and diet, and how this impacts metabolism. Outside the lab, Pamela enjoys yoga, board games, and storytelling.
Gabriella
Gabriella is a PhD candidate in the neuroscience program fascinated by the cellular and physiological interplay between the brain and the body. Her project focuses on how the brain interprets chronic stress to regulate metabolism. She received her undergraduate degree from USC and spent three years as a technician at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of the lab, she is learning how to paint with the supervision (and sometimes interference) of her two cats, and loves the outdoors!
Sylvia
Sylvia is a senior at the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at City College. Her favorite subjects are Chemistry and Calculus. In her spare time she likes to play music, dance, read, and teach English to immigrants. She lives in Brooklyn, where she takes care of two cats and two chickens. In the lab, she likes to extract brains and work on the cryostat. She’s excited to learn more about neural pathways and begin her research journey!
Contact Us
Abha Karki Rajbhandari
Principal Investigator
abha.rajbhandari@mssm.edu