Ananya is majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and minoring in Biomedical Research at UCLA. Her passion is to help develop affordable and efficient therapies through a career in biological research and development. She is a part of Dr. William Lowry’s lab in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology department where she uses stem cell cultures to model and study intellectual and developmental disorders. Her research focus involves investigating the role of MECP2 in DNA damage via its interaction with DNA damage proteins in Rett Syndrome models. She enjoys research and is keen to pursue a PhD after her undergraduate degree to further develop her scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills. Apart from lab, she is involved in various UCLA student organizations and likes to try new cuisines, practice Indian classical dance and music, hike, and play badminton.