Mali Raman
Home Town: Chennai, India
Prior Degrees:
- B Pharm, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani India
- MS, Biology, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
- PhD, Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Programs:
What’s the ultimate goal of your research?
The ubiquitin proteasome system and autophagy are the primary cellular systems that regulate protein triage and are therefore essential for the maintenance of a balanced proteome. Defects in these pathways are associated with a wide array of human disorders ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration. Our group is interested in understanding at the molecular level how these pathways identify proteins for elimination and the consequence of perturbing these systems.
What excites you about your research?
I am a puzzle-solver at heart. I approach our research as a jig-saw puzzle that needs to be assembled and enjoy playing with pieces of data to figure out how it can be come together to form the whole picture. I get very excited when results ‘click’ together, and a picture emerges. It’s possible that we may not solve the big picture, but it’s very gratifying to contribute towards it in some meaningful way.
What do you like best about GSBS students?
I have been consistently impressed at how GSBS students are enthusiastic, hard-working and collegial.
What qualities distinguish GSBS from other graduate schools?
I think the smaller student body fosters a great collaborative spirit. I also appreciate that students are encouraged to explore a wide variety of career options.
What do you do to relax?
I enjoy gardening, yoga and chasing my kids are great de-stressors.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
There are so many good options! But I always turn to Oleana in Cambridge and Ten Tables in JP for special occasions.