Gauravya Mohan

Indian Institute of Science, M.Sc. Life Sciences (August 2024-)

I pursued my bachelor’s in Biological Science at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi. Growing up in Delhi, a place thought to be bereft of wildlife, was essential in my interest in ecology. It forced me to scrutinize my surroundings deeply for organisms, if only to look at the smallest plants growing in cracks in the asphalt. I worked in a project with the Wildlife Trust of India  for anuran ecology and conservation at Delhi NCR, to mitigate roadkill and create awareness. Additionally, I worked on anuran behaviour and bioacoustics. I also briefly interned at the Wildlife Institute of India, working in tree identification and phenology, to develop a field identification guide. This allowed me to further explore my interests in ecology as well as build my skills in graphic design. Though I have worked with higher plants and animals in the past, I harbor a deep interest in the ecology of ferns, bryophytes and invertebrates. At the PoCo Eco lab, I wish to gain a deeper understanding of species interactions and community ecology, and expand my interests. I am certain I will be able to achieve that under the guidance of Prof. Saskya and my supportive lab mates. Besides my scientific interests, I spend my time browsing classic literature. Some of my favourite storytellers include Munshi Premchand and Saki.